I'm having trouble hearing and seeing things. Why?

This site is only viewable in Internet Explorer 6.0+ or Netscape 7.1+. AOL and other users might experience some errors. Sorry, but IE works best. When viewing a "new episode," make sure that you "refresh" each page. Although we have "no-cache" on our pages, your computer might not recognize the update to the pages. If that doesn't help, then clear your history. For IE users, that means doing the following: Go to Tools, Go to Internet Options, and then click on Clear History. For Netscape users, the path is: Edit, Preference, History, and then Clear History. This should take care of most, if not all, new-episode viewing problems.

 

Do I have to be an expert on Watchers to appreciate Watchers: RESTORATION?

No. Watchers: RESTORATION can stand on its own. However, we do recommend that you read the original Watchers episode Restoration on which this series is based. It would also be a good idea to read Watchers: RESTORATION's BACKSTORY and the CHARACTER BIOS.

 

What exactly is a "Virtual Series"?

A virtual season is patterned after a television show featuring already established characters and appears only on the Internet. A virtual series usually includes artwork and sometimes sounds that help tell the story. Watchers: RESTORATION is not a "real" television show. We're just a group of crazy Buffy fans that got together to form a spin-off and keep the Buffyverse and the franchise alive.

 

What format of writing does Watchers: RESTORATION use?

We write in prose (story) form, but we may also include script directions such as "fade out" or "cut to" in order to help the readers "see" what's happening. All character dialogue however is written in story form, and some of those character lines that have sound will feature a link that readers can click and hear.

 

There are no character thoughts in the stories. Why not?

Because much like Buffy you couldn't hear inside a character's mind (with the exception of "Earshot," but that WAS the entire point of that episode ). If the "viewers" know what everyone is thinking, it doesn't make for suspenseful storytelling. However, there's nothing that says viewers can't pick up on the dialogue, body language, or mannerisms of the characters. Good rule of thumb is this: if you want to know what a character is thinking, then read each story closely.

 

How long are the stories?

Approximately 2-5 pages for the teaser and 10-20 pages for each act for an average total of about 45 pages per "episode". Episodes loaded with action, though, can be as large as 70+ pages.

 

How many screencaps are in each episode?

At least 3 per act which equals 15, give or take.

 

How many sound bytes are in each episode?

We take various bits of lesser-known character dialogue. Then we either use it as is, or we manipulate it so that two characters speak at the same time. These dialogue bits are included into every script. We have at least 2 sound bytes per episode.

 

Who writes the episodes?

Writers are credited each week in the episode teaser and cover art.

 

How does one "direct" an episode?

CN Winters and DragonWriter17 do the direction of the episodes by advising the writers and editing the material to fit the storyline to the season plans.

 

Where are the episodes which have already aired? I can't find them.

All episodes are listed on the EPISODES page along with an in-depth recap.

 

Watchers airs every week. Why doesn't Watchers: RESTORATION

Watchers: RESTORATION was taken on as a "mini-series" of sorts. Since most of CN's time is taken up with the original Watchers, a small-scale season was chosen to insure adequate time for a quality product. Watchers: RESTORATION airs on the last day of each month from September to May (a nine-episode season).

 

Will Watchers: RESTORATION have more than one season?

We don't know. It depends on many factors: viewer support, monetary issues, staff availability. We'll just have to see.

 

Will the counterparts of prominent Watchers characters retain that prominence? Who are the regular characters?

Yes, most of the important Watchers characters will also be prominent in Watchers: RESTORATION. The main characters are Sebastian Giles, Jocasta Rosenberg, Katherine Allison, Antonia Allister, James Wells, Lex Harris, Livia Hansen, the Willowgram, Horatio Tyrell, and Sean Rayne. Fulfilling smaller roles are the Anyabot, John West, Mira, Veronica Wyndam-Pryce, and Morgan Travers.

 

Will there any appearances on the show by characters (such as Spike) who can live forever?

Possibly. After all, it was implied in "Restoration" that Aurora was actually Dawn Summers herself. Being a mystical key sure takes the edge off all those years, doesn't it?

 

How much crossover will there be between Watchers: RESTORATION and Watchers?

At this point, none. But, if there's a second season...who knows?

 

Can I leave feedback?

Yes, please! This is important. If you enjoy the series, let us know. The reason is that a great deal of time and effort from many people goes into bringing these episodes to you each month, so please send a note of thanks in any of our mediums-our FORUM or our E-GROUP.

 

What if I don't like an episode?

You're also free to complain as well-as long as you are tactful and polite about it. In other words, no flaming. We feel that the best storytelling makes people react-both negatively and positively. Of course, we're shooting for "positively," but you don't have to always love us. You just always need to be respectful if you have a gripe because, like you, we're just fans. We do this for fun and not to pay a mansion mortgage out in Beverly Hills. Remember, leaving hurtful comments just shows a lack of class, so always think twice before you click that "send" button.

 

Who makes Watchers: RESTORATION happen?

Producers, Writers, Directors, Editors, and more. See the staff list below for details.

 

STAFF LIST

• DragonWriter17: Executive Producer/Head Writer/Director

• David Elmer: Writer/Producer

• Susan Carr: Producer/Writer

• CSR: Sound

• Gencie Salter: Writer

• Emily: Graphic Artist

• Isis : Graphic Artist/Writer  

• Sway: Graphic Artist

• Littlelabmouse: Videos

• Lilly: Recaps

• Willowfan: Season One Opening Credits

• Xanwilbuf: Season Two Opening Credits

• Garner Haines: Theme Music 

• CN Winters: Web Master/Poster Artist 

• Chris Cook: Writer of the Original "Restoration" Episode