Results matching “turbo boost”

This has been the day that many fans of Knight Rider both feared and hoped for. We knew things were not going well for some time as ratings declined after the Obama special in November, and NBC reduced the episodes of the season from 22 to 17. When the final episode of the season aired in March, many critics who had been negative towards Gary Scott Thompson's initial re-imagining of David Andron's Backdoor Pilot, started to smell the blood in the water. They began to write that Knight Rider was canceled, when in fact NBC had never publicly provided that confirmation.

They still haven't.

So what now? Well, NBC announced some of their fall schedule - but they wont be revealing it all until May 19th, still a few weeks away. Knight Rider is in good company in limbo land, as popular shows like Chuck, Law & Order and My Name is Earl, also do not know their fate. There are several ways that Knight Rider might still ride on.

While many of the shows announced today are for the fall, it is common practice for networks to also announce midseason replacements. Take last year, the show Friday Night Lights, thought by many to be canceled, survived for this year (and now two more) thanks to sponsorship by DirecTV. This is similar to Knight Rider's case, as the show might not have ever made it to a season had it not been for the promotional and financial support of Ford. Will Ford pick up the tab for another year? Yes, the automotive industry in America is in bad shape, but Ford is looking better than all of them. Will Ford save Knight Rider like DirecTV did for FNL...

Knight Rider is a 25 year old show, with millions and millions of fans around the globe. Just now, the show is starting to air regions across the globe. Regions like Germany, that some say single handedly gave Knight Rider the original support it needed and launched David Hasselhoff to singer stardom. If the ratings in these countries do so well that they ask NBC for more shows, it's quite possible it might happen...

Many shows in the past left NBC to thrive. The peacock hasn't been that affectionate to foster it's original programming. Take Seinfield that was nearly canceled several seasons before it finally found it's grove. Baywatch started there too, but thanks to Hasselhoff and financial backers, it moved to syndication and became a pop culture phenomenon. Viper is another that had several years in syndication. While NBC aired the show, Universal (NBCs parent company) owns it, and if NBC decides to pass on the series, Universal might find it still worthy enough to syndicate or move to another channel like Sci-Fi...

But none of this can happen, without you and without me. Our collective voices need to be heard now more than ever. We've been preaching this for sometime, but if you want Knight Rider, if you need it in your life, show it. Tell NBC, Tell Ford, write letters, sign the campaign and tell your friends. Knight Rider doesn't, and probably will never have, the critical support that these types of campaigns succeed with - we need the numbers of support to tip that balance. We can all make a difference, if you want it.

Check out this video that is just pure fun. A YouTube'r has complied almost all of the jumps from the original series (he got capped by YouTube's 10 minute clip length). Sit back and enjoy!

Executive Producer and Showrunner Gary Scott Thompson just posted an article where he continues to answer some "viewer" mail. Below are some of our favorites:

Why is the AI of the KI3T still learning if it is the most advanced car on earth? There are things that Mike can teach Kitt than no computer programmer can.

If KITT is "still learning" after six months, then what has he learned so far?
This one I don't want to spoil here. You'll have to keep watching to find out...

Does Kitt have to be in attack mode to keep bullets and things from penetrating?
No.

Is KITT ever going to drive on 2 wheels?
The writers are working on getting him on two wheels in an episode.

Will KITT eventually smash into things or just continue to avoid them?
Hopefully we'll do a little of both.

Will you explain specifically how Charles Graiman connects to the original series? Flashbacks perhaps?
Upcoming episodes will clarify Graiman's connection to the original series.

Will you ever show a "normal" turbo boost jump that happens in real time?
We're working on it, but I don't have enough cars to wreck yet.

Will there be a mobile lab like the semi in the earlier knight rider?
We're thinking about that.

Be sure to check out the complete article for all of the Q&A. As fans we owe Gary a lot of thanks for answering our questions, and hearing what we have to say - even if his answers aren't as revealing as one would hope. Gotta save something for the show!

A few weeks back when we visited the set of Knight Rider, one of the things we wanted to be sure to do was to meet the people worked on the special effects for each episode. We feel strongly that they have a huge responsibility for that final product you see on the screen - cause without them, KITT would just be another car. Fortunately for us we were given the chance to meet the folks behind the 3D and 2D effects that make up this show.

On two seperate occasions, they have shown us some alternates from the KITT to Attack KITT transformations, but this was our first time to see some of these other effects before anyone else. There are over 400 effects in the premier episode alone.

In a generic office complex across from the sounds stage that houses the KITTCave, you will find the offices for the special effects team. Elan Dassani and Rajeev Dassani, identical twins, run the group in charge of the effects for Knight Rider. Together, back in February, the two worked on the back door pilot episode and built KITTs panel inteface for that movie. Since then they have started to branch their team out as more of the effects (practically all) are done in house. Soon after the series was given a green light, they hired Stephan Fleet who became the 2D lead. They have continuted to grow, and outgrow their current space where now 1-2 dozen employees are working dillegently.

Knight Rider Visual Effects from knight rider online on Vimeo.

In talking about the transformations themselves we asked about the differences with going to series. Stephan told us that "In the backdoor pilot it was much more of a nanobot thing, and now we're going for it's a machine." Rajeev contined "More mechnical, but still kinda sexy." But don't worry the nano effects isn't gone completely. "There is still nano everything. There is something in the third episode where he is hit by bullets we kind of see the skin break apart and reform in a gelatinous way. There is an element of that but we found the mechanical cooler and people seem to respond to it more."

While we are shown that the original KITTs voice modulator has inspired the final design of the Knight 3000 modulator, we asked about the transformations and the visual key of KITTs scanner. "That's a general rule that anything that KITT turns into will always have, the lights we are treating as if it's kind of like eye."

While in the original series alot of the effects, specifically for Turbo Boost, were practical but it's a mix of the real and CG that make Turbo Boost come alive now. "The actual landing is a live shot. We actually drove KITT of a ramp essentially. This is also what we try to do, we mix real with digital and that way it will hopefully look seamless." The mysteries of the Turbo Boost were never really considered 26 years ago, but they are trying hard to bring logic to the jumps. "Given that the show is filled with alot of crazy effects we try as hard as we can to apply logic to situations. OK it says he jumps from a parked position, but lets figure out how that is actually viable."

For the crown jewel of the interior dash, the team had to work specially hard to make the heads up display (or HUD) to be convincing and envelope pushing. "At first we were going to have it on the window but when you think of a car there is the slope of the window and everything would just look dented, so we kind of have it on this imaginary plane behind the rear view mirror and coming down. Stuff can even come out in space, and it's very interactive." It goes without saying that they are always working very hard to continue to push the design forward. "Gary words were that KITT can think a million times faster than any human, so twenty things could be happening at a time from a creative perspective"

All of this is done under the eye of Gary Scott Thompson, the showrunner and executive producer. "Gary actually goes through every shot and tells us the speed that kitt should be going - if the dial is in the shot we make it the correct speed." Everyone is really appreciative of this support. "We've been given carblanch by Gary - his response is always make it cooler, make it cool. We'll do something and he will give us notes. He wants us to push the envelope and concept something out that might be more interesting."

The team understands the importance of there work. "We're not old guys, we're practically kids. They definately are putting a lot of faith in us, and we are definately throwing down to deliver." And it's the scripts that help drive them to push even further. "We will get an episode and litterally our eyes will pop out 'he does what now?'"

Our huge thanks to NBCUniversal Pubicity, Gary Scott Thomspon, Elan Dassani, Rajeev Dassani, Stephan Fleet and everyone working on their teams for allowing us to have this behind the scenes look!

NBC gave us access to these promo clips from tonights episode. In the first one we see Mike trying to work his magic undercover. In the second we see KITT racing for pinks and a good 'ol Turbo Boost which is after the "jump"!

Tonight at 8/7c, for the first time in over twenty years, Knight Rider will return to the primetime airwaves and we couldn't think of a better time to do it. A proper continuation of the Knight Rider legend, it has have non-stop action, humor and the core value of one man and his team making a difference.

Like many of you, I have fond memories of Knight Rider growing up as a child. These memories are of a series of 84 episodes placed on a mantle and glorified by the rose-tinted glasses of nostaliga. It will take alot of effort for the producers of the new series to not only meet but exceed our expectations - and if this first episode is any sign, they're doing great so far.

Last week many of us in the US took advantage of an online preview week and watched from the glow of our computer monitors, the premier episode of Knight Rider. It continues the story that we left off with in February, with characters created then by David Andron, and now injected with adreneline by Gary Scott Thompson. Some characters have left, others have been added. KITT has been given some upgrades; in the pilot we saw that he was able to shift from a Mustang to a couple of other colored Mustangs using his nanotechnology. The tech in the series seems to be nano v2 as KITT can now transform into an F150 pickup truck as well as a badass version of the Attack KITT.

In regards to the story, we pick up in real time from where we left our heroes. Undercover at a gala, Sarah and Mike are looking to get their hands on some information. All is going according to plan until Sarah is captured and needs to be rescued. By three minutes in Mike is racing down hallways and kicking the stuffing out of bad guys, and so begins the pace that will barely slow down for the rest of the hour.

You want Turbo Boost? You got it. Action? There are explosions, fight sequences, chases, rocket launches - all this and more before the opening credits roll at nearly ten minutes in. You want a hero that has is forced to lose his identity in order to help the innocent, you want the legend of Michael Knight to live on - you'll have it.

In a time where the economy is going down and we are living with a never-ending war, it's shows like this that should be welcomed. Movies and television give us a place to escape to. Somewhere were we can just gather with friends, eat some popcorn and strap in. Knight Rider will never be the next Lost or Hereos, and it shouldn't try to be. This is escapism at its best, heart pounding action from beginning to end. Grab some friends and enjoy the ride.

We've had a great time over these last few months covering the road to this premier. There will be more we have to share with you andthe months ahead look to to be as exciting as the previous. So keep checking in here for coverage you can not find anywhere else!

Below are some of these exclusives that we've been able to bring to you. Also check out our Knight Rider section for everything dealing with this series including upcoming episode guides:

Paul Campbell: On-Set Exclusive

A Bunch of KITT: On-Set Exclusive

Sydney Tamiia Poitier: On-Set Exclusive

Yancey Arias: On-Set Exclusive

Objects in the KITTCave: On-Set Exclusive

Bruce Davison: On-Set Exclusive

Actors in the KITTCave: On-Set Exclusive

Conference Call with Gary Scott Thompson, Justin Bruening and Deanna Russo

Exclusive KITT Transformation: Before and After

Exclusive Alternate KITT Transformation

Knight Rider 2008 Comic Con Wrap-up

Justin Bruening on the Attack KITT at San Diego Comic Con

Deanna Russo talks to us at the Attack KITT Reveal

Justin, Deanna and Gary at Attack KITT Reveal - Knight RIder at Comic Con

Gary Scott Thompson Explains Attack KITT

Attack KITT Reveal - Knight RIder at Comic Con

Interview with Bruce Davison - Knight Rider 2008 Panel at San Diego Comic-con

Interview with Gary Scott Thompson - Knight Rider 2008 Panel at San Diego Comic-con

Interview with David Bartis - Knight Rider 2008 Panel at San Diego Comic-con

Interview with Deanna Russo - Knight Rider 2008 Panel at San Diego Comic-con

Interview with Justin Bruening - Knight Rider 2008 Panel at San Diego Comic-con

Knight Rider at Comic Con: In Photos

Exclusive Interview with Gary Scott Thompson

Please stop by our forum and post in our Live Discussion thread!

When Knight Rider news falls through the cracks, our weekly KITT Bytes sweeps them up:

• MJKnight's somewhat weekly YouTube feature Knight Watch posted his 22nd issue and talks about "A recap of the road to the new series that will Premier next week September 24th at 8 PM only on NBC."
• Deanna Russo's official website has been given a slight kick ass makeover. Gone are some of the softer images that greeted you when you first loaded the site - now it's 110% Sarah Graimen badass. [Knight Rider Archive]
• SciFiWire , Interviewed Justin Bruening and Deanna Russo the discussion gets into their martial-arts tranning. Bruening warned about crossing Deanna: "To borrow a phrase, I pity the fool who ever tries to hurt her." [Knight Rider Archive]
• If you have seen the premier episode of Knight Rider, we suggest you check out out forum as there is alot of fun discussions going on such as this photoshop challenge, HUD Discussion, New VOX, Turbo Boost as well as the episode discussion itself.
• Knight Rider 2008 actor Paul Campbell was spotted last week racing the Nautica Malibu Triathalon. Campbell raced as part of a relay to raise money for The Children's Lifesaving Foundation
• NBC announced that they will have a digital compliment to the Knight Rider series this fall which includes: Fans will be able to investigate the back stories of some of their favorite characters in the Knight Industries micro-site. Plus, a new behind-the-scenes production blog featuring the writing staff and Billy's Blog will provide even more insight. Additionally, users will find an all-new KITT game and interactive Attack KITT and KITT cave.
• Stu Phillip's CD is now available on iTunes. Containing 40 DRM tracks from the early episodes of the series, it costs you only $19.99.
• We will be on 168 Hours of TV this afternoon at approx 5:30EST to discuss the rebirth of Knight Rider. Tune and call in!
• It was revealed that the KITT being stolen in Toronto last week was just part of E!'s promotion for the series, details that we've included after the jump. But below you can see KITT being spotted in the Ikea parking lot below.

Two more commercials coming your way via NBC. The one at the top shows the complete Turbo Boost for the first time on network television - pretty crazy that they let that one out, but I guess if it's online everywhere now anyway. The second video lets us know that the only thing that can give an ex army ranger (Mike) more muscle is KITT.

[Watch on first video YouTube]

A couple of new teasers aired during the football game on NBC last night. Above is a 15 second commercial showing a stationary shot of KITT transforming into Attack KITT. Similar but different to the exclusive preview we showed you a couple of weeks back of KITT transforming in the parking lot.

Also, after the jump is a video that shoots a close up scanner, similar in style to the You Can Call Me KITT commercial from almost a month ago. In it, we are told to "Prepare for Turbo Boost"

They really know how to keep us on our toes, don't they? NBC has another commercial for us tonight. This one updates a commercial we saw back before the pilot aired and updates it with new footage and technologies - such as Turbo Boost.

YouTube embed for those that need it - after the jump.

NBC, NASCAR and Yates Racing have teamed up to help promote Knight Rider. This Saturday, as part of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Travis Kvapil will drive the specially painted No. 28 car.

"The stealth look and feel of the car coupled with Travis Kvapil at the helm has us very excited about this race," said John Miller, chief marketing officer at NBC Universal Television Group and president of the NBC Agency. "This event exemplifies the adrenaline and action the 'Knight Rider' series will deliver."

Added Kvapil: "It's every guy's dream to feel like they are an action hero, and I get to have that chance under the lights of Bristol with our No. 28 'Knight Rider' Ford."

[via Hollywood Reporter]

Check out this new commercial, do we get our first sneak peak at a possible Turbo Boost? They talk about definitely talk about Turbo Boost; but you can see KITT maybe finishing some sort of jump. We also noticed some ripples on the car as it's flying by.

[Thanks to KiTT316, KNIGHT10000 and Sue in our forum for tracking this down!]

We thought the Attack KITT revealed at Comic Con on Friday was pretty amazing, and it would seem we weren't alone! Time.com just posted their Best of Comic-Con wrap up post, and KITT came out on top:

Best Vehicle: Attack-mode KITT. Competition was stiff in this category, what with Nite Owl's ship, Bond's Aston Martin and some sort of GI Joe digging device on the floor. But this Mustang on steroids designed for NBC's new Knight Rider boasts Lamborghini doors, a top speed of 377 m.p.h. and, most importantly, turbo-boost. All that vehicular decadence helps us forget about $4/gal. gas.

Be sure to check out who else won here.

Gary Scott Thompson took some time to walk us through the finer details of the Attack KITT, which was revealed yesterday at San Diego Comic Con. Check out what cool things this car can do, and get a sneak peak of what Turbo Boost is going to be like. We really thank him for going this in depth for everyone!

This was filmed exclusively for Knight Rider Online at the San Diego Comic Con 2008!

Read the complete transcript after the jump.

[Interview with Gary at Panel Junket]
[more coverage]