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Power » Interviews » Shuki Levy |
1. Can you tell all the fans out there, exactly how did the idea of Power Rangers come about and what was your involvement in it?
The show was based on a similar show which was running in Japan for many years. Haim Saban saw the show at a toy convention in NY and brought back with him a cassette of one of the episodes. We first discussed the idea of simply dubbing the show into English. I didn't like that idea, and felt that we should create an original American version of the show. In fact, the very first pilot episode of Power Rangers (which never aired) included some of the Japanese footage of the battles and other action scenes. I wrote, directed, edited, and scored that first pilot. Then, Haim Saban shopped it around in search of a network.
2. After the success of Power Rangers, a lot of "imitations" were made, most of them by Saban Entertainment. Why do you think these shows didn't make it as long as Power Rangers?
Well, imitations never work as well as the original. However, "V. R. Troopers" had a nice run.
3. Some of the biggest shake-ups in the Power Rangers show history have been the cast changes. What was the story on those changes (such as the departures of Austin St. John, Thuy Trang, Walter Jones, David Yost, and the majority of the Turbo cast) and why was a decision made about getting a new cast every season?
The first change in cast took place because we waned to keep the main characters in high school and we felt that the cast was getting too mature to play that age group. Later on, a decision was made to follow up on the tradition of the original Japanese show, in which the cast changes every season.
4. Most fans do not like the idea of Justin, the kid Power Ranger played by Blake Foster, why was he introduced?
I first worked with Blake on a movie called "Rusty -- The Great Rescue" and I liked him a lot. When I heard that he was practicing martial arts and that the Power Rangers was his favorite show, I promised him that I would find a part for him on the show. At that time, we felt that the idea of introducing a young kid to the team could be a fun idea. Although some of the fans didn't like that idea very much, many did.
5. Was there any particular reason why Doug Sloan, Ann Knapp, Jackie Marchand, and Judd Lynn left the show when they did?
To be honest, I don't remember the details for the reason that Jackie and Judd left the show. However, both Doug Sloan and Ann Knapp stayed on to produce the show for Disney in New Zealand.
6. Compared to Haim Saban, how much involvement did you have with the show and what are you most proud of in terms of Power Rangers?
My partnership with Haim Saban lasted many, many years. The reason it lasted that long was because we each did what we loved to do most. I oversaw all the creative aspects of the show, and Haim handled the business side of it. However, we always worked very closely with each other and made most of the decisions together. I am proud of the fact that a show which only Haim Saban and I believed in so much became such a success around the world for so many years.
7. Why exactly was Saban Entertainment sold, there was speculation that the company was in a lot of debt.
Actually, the exact opposite is the truth. The company was extremely successful and that was the reason that Disney wanted to buy the company.
8. What went through your mind when you heard about the move in production from California to New Zealand?
I had no idea why they decided to move the production to New Zealand -- I just wished them all the very best.
9. A lot of fans have a fantasy that Saban will one day buy Power Rangers back from Disney and produce the show, which they feel was of higher quality; do you ever see this happening?
I hate to disappoint you, but...I highly doubt it.
10. Are you at all surprised that the show is going on it's 15th season in February?
To be honest, when Fox Kids Network ordered the first 13 episodes of Power Rangers, I told them that I felt that the show will run for the next ten years. At the time, they didn't take me too seriously, of course. So, no... I'm not very surprised.
11. Is there anything you would like to say to the many fans of Power Rangers around the world?
Apart from thanking everybody for following the show for so many years -- I want to thank everybody for making one of my dreams become a reality.
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