Gene Schwam

This is a letter from Hollywood publicist Gene Schwam to the Landaus, dated 18 January 1974, as they started work on the second episode, A Matter of Life and Death. Schwam notes that "it took quite a lot of to get the first show (Breakaway) completed" (it took 26 days, but should have taken 10). The letter addresses the concern that, after this long over-run, Space 1999 production would "try to make up the extra time". Gene Schwam and Abe Mandell (of ITC New York) seem to be trying to reassure the Landaus of their confidence in the quality of the show.

The people mentioned in this letter were all US-based, mostly in Hollywood, but their companies (Hansom & Schwam, IFA and of course ITC) were all international. Schwam was a publicist, employed by the Landaus to promote their careers (which in this case, meant talking with the different business interests to ensure the production of Space 1999 was successful). IFA was their talent agency, Bellaroma their personal business.

Gene Schwam (Hanson & Schwam): a Hollywood publicist who represented the Landaus plus many other famous names (including Elvis Presley, Judy Garland and Julie Andrews)
Abe Mandell (ITC): Head of ITC, New York, who employed the Andersons to make Space: 1999
Bob Broder (IFA, International Famous Agency): an agent representing the Landaus (and Barry Morse). The Landaus mostly dealt with another agent at IFA, Otis (Dick) Blodget.
Peter Bennett: unknown, perhaps another publicist.
Stanley Bushell (Bellaroma): the Landau's business manager. ITC's contract with the Landaus was actually with Bellaroma Productions Incorporated, run by Bushell

See the next letter from Schwam dated 4th February 1974.

January 18, 1974

Mr. and Mrs. Martin Landau
Flat 31 Maida Ave.
London, W. 2, England

Dear Marty and Barbara:

Hope this letter finds you all well.

I have spoken with Abe Mandell again this week, we speak regularly about your show's progress, and so I am up to date on ITC's side. Abe tells me that it took quite a lot to get the first show completed. If that makes the future ones better, then, from his point of view, it was time and money well spent.

I am in touch with Bob Broder at IFA, Peter Bennett and Stanley Bushell and we are working on the areas of importance you expressed, particularly the need to preserve the creative integrity on the show and not to try to make up the extra time through the loss of production values and quality.

My feeling, after speaking with Abe Mandell, is that we do stand a good chance with the networks who are eager to see the film and that there is no plan to compromise the quality of the show now or in the future.

If it is not convenient for you to write from time to time, please call me collect. It is helpful for me to be kept up to date by you directly. Besides an overseas call now and then does add spice and excitement to an otherwise pretty dull Hollywood these days.

My best wishes and love,

GENE SCHWAM

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