Miracles" TV Fans Unite in Massive Grassroots Campaign to Save Show!

Thousands embark on a massive grassroots campaign to express outrage at premature cancellation of ABC's "Miracles" -- and work to find a new network home for the critically acclaimed show.

HOLLYWOOD, FL. April 7, 2003 -- Following a huge outcry from thousands of TV fans worldwide, Miracles" watchers have set out to save the show and find it a new network home through a massive Save Miracles" grassroots campaign. ABC announced its cancellation of Miracles," a midseason replacement which aired on Monday nights at 10 p.m., on April 4 -- despite surprisingly strong Neilsen ratings, frequent second-place rankings, and a strong, passionate, and dedicated fan base worldwide.

Entertainment writer and publicist Angela Mitchell, a fan of the shows imaginative storylines, brooding atmosphere, and beautiful production values, decided to take action following news of the cancellation, and teamed up for a major PR push with show fans Lara Giesbers and Heather LaFlame, who had already begun a significant campaign to save the show following rumors that the show would be cancelled by ABC before it had even been given a full run -- rumors which, unfortunately, turned out to be true. Harnessing the power of the Internet, and involving the coordination of fans, critics, and media professionals worldwide, Mitchell, Giesbers, and LaFlame hope the campaign will prove the most significant Save the show" push by a viewing audience to date.

'Miracles made an extraordinary impact with viewers -- weve received hundreds of responses in the 48 hours since its cancellation was announced, and there are petitions and fansites already joining us who offer members numbering in the thousands," comments Mitchell. All of this is even more remarkable when you consider that its a show that aired only six episodes.

From Napkins to Newsrooms -- Creative Campaigns for Miracles"
The Save Miracles" organizations goal is to achieve airing of the remaining unaired (and yet fully produced) seven episodes by ABC, and/or to assist the show and its producers in finding a new and more appropriate network home. Lara Giesbers, who has already been interviewed by several national TV critics for her action on behalf of the show, has already assisted in the organization of a full-page ad the group plans to place in Variety to remind the industry and networks of the shows impact, as well as helming a Save Miracles" campaign by loyal viewers worldwide that resulted in the mailings of thousands of napkins to ABC headquarters which simply read God is now here" -- a salute to a pivotal moment in the shows pilot episode.

Heather LaFlame, meanwhile, created T-shirts to protest ABCs treatment of the show, and to show her own dedication to its moody atmosphere and great storylines. Comments LaFlame, I came up with the T-shirts to show our loyalty to the Miracles" creators and their vision of the show, as well as to push our desire to see another network pick it up." LaFlame has already received hundreds of offers for the T-shirts, which read Sodalitas Quaerito Miracula," (which loosely translates to 'Brotherhood Searching for Miracles," and is a play on the shows fictional organization Sodalitas Quaerito, which explores mysterious events worldwide). The proceeds from T-shirt sales will help the grassroots campaign in funding additional major worldwide action on behalf of the show.

Miracles" was launched by ABC on January 27, 2003, and scored surprisingly well with the coveted 18-34 adult audience, often edging out such competition as Crossing Jordan," and achieving ratings in the high 70s (out of 146 shows ranked by Neilsen). However, ABCs cancellation announcement means that the show will not be given the time or opportunity to solidify its audiences, despite an encouraging start, and critical acclaim from national TV critics across the board. The show received glowing reviews nationwide, included such vocal champions as TV Guide critic Matt Roush, and (ironically) was the subject of several positive comments from ABC Entertainment Television Group Chairman Lloyd Braun on the shows strong showings and potential just weeks before the announcement.

Taking a Page from the 'Scapers
The Save Miracles" campaign plans to take a page from the highly visible campaign launched by Farscape fans in late 2002 (following the shows abrupt cancellation by Sci Fi), and which resulted in coverage for the show by TV critics worldwide, as well as additional opportunities for the show to live on through potentially independently financed episodes, films, or other incarnations. In a new approach, however, Miracles" fans arent just talking about how much they love the show -- but are also pledging to actively support the network that picks up the show through active spending and public advertising and sponsorship support.

In addition to the Variety ad, high-profile PR campaign, T-shirts, God is now here" napkin mailings, and petitions already in progress, the groups next steps include a new website, www.MiraclesTV.com, which is expected to launch on or before April 15, 2003.

About Miracles"
Launched by ABC to widespread critical acclaim on January 27, 2003, and airing on Monday nights at 10 p.m., Miracles" tells the story of Paul Callan, a young man who embarks on an astonishing journey of discovery following his investigation of several mysterious occurrences and unexplained 'miracles worldwide. In the midst of Pauls crisis of faith, he encounters a young boy who saves his life (encountering the words God is now here" in his own blood in the process) -- and who hints that something dark" is on the horizon of the world. He then teams up with Alva Keel and his mysterious organization Sodalitas Quaerito to search for answers -- and his journey begins.

Miracles" stars Skeet Ulrich as Paul Callan, Angus Macfadyen as Alva Keel and Marisa Ramirez as Evelyn Santos. The series is produced by Touchstone Television in association with Spyglass Entertainment. Roger Birnbaum, Gary Barber and David Greenwalt are executive producers. Richard Hatem is executive producer and writer.

About Save Miracles"
Save Miracles" is a coalition of television viewers who are passionate about the show Miracles," as well as about the continuation of quality television in general. ABC started the story for us," adds Mitchell. All were asking for is the chance the show deserves. There are seven more hours of television out there which at this point will sit in a vault forever. We just want the chance to let the viewers speak -- and see where the story ends up."

For further information on the Save Miracles" campaign, please contact:

Angela Mitchell
Public Relations and Coordination
Save Miracles
(954) 983-5877
Paramitch@aol.com or SaveMiracles@aol.com

Lara Giesbers
Group Founder
Save Miracles
(336) 320-3006
Lara_Giesbers_1@hotmail.com

Heather LaFlame
Save Miracles T-Shirt Campaign
Save Miracles
miracles_shirts@hotmail.com

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