The Daily Parker

Politics, Weather, Photography, and the Dog

Christensen film deal

Our network of spies intercepted this communiqué Friday morning:


From: Anonymous
To: Michael Braverman
Sent: Thursday, May 04, 2000 4:33 PM
Subject: Hayden

I'm sure you've heard already, but in case you haven't - Hayden got Star Wars!!!!!

Yup, two picture deal as Anakin Skywalker!!!! Merchandising deal,etc. Wahooooo!! And the way George Lucas first became aware of Hayden was by way of the pilot episode of HG, which his agent/manager sent to Lucas to screen....which, of course, you wrote!!!! So there's another huge claim to fame for you!!! Congrats!!

Anyway, I guess the Lucas camp is trying to keep the announcement under wraps until Monday - they want to do a big spread in Time Magazine!! Can you imagine?? We all went out last night to celebrate and needless to say Hayden is thrilled, in shock, etc.


Congratulations, Hayden!

Please note: Neither Hayden Christensen nor Michael Braverman has any affiliation with braverman.org. Neither this site's author nor braverman.org has any affiliation with Higher Ground, Fox Family Channel, Paramount Television, Lion's Gate Films, or Lucasfilm Ltd. The information presented here is for entertainment only, and is not to be considered an endorsement by the companies named for this site, nor by this site for the companies and entertainment products named.

Submitted by reader D.B.

Loder and Lando

Taken at a press conference, 17 January 2000:

Cast photo 17 January 2000

Left to right: Anne Marie Loder ("Sophie"), Joe Lando ("Peter").

Photo Copyright ©2000 Michael Braverman. Used by permission.

Submitted by reader M.B.

Fox Press Release, 31 January 2000

Fox Family Channel Takes on Teen Suicide in Special Episode of "Higher Ground"

Network to Air Special PSA and Help Hotline for Teens

Los Angeles, Jan. 31—Fox Family Channel will air a powerful new episode of the new one-hour drama series "Higher Ground," centered around the growing problem of teen suicide this Friday, February 4 at 9-10 PM ET/PT. The network will end the episode with a specially produced PSA featuring a toll free suicide prevention hotline.

In this thought-provoking hour entitled "Hope Falls," a new student commits suicide, which shakes Hannah's (Deborah Odell) faith in her ability to effectively counsel her teen charges, eventually motivating her to resign. The student's death evokes an unexpected reaction of anger throughout the school, compelling school founder Frank (Jim Byrnes) to take the students on a difficult trek to beautiful Hope Falls, the sight where his own son overdosed 22 years ago. This episode was written by John Mandel, with input from a professionally trained counseling team, who ensured that this difficult subject was treated in a way that will help any troubled teens or families facing this issue.

After this special episode, Fox Family Channel will present a Public Service Announcement with Joe Lando urging teens who need someone to talk to or those who know of someone in trouble to call 1-800-SUICIDE. This phone number will connect callers to the NATIONAL HOPE LINE NETWORK, where 20 local crisis centers nationwide are ready to take the calls.

"This is the type of television that most programmers are too skittish to deal with. What I found to be the greatest strength of the film is that it takes a no-nonsense approach in addressing the impact of suicide on peers," explains Dr. Jay Nagdimon, who is the director of the Suicide Prevention Center of the Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center. "It was very honest and realistic that the other youngsters felt angry at Isaac. This reaction is common and the show allowed an opportunity for that anger to be dealt with."

"The situation depicted in 'Hope Falls' is very realistic," explains Dr. Elaine Leader, the Executive Director of Teen Line, a teen-to-teen telephone helpline affiliated with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. "It is not uncommon for teens to experience moodiness, depression or the feeling of chaos in their lives. These problems are treatable, when recognized early. However, a serious depression may lead to suicide, so adults need to be aware of the warning signs. Also, since young people readily identify with each other, when a young person commits suicide it can trigger other teens. It's important, therefore, that feelings be dealt with and processed as soon as possible to avoid further tragedies."

Two of television's most successful producers, Emmy-Award winning Michael Braverman ("Chicago Hope" and "Life Goes On") and Doug Schwartz (the international smash "Baywatch"), together with Canadian producer Harold Tichenor ("Night Man") and a star of one of the decade's most enduring series, Joe Lando (Sully of "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman"), bring their considerable creative forces to "Higher Ground," a simmering mix of compelling drama, intense relationships and spectacular action as at-risk teens try to put their lives back together.

Set at a wilderness school in the Pacific Northwest, the series tracks the progress of at-risk teens as their teachers and counselors guide their quest to put their lives back on the right course. All the while, they still cope with crushes, parents, heartbreaks and each other. Showcasing picturesque surroundings and intense, involving storylines, "Higher Ground" boasts an array of fresh new faces, including Hayden Christensen (The Virgin Suicides), A.J. Cook, Meghan Ory (The Darklings), Kyle Downes ("Are You Afraid of the Dark?"), Kandyse McClure (The Spiral Staircase) and Jorge Vargas (Excess Baggage). Higher Ground also stars Jim Byrnes ("Wiseguy," "The Highlander") and Anne Marie Loder ("Due South").

Fox Family Channel, which premiered on August 15, 1998 as a revitalized version of The Family Channel, is a division of International Family Entertainment, Inc. The family-targeted basic cable network available in 75.3 million homes nationwide delivers a dynamic mix of original and acquired series, specials and movies for the entire family.

CONTACT: Isabella Ironside of Fox Family Channel, 310-235-5532

Higher Ground cast

Taken at a press conference, 17 January 2000:

Cast photo 17 January 2000

Right to left: Abbie Charette (Fox Family Channel), Anne Marie Loder ("Sophie"), Hayden Christensen ("Scott"), Meghan Ory ("Juliette"), Kandyse McClure ("Katherine"), Michael Braverman (Executive Producer), A.J. Cook ("Shelby"), Kyle Downes ("Ezra"), Jewel Staite ("Daisy"), Jorgito Vargas, Jr. ("Auggie"), Lance Robbins (Fox Family Channel).

Photo ©2000 Michael Braverman. Used by permission.

Submitted by reader M.B.

Higher Ground

This is an archival page.

Higher Ground ended its run in May, 2000; we maintain these pages for their historical interest.

Higher Ground

Keep checking this page for information and goodies from Fox Family Channel's original drama series "Higher Ground."

News

Hayden Skywalker

George Lucas has signed Hayden Christensen to a two-film deal to play Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars episodes 2 and 3. According to sources close to the production, Christensen came to Lucas' attention because of the Higher Ground pilot episode.

Congratulations Hayden!

Fox Tweeldedee

Fox Family Channel pulled Episode 5 less than a day after issuing this press release. Not a good sign.

Photos