The Production Guide
Martin Landau archives
First Call

These are the formal "first call" letters from producer Gerry Anderson to star Martin Landau and Barbara Bain. It was saved in Martin Landau's archive. After the contract (dated 10th August 1973) was signed, the production moved quickly to start filming dates. First call, on Monday 29th October 1973, indicates when the artists should be present (for costume fittings, make up, rehearsals). Filming was scheduled for Monday 26th November 1973 (this was actually when rehearsals began; filming did not actually start until 3 December).

Bellaroma Productions Incorporated was Martin Landau and Barbara Bain's company. The contract was actually with Bellaroma, not individually with the Landaus, although they also had separate copies of the letter. Bellaroma was run by Stanley Bushell, their business manager.

Mr. Martin Landau and
Miss Barbara Bain,
1240 Benedict Canyon Drive,
Beverly Hills,
California,
U.S.A.

22nd August 1973

Dear Martin and Barbara,

Enclosed please find our formal letters confirming dates for first call and commencement of principal photography.

I am sure that you will be pleased to hear that everything is progressing well in London, and we all look forward to your arrival.

We are making every effort to ensure that a Rolls Royce is ready for you and have a driver that we can recommend from every point of view.

I am also enclosing a photostat of a letter that was sent to Sir Lew Grade relating to a house in London that may interest you. If you wish, Sylvia and I will gladly look at it and report. Alternatively, you may prefer to pursue the matter direct.

We will shortly receive the first draft script of Episode One and I will arrange for a copy to be sent to you.

Looking forward to seeing you both soon.

With kindest regards.

Yours sincerely,

Bellaroma Productions Inc.,
1240 Benedict Canyon Drive,
Beverly Hills,
California,
U.S.A.

22nd August 1973

Dear Sirs,

"SPACE 1999"

We refer to the Heads of Agreement between Bellaroma Productions Incorporated, Martin Landau and Barbara Bain of the one part, and Independent Television Corporation of the other part, dated 10th August 1973.

We wish to confirm that the period of first call shall commence on Monday, 29th October 1973 and it therefore follows that Martin Landau and Barbara Bain should be in London and available on that date.

We further wish to confirm that the principal photography will commence on Monday, 26th November 1973.

Yours faithfully

For and on behalf of
Group Three Productions Ltd.