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Dear Cinechicks,
ABC Television in Australia, bless them, have been showing your “NO.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” for about three weeks. I have just watched the episode featuring CCH Pounder. It was one of the most moving, but also enjoyable things I have ever seen on television. I am comparitively ancient (almost 69), so I have seen a lot of TV. I worked in the business as a mere newsreader, among other things, for many years
The other episodes I have seen have been wonderful as well. The two leading ladies in particular, indeed all actors on the show, are absolutely beautifully cast.
There is a hint on your web-site that a lady called Amy Moore is largely responsible for getting the show on air. If so, my most sincere thanks to her – and of course the many other people involved.
I have to admit that the above (CCH Pounder) episode brought me to tears several times. I find I am much more emotional these days – not a bad thing, I think, for an old guy.
Again, my most sincere thanks to you,
David Capewell
PS What does CCH stand for? And what are the two leading ladies up to now? As most people, except me, are apparently too busy these days, I don’t really expect you to answer!
Our Answer to Mr. Capewell:
Dear Mr. Capewell,
Thank you so very much for your kind words. Have you joined the No. 1 Ladies’ Facebook fan club? There is a wonderful woman who answers everybody’s comments – Barbara Albin. I don’t do Facebook myself, but I love that they are sharing their enthusiasms and delights for the show together.
Yes, I am honored to have brought it to life. It wasn’t easy!! It took me about 9 years when I first read the novel, until it was released in the United States by HBO. I always believed that I would accomplish the task, but there were years … right now, Anika Noni Rose (Mma Makutsi) acts in other movies and in the New York theatre. She is an excellent stage actress, and has won the Tony Award very early on for her work. Jill Scott focuses primarily on her music. She released a new album recently that shot to the top of the Billboard charts. She took it on tour around the United States. So they both keep busy.
CCH is FABULOUS. Did you ever see Bagdad Café, the Percy Aldon movie that define a whole generation of independent cinema? It’s a wonderful movie. Anyway … don’t tell anybody … but some how I think her real name is Mary Catherine. But how you get CCH outa that, I’m not sure. She was terrific on set in Botswana. I took her to the orphanages and to some women’s shelters because she wanted to contribute while she was in the country.
Thank you again for your lovely remarks.
With warm regards,
Amy J. Moore
P.S. By the way, I grew up in Adelaide, Australia. But that was many moons ago.
Hi Amy,
Just wanted everyone to know that our fans are watching Series 1 on DVD in South Africa now and they are very happy! Miss Scott will be doing an interview with VH1 on May 8th, I believe it is like “Biography”, I hope she mentions her work on this show. I believe the VH1 show will be on TV sometime in late May.
Warm regards,
Barbara Albin
… and what are they saying … ??
Hi Amy,
Last October I returned from Africa w/ my daughter and two adopted grandsons. During the adoption process I fell in love with Africa. When I returned to America a dear friend told me about the book series The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. She said I’d love them & she was right. I devoured them.
Then, by chance, because of an email from HBOGO, I discovered that HBO had done a series from the same books. I was thrilled! But my expectations were low because the books were so good. I watched the first episode and was immediately addicted.
I LOVED THEM ALL because:
1. They are so creative-starting with the fact that they’re filmed in Botswana. What other show even comes close to that?
2. Each episode has practical, helpful “take-aways” for the viewer. That is so rare in shows anymore. To do it without feeling preachy or pushing an agenda is brilliant. It’s just life. Common-sense living benefitting the good of humanity.
3. The acting is wonderful. I’ve totally fallen in love with each character and I MUST know what happens to them next.
4. The episodes just make me happy. Even though there is some serious drama in them, I feel good after watching them. I love that the main characters are “good” people, people of integrity. They inspire hope for a better world. (I know that sounds cheesy … sorry, haha)
Please bring back this series. I think it can be even more successful with a little more, targeted promotion. This show appeals to the widest possible audience. Much broader, in my opinion, than many other HBO series. I had no idea it existed until I visited the HBOGO site last month. I am telling everyone I know about it. I’ve Twittered and FB’d it. I know all the African adoption groups would love it, to mention just one. And when they, too, get addicted to it, I know that they will be disappointed to realize that there is only one season.
Please continue.
Please pass on my comments to whomever has influence in this area.
Very grateful and very hopeful for the return of The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency,
Gail Hyatt
Gail,
What a lovely comment to get this sunny Tuesday morning.
I love that you’ve listed all the things that you like about the books and the series. I know that I produced the movie/episodes, but I feel good just when I hear the beginning cords of the music !! It makes me smile, and feel a deep warmth that takes me back to Africa and Botswana.
We are trying to do more programs for our fans. It just takes too long !!
Do stay in touch.
With gratitude,
Amy
Dear Gail,
What a wonderful letter. I have been trying for 3 years to get HBO to bring this series back and now with Amy’s help, I am thinking positive. Your words hit home, it is the way “the fans” feel about the series. Very rarely are books adapted into a movie flawlessly. I also want to add congratulations to you, on your two new grandsons who have joined your family.
Regards,
Barbara Soloski Albin
Yes, the grandsons !!
Lucky little boys, indeed.
Dear Amy and Dear #1 LDA Fans,
I went onto twitter and wrote to each of the 4 major stars of the No. 1 LDA, and the lovely Miss Jill Scott re-tweeted my post. I had written to her to let her know that we had 31,104 fans and when I had started answering posts, there were 3,000, and I asked her to come back as Mma Ramotswe”. I replied to her by thanking her for re-tweeting the post with our information to her 256,000+twitter fans. What a nice think for her to do. Maybe not going to South Africa in order to make this new movie has given her the idea that if she played Mma Ramotswe again, she would get a trip from HBO to Africa, sounds like a great idea to me. Thank you to all the fans, Amy Moore for allowing us to have this wonderful space and the great book club on this site and to the always beautiful Jill Scott, just for being herself.
Dear Amy,
If you go to the facebook site today, you will find that it is now colorful and much more user friendly. I have to thank all those people from HBO that helped me. I will leave their names private. Everyone seems quite happy, other than I have had to answer about 25 posts or comments! Here is a question for you, many fans including myself are interested in the artwork from the opening and closing credits, the animated artwork. I did contact the company, do not remember their name anymore and was told that the Weinstein Company has the rights to the artwork. If you are ever in touch with anyone from the Weinstein Company they maybe interested in knowing that many people would love to own prints of the wonderful artwork. Today has been a good day also with a new book being released by Alexander McCall Smith The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection, book #13.
The fans seem happy to be able to communicate with you personally.
Warm Regards, Barbara
Dear Barbara,
FABULOUS about Mr. McCall-Smith’s 13th book … he really is so prolific, and such an entertaining man. I recommend going to hear him read, if anyone out there has the opportunity. It’s so much fun.
I do believe the Weinstein Company controls the merchandising rights to the No. 1 Ladies’ project but don’t have more specifics other than that. From time to time, people have wanted things from the series but nothing, to my knowledge, was ever produced.
Regarding the credits, the original company that did them was called Airside and they were based in the UK. I have heard that Airside has closed, as of March 2012 (after 14 years) and the company’s principles Alex Maclean and Caroline Matthews have opened a new graphic design studio called, Rupert Ray. But there was a woman who worked for Airside who was responsible for the actual design of the titles, and I believe her name is Malika Favre. I was told that she was brilliant – and if the credits are any indication, she certainly was/is!! You can google her, and go to her site to see her other work. She’s French, and living in London, and has a real sense of style (that I yearn to have.) But remember too, there was a team at Airside who had worked on the sequence. Now … there is a website called: Forget the Film, Watch the Credits (I am laughing here because you will HATE this, I know!!, but it’s true.) I’ll let you find that link yourself.
There is a wonderful woman at the Weinstein Company who has been a real advocate in getting the new series up and running. I will let her know (as I often do, and did when Facebook surpassed 32,000 fans) of everybody’s interest. Believe you me, there are a ton of people working diligently behind the scenes to bring our friends from Botswana back to the screen … but these things are sometimes mysterious in the ways they come to fruition.
Thanks again fro your comments and support.
Amy !
Dear Amy,
I see you have been busy answering all the fans. Wonderful. This week facebook required all ‘business’ pages to become ‘timeline’ pages. Anyone who is on facebook will understand this. Unfortunately, HBO did a very poor job, and I am being polite here, on the page for The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. I have written and heard from those in charge and I am hoping for some changes. I decided to see if it was just me, so I went on the site of another series that is no longer on HBO, The Sopranos, that site was done perfectly, adding the upper picture, leaving a place for fans to post new comments, so I am happy it is not just ME. I will continue to work on this. I hope the fans keep posting under the one and only place on the page, at this time. Thanks, Barbara
Barbara and fans,
I don’t use Facebook but I did take a look at the Facebook page because I was so excited that we surpassed 32,000 people … GO FANS … and I too was disappointed in its lack of user-friendliness. You don’t get a good sense of what people are saying. It looks like a puddle, not a wave. Let’s see if we can’t get HBO to improve it. I have a lot of regard for the professionalism and quality of HBO.
With regards,
Amy
Ms. Moore,
Along with many of the others posting here, I too fell in love with the series immediately! Jill Scott and Anika Noni Rose are fantastic in the series as are all of the supporting cast. The idea to shoot the series on location in Botswana was nothing short of brilliant! Beautiful scenery and a welcoming change from a Hollywood sound stage! I so love the series that I could watch the episodes over and over again. However, I would really enjoy seeing another season on HBO! I am excited to see you are working toward this for the fans. God Bless you for being so instrumental in bringing us this incredibly amazing series!
Dear Ms. Patton,
I am speechless. You and your words are very kind.
If truth be told, I watch the episodes over and over again — and could use another season too !! Just the opening music on the first episode makes me happy when I hear those opening cords.
Thank you for writing to us. It means the world to hear from people like you.
With warm regards,
Amy
A little on the early side, but we are up to 31, 843 fans on HBO’s facebook site. We are growing rapidly and I want to thank all the fans that have posted on FB, posted her on the Cinechicks site (hope you join the bookclub on this site) and those of you who have left messages on HBO’s series’ site. I tweeted Miss Jill Scott last week and said somethng about missing Mma Ramotswe, she tweeted me back and said she too missed Mma Ramotswe. Needless to say I was very excited. Again thanks for your HELP!
My family loved this show and we are so sad that it ended but with a cliff hanger as well??? Wow. I’d like to do what I can to try to get it back on the air. I’d like to post something on my facebook page to alert my friends to do the same. Can you tell me what site is best to tell everyone to go to to ask for the return of the show and or the movies that I’ve heard my be done. No. 1 ladies detective agency was the one show we never missed in my house. thanks!
I’d love to hear from everybody – I really do listen and send on comments !! But I also think it’s GREAT that everyone is talking on the Facebook site, and the base is growing daily. Don’t we think there is force in numbers? And yes, there is an HBO site too, and I really adore Alexander McCall-Smith’s site – - he’s so charming and prolific !! Please, please … keep let’s talking. Best regards, Amy
I am so glad to see some action around this wonderful series. Like everyone else, my friends and I are deeply disappointed that there was no second season. I have “friended” the FB page and posted on HBO several times. When this project was in production, I read somewhere that 13 episodes were being shot, so I cherish hopes that there is footage somewhere awaiting post production, if only we could stimulate HBO and BBC. Please advise what would be fans’ best strategy! And thanks a million for the 7 wonderful episodes we have!
Dear Elizabeth,
Believe it or not, I was just at a luncheon yesterday with some lovely ladies from Windsor, Ontario (Canada) and we were talking about the same thing: how disappointed we were that there has been no second season. I told them that we’re working on it, and they got excited. But these things always take so much longer than we’d like. So as they say in TV, stay tuned !! We’re trying.
Thanks for writing.
With warm regards,
Amy
Omg, Please bring back The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency for 2nd Season! I use to drop everything and watch the series. this show grabs my attention. And the Botswanna is so beautiful. such inspiring cast so please bring back tye series.
Michelle,
Stay tuned … we’re trying !!
Best,
Amy
No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is a tremendously wonderful addition to the world of television shows! The scenery, the truly beautiful people of Botswana and the dynamic characters and story are worth putting into a second season. I feel like through this series, I have discovered my African Heart. What can we do as fans to help support the making of another season?
Jody,
Thank you so much for your words. They mean a lot to me, and to those of us who worked on No. 1 Ladies, the first time around. It really does help to hear from all of you. I personally find the comments fascinating – particularly what touches peoples’ hearts. Believe it or not, we do discuss the love of the series by fans often, and feel a real commitment and responsibility toward what we have created and to the material. So keep talkin’ to me !! We are actively working on season two, but film-making is a bit like the army – you hurry up, and wait. Hurry up and wait.
(Maybe we could start a “who’s your favorite character” campaign … adding, of course, why this is the case. Let’s think about that.)
Thanks again.
Amy
Hi, Guess I haven’t been paying close attention, but we are 31,011 fans and again, I have about 10 fans to answer. I just want to thank every fan who has taken the time to join facebook, leave a comment on the HBO series site or written Ms. Moore. Someday maybe! Barbara
I love those Facebook numbers !! Isn’t it fabulous?
I was coming through Canadian customs yesterday afternoon – it was like Spring, so sunny with the chill lifted from the air – and the customs man asked what I had produced. I said, “The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency.” He said, “I’ve heard of it.” I said, “The better answer is that you’ve seen it.”
I managed to get into the country anyway …
Thank you TopMom for keeping us all on track !!
Your welcome and the numbers are moving up!
Hello,
I’m a viewer (and a reader) from France, the show was aired here last summer. I can’t describe you the joy and comfort that it was, to tuned every week to be “in the company of those cheerful ladies”. The show was so well written and played!! These was really an “hommage” as we say here, to this beautiful country 5Botswana) continent (Africca) end author (AMS). I just hope HBO will, at last, bring the 2nd season.
Thank you to all the people involved in this great adventure !!
Dear Frederique,
Thank you so much for your remarks. We do say “hommage” here too … and in fact, I used to take school children in Botswana to our set, and I would use this word with them, saying that the beginning of the first book of Alexander McCall-Smith’s, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, is an hommage to Isak Dineson’s Out of Africa. It starts in a similar “I had a farm in Africa.”
We are very proud of the series, and we hope to make more – but only if we can do them properly. As you can imagine, there was a lot of magic in the way our cast, crew, and friends in Botswana came together to make it happen.
Merci to you !! We love hearing from you.
With warm regards,
Amy
Dear Frederique and all the other fans whose name I recognize from the No. 1 LDA facebook site, I am so happy that you decided to write Ms. Moore on her site. Wonderful things to read on the site and a great way to let her know how much we appreciate her efforts, past and present. We are almost at 31,000 fans on FB, so exciting. We seem to be growing quickly has I answering 10 postings tonight. Merci and Thank You, Barbara
Please forgive my typing errors!
Barbara … 10 responses last night !! That’s amazing.
It must be because we’re re-flighting on HBO, but I get the sense that the series gets stronger and stronger as people see it. It used to be when I was on safari and somebody asked what I was doing, I ALWAYS knew immediately if someone had read the book (this was before we shot the movie and series). The ones who had got excited, and giggly – and wanted to sit next to me at dinner !! (Thank you, Sandy for making me popular for my fifteen minutes.) Now … I can tell if someone knows the series or has seen it by their reaction almost immediately.
Thanks again for your faith in us. And for your typos. Typos are pesky, but also a result of action and communication, or should I write actoin and comicatino ?!?
Amy !
LOL
Love, love, love the books and what you have done to bring them to the screen! Absolutely wonderful!!!!!! Please do more. I want to visit Botswana because of the #1 Ladies Detective Agency. You have spawned real-life spin offs. The cast is beyond amazing!
Dear Amy
I live in Brisbane, Australia. When I was 12, I won a trip for two (I took my wonderful, insightful Mum) to Zimbabwe with a poster project competition through Oxfam International.
Some years later, my Mum introduced me to the Number 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. One by one, we awaited their release, and devoured each book, often finishing reading it within one night. We loved the old-fashioned morals and good sense in Mma Ramotswe, and the heady yet good hearted Mma Makutsi. Mr JLB, to us, epitomised a lovely old fashioned gentleman.
This Christmas just gone, my husband bought me the series made for TV, produced by you. I have cried long streaming tears, again, and laughed out loud many times. Thankyou for bringing these wonderful characters to the screen, and for showing me the Africa I discovered 24 years ago.
I am so looking forward to Series 2, when it comes. I have been on a journey with this series most of my life!
Kate
Dear Kate,
That must have been some poster! Do you still have the image? I would love to put it here, the very inspiration that led you to Zimbabwe, and to the marvelous people of Southern Africa. I do think that there is something very tangible that pulls at our heartstrings with Africa. We say, in Africa, that people get “bitten” by the Continent. And then too, the spirit of the people is often cited as to why the Continent – with its sweeping skies and acacia trees lends itself to love. She, for she must be a she, lets our spirits speak. Lets us be ourselves.
I’m glad that you’re enjoying the series. Even though I produced it, I have to say whenI hear the opening music begin – it makes me instantly happy. I found that out while we were filming the second year, episodes 2-7, and I was with some people on a safari just across the border in Madikwe. I put the CD in my computer so they could see the opening credits, and when the music started, the leg shakers shook, I had a huge smile on my face. It is magical because of what it evokes.
Thanks for letting us know how you feel.
With warm wishes,
Amy
What a lovely note from Kate, I have never been to Africa, but ever since the books and the series, Africa is tugging on my heart.
Hi Kate,
Just wanted to say that I am happy that you took my advice and wrote to Amy. Your story touches my heart. Regards (again), Barbara
I love No.1 Ladies Detective Agency and I am blown away by how closely the films match the book. That happens so seldom. They are exactly what I imagined. Thank you and I look forward to a second season!
Dear Sharon,
I had to laugh – years ago. Alexander McCall-Smith said to me that he knows everything that his characters are thinking, and much of what they would say, but he never really knew what they looked like. I thought the casting was pure genius on Anthony Minghella’s part. I had nothing to do with that, and he had gotten it so completely right. Now it’s hard for me to read the book and not think of our stars.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
With warm regards,
Amy
A small reminder to the fans of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. According to the schedule on the HBO series site http://www.hbo.com/the-no-1-ladies-detective-agency HBO is bring the series back “ON DEMAND” starting February 6, 2012. It will probably run the entire month to honor Black History Month, so if you are one of the few who have not had a chance to see the series, or just want to watch it again, it looks like February 6th will be the day for YOU. It will be exciting to have Jill Scott, Anika Noni Rose, Lucian Msamati, Desmond Dube and the rest the the cast at our finger-tips day and night!
I want to add that the schedule for Series 1 appears to be on demand on HBO from February 6th – February 26th, so that should give everyone plenty of time to see the series again if you don’t own the DVD. I still recommend the DVD because of the wonderful extra material on Disc 3.
It’s an interesting book, not always easy.
Bernice and I have been getting ready for this coming Tuesday.
Thanks for joining us (in advance).
Amy
I can not believe that HBO would not bring this show back so many great books in this series, I think Jill Scott and Anika Noni Rose is doing such an amazing job with the characters and have really bought the books to life. It makes for amazing TV. So much crap on TV these days this was refreshing. If HBO doesn’t pick it up Just find another medium. But way too good a show to stop making. A movie would never do this justice. I love how Jill has diversified herself. Anika has made her Charater so intriging and its so easy to fall in love with her. I got the dvd set for xmas and I did’t want to put it down nor did I want it to end. So please, please revive this project
Dear Veronique,
I have heard that Alexander McCall-Smith is entertaining doing a Broadway show of the No. 1 series. I don’t know the specifications or even if that’s true, but I did have the skinny from a very good source (still, we all remember that game of telephone that we played as kids!)
I will pass your compliments on to both Anika and Jill. They are both excellent actresses.
Thanks for taking the time to tell us how you feel !! I do agree with you.
With warm regards,
Amy
First I’d like to congratulate Barbara Albin for her tireless work in bringing the supporters of the #!LDA (my abbreviation for the series title) together. Thirty thousand is a giant milestone, not just because it is a large number itself but because in fact it represents a much larger number. I know personally that over 20 people have discovered the series through me – I’ve recommended that they read the books, loaned them out, same with the DVD’s of which I have bought 3 sets but when I wanted to watch that magnificent pilot yet again during the holidays (much better than watching a colourized Alister Sim as a holiday treat), I couldn’t find it. I may have to buy yet another copy and lock it up! So Barbara’s 30,000 could well represent 20 times that number or even more. Within those 20 people, family members and relatives, we use the series as reference points ‘She is even more tradionally built than her mother’, ‘What she said was worthy of Grace Makutsi’, ‘He’s more BK than BK’, ‘Never fall for a trumpet player’. The series and its characters involved have become parts of our daily life.
So Amy, I encourage you to keep trying to bring this series back. You had a prediction from the bones that it would be a long trail, but your perserverence and that of Barbara Albin, combined with the spirit of Anthony Minghella and those 600,000 lovers of Mma Ramotswe will bring it off one of these days.
I’d also like to comment on the cinechicks website – it’s full of interesting information and fun to read. Last month I suggested it to a young person trying to get into the movie business as an example of an independant organization worth looking at. My home is only a 2-hour drive from Michigan and Trumbull and one of these days I may take that drive and tell whoever is there in person what a great site it is.
Bob Lowe
London, Ontario, Canada
Mr. Lowe,
Thank you so much. Your good cheer is livening up our lives over here in Detroit where the skies are gray and thick with impending snow. I am about to cross the Ambassador Bridge, and head over to Leamington, Ontario (Point Peele more specifically), a place you may know a little about, as I see you’re from London, ON.
I think the world of our TopMom (Barbara Albin) and love it when I hear from fans of the series. The cast, the crew – everyone involved in this one, has an incredibly special place in their hearts for it. Fingers crossed on visiting our friends again on screen.
Take care & thank you again !!
With warm regards,
Amy
I know Point Pelee well though I haven’t visited since the Monarch butterflies flew left in September. It’s one of my favourite spots to take visitors from abroad – they get to stand on the most southerly point of all Canada, and get to sample some of those Lake Erie yellw perch. Pretty good local wine too.
Best wishes, Bob L.
Don’t you know it !!
Will raise a toast to you tonight, as the waves splash our windows.
Thanks again for your comments.
Dear Amy,
Finally, a week late, the fb site for the #1LDA http://www.facebook.com/#!/no1ladiesdetectiveagency has hit the number of 30,004 fans this morning. When I started posting and answering comments, probably close to 3 (?) years ago there were about 3,000 fans. I have probably answered each and every posting since that time. Fortunately (or un-fortunately) some people just click “like” so there is no need to answer a comment, probably a lucky thing for me. I hope that it is possible for you to let someone at HBO know that the fan base is still building and we are still waiting for Jill Scott, Anika Noni Rose, Lucian Msamati and Desmond Dube to return in the near future for more shows. xo Barbara
Your wish is always my command !!
I will talk the talk, who knows if they’ll walk the walk !!
Will also let Harvey Weinstein know too. He is such a gem.
I missed two episodes on ABC and was so excited when I got the DVDs as my Christmas gift. My husband also bought it for my mother-in-law. I just watched the two episodes I missed and very glad because I missed alot. I’m so jumpy to know that it is continuing. I’m just bit upset that ABC Australia doesn’t advertise their programs nice enough for people to watch. I would not have watched it if my husband wouldn’t have read the book and would have missed out on so much fun.
Dear Ranita,
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it … and that you got caught up with the two you missed. Happy, too, that you have the set. I know that I’ve spent (literally) years with the series, but I always see something different when I watch.
Tell me what’s your favorite thing?
Thanks to you, and your husband.
Amy
I am so glad, so very glad, that you are working on bringing this perfect show back. I just saw the entire series for the first time this weekend on HBOGo. My sister had rented the DVD from the library of episodes 6 and 7, and I was desperate for more, so I came home and watched the whole shebang. The acting is so very sharp in this series that I just want to see more of such excellence. There were definitely Emmy-worthy actors in the series. Jill Scott is so seamless in the lead. However, the character, in the truest sense of the word, who is irreplaceable is Grace, played by Anika Noni Rose. Her character is developed and acted to perfection, and she reminds my family of one of my sisters, so we (including the sister) have had fun with that.
I would like to see a series, not a movie, just FYI.
Dear Veni,
… if I may call you Veni, that is a wonderful name. Is it short for something? I love to hear people’s reaction to the series. T
he whole world of Botswana (though it has modernized over recent years) places a big emphasis on treating people, no matter who they are, with dignity. That said, some of the Survival International people may take issue with my statement, given the poor treatment of the San by recent governmental policy – but politics aside, the people of Botswana, I find to be some of the best-spirited in the world.
I love the story about an old crazy man – years ago – who thought that he was “the King of Botswana.” He would go around, telling this to everyone, and asking that they not mention it because he didn’t want to upset the then first-President of the country, Seretse Khama. Well it seems that this King showed up to the year-end Parliament meetings, and instead of escorting and throwing him out by two arms, they welcomed him and put a placard at the table for him. He sat in the meetings, and everyone was satisfied. Over here, the man would probably be in jail before anyone had time to snap two fingers.
This is a round about way of saying – the characters in the movie/series are so marvelous because of the country, and because of McCall-Smith’s understanding of their heart. Both Jill and Anika had fun with Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi because they were real – and fun – and heart-breaking and both could capture this essence without a lot of showy language, swearing or big (fake) plot lines.
Simple is always the hardest to achieve. And I hope we can continue the magic.
Thank you again for your words.
Amy
Dear Amy,
I am not sure we will make 30,000 fans on the facebook site my New Year’s Day, but we are so very close. As of today we are 29,933 dedicated fans, some who were lucky enough to get the DVD this holiday season. I told them they will enjoy the DVD because of all the extras on the 3rd disc. I want to thank you again for taking the time to answer the fans. I have been answering them on fb for almost 3 years with little to no information, so I am sure the appreciate an answer from one of the series’ producers.
Happy New Year,
Barbara Albin
Barbara,
You have been such a gem and a guiding light to us all – all of us who are in the dark!! It’s difficult to say how these things work, but HBO was not overwhelmed with the success of the series, and of course, we lost both Anthony Minghella and Sydney Pollack, so I understand how they might have been nervous.
But they have been willing to take risks – and there are not a lot of places out there anymore who will put something unique on television. We, the audiences, do not want to be talked down to … and yet, I suppose it is the sheer expense, everyone wants to mitigate against what hasn’t been tried and tested.
So we especially need thinking people like you and our fans to support good television. There is so much heart and soul in the series, and yet, sometimes people are not given the credit for understanding heart, intelligence, and people from a different Continent.
Thank you for leading the way. We’ve got 2 more days … what’s another 67 people !! We will get there.
With warm regards,
and new year wishes,
Amy
From: Ms. Johnnie Morris
Sent: Tue, Dec 27, 2011 11:56 pm
Subject: No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency
I ask that you bring back this family friendly uplifting brillient series. We
are 3 generations that are faithful fans of this show and I know that our story
is, or could be, duplicated by the hundred of thousands with minimal marketing.
Thanks for your consideration and I’m looking forward to hearing good news about
season 2 soon!
Sincerely,
Dr. Johnnie Morris-Tatum
Thank you, Dr. Johnnie Morris-Tatum, I appreciate your words and encouragement. We are working diligently to bring the series back, but it will really depend on whether HBO likes the direction, in large part, that they’ve defined for the future. They have asked that we develop two long-feature films (not one-hour episodes) but long-form movies, like the pilot.
I think one of the reasons that it’s taking longer than everyone wants (!!) is that it’s quite different from what HBO usually does. But I have my fingers crossed that we can bring these iconic characters back to the screen.
What are you a doctor of? And which character is your favorite? Which scene?!
Thanks again for your words.
Amy
Just a suggestion if you want to connect fans of the show directly with the HBO site for the series, the link is http://www.hbo.com/the-no-1-ladies-detective-agency This will allow your fans to leave a comment, it will take them directly to HBO’s site for the series. You will even see a picture of Amy J. Moore – wow. Then your fans can leave their “show your love” comment (this is what HBO calls it) for the show and for the cast! This works out much better than going to a ‘general’ HBO site
Thanks again for taking the time to answer fan’s questions, this is really a wonderful new experience of us.
Gosh, now I have to figure this out … thanks Mom!
Seems the only way for me to leave a message, we are now 30,004 fans as of this morning January 9, 2012. I hope you are able to let HBO know that the fan base is still building without any advertisement. We fans are still waiting for the return of our Ladies and their Men!
if they’ve unceremoniously given you a “last call,” without your knowledge … come on down here.
We love you.
It’s unthinkable that there may not be another season of No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. I first read the books. I’ve never seen a movie/series that was equal to the book I would read about it in quality and impact until I saw The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency’s first season! There absolutely MUST be more seasons of this – it’s a heart-stopper, money-maker, and culture awareness tool. The myriads of fans want MORE – MORE -MORE!!!
Cheryl,
Thank you for your words. If there were a secret ingredient … well … stay tuned to this spot!!
(I’m kidding.) We loved Botswana, and we shot the movie in Botswana. And we tried as much as possible to the let spirit and the goodness of Botswana come out. There was a moment when Anthony Minghella was still alive, and he and I were talking to film-makers in Botswana. The film-makers were saying that nobody cared about their stories. That they had a hard time getting their stories to be seen in the United States. I answered – nervously – Anthony was such a master and I wasn’t sure that he agreed with what I was about to say – that “the more local you become in your work, the more universal the story becomes.” I think it’s because of the honesty and the authenticity that emerges when one deals with the details. In that way, I think we managed to do justice to Alexander McCall-Smith’s books, because we honored the place and we honored the spirit – and we did it with details.
We’re trying for a new season. But that new season has to be as good as the old season.
Simple is the hardest thing to achieve!!
Thanks again for taking the time to write.
It means a lot.
Amy
Hello Amy, I had the pleasure of ‘meeting’ Barbara Albin, thru Facebook, approx 3 years ago. And it was because of No. 1 Ladies. I was a fan of Miss Jill years ago, and lost track of her until this series began. What a joy it has been to re-discover her thru this magnificant series.
I would like to say that I am her No 1 fan, but I always defer to Barbara. Thanks to you and Barbara for your efforts. And as always, I am ‘standing on my toes’ for the return of No 1 Ladies.
Thank you
Standing on your toes … and “hold thumbs” too – that’s what they do in South Africa, though there is a healthy competition between the two southern African countries !!! (Love that you know that expression, but of course you do!!)
Ah, so Robyn … you know our good Topmom … she introduced me to Bernice McFadden, who is a fabulous author. She’s doing our first book reading in January (we haven’t figure it all out) – but the book sounds DIVINE !! Thank you and join us in January.
Dear Amy, As I read your replies on this site, I want to say ‘thank you’. For many of these people have been with me since the start of the facebook site and have never received any reply to their notes or letters. So many fans are dedicated to this series. In this I mean, they have it on their DVR, they may have more than one copy of the DVD, they have read all the books, they have listened to all the American audibles and then have gone ahead and listened to all the audibles from the United Kingdom. The first time I received a note on the fb site from a woman in China, yes China showed this series when they were celebrating the month of the woman, it gave me that sensitive feeling. I have a facebook friend who os 105 should be 106 soon, who has been a fan from the start. There was a family that wrote to me last year that this was the DVD series they decided to take on their summer vacation, and finally there was the mother that said that her teenage son sat down and watched the entire series with her. She thought this was a miracle, and I would have to agree, having had teenage sons at one time. I also remember the day we hit 25,000 fans, the fan was so excited, she was from India. I have to say the Australian fans may be the most excited ( hard to say since I am from the United States and I consider myself the #1 Fan).
So again, thank you for answering the letters, when you get a chance, thank you for finding the books and reading them, and finally thank you for being so strong that you got the series made. The day I found out that a series of shows were being made, my first words, after shouting yahoo!, was who is Jill Scott? Trust me, I now know who Jill Scott is.
Best regards, Barbara Albin
No need to answer this:-)
Barbara,
Of course the thanks are to you, and to the dedicated fans for keeping the fires alive.
It takes so bloody long to do anything in the cinema (big screen or little screen) of note, and it’s sometimes a big miracle to get it right.
But I love hearing from everyone (thank you for kraaling them in) (as in the Botswana word). Isn’t it incredible how international the responses have been. That might suggest that we’ve hit a big-international cord. What do you think makes this story so universal? What cord does it touch, do you think?
I, too, had never heard of Jill Scott so many years ago. She is just a ball of divineness !!
Thanks again,
Amy
I just heard from a FB friend who reminded me it is World Aids Day, I then realized she lived in Africa and it was already December 1st there. I told her it was only 10:30 p.m. in California, November 30th. She then told me in was 8:30 a.m. in Gaborone, Botswana. I was jealous of her location.
Who’s the friend? We probably know her !!
I love this show so much, please keep it coming and do a 2nd seson!!!
Leihza!!
We’re trying !! We’re trying!!
Thank you.
This show is inspiring and educational for me. The storylines showcases the strength of women and educates us about the culture. My friends and I have been holding viewing marathon get together and we just can’t get enough! I am really very glad to hear that you are trying to make the second season happen!!! Thank you!!!!
P.S. Jill Scott is amazing!!!!
Yes ! Yes !!
Send her a note … she was ROBBED at the grammies !!
Yes … women are simply the most amazing creatures on this planet (no argument there …). I wonder why Mma Ramotswe gets under our skin so much? Do you know!? I fell in love on page 234 … (i mention this on the intro of this section, No. 1 Ladies, about reading the book before it was published.) But what do you think it is that we identify with her?
Wondering in Detroit,
A
Thank you so much for taking the heart and soul of the books and capturing them in film. Quite an amazing feat! I so loved reading the stories, and amazingly found that I loved watching them just as well. The casting was brilliant, and the production was spot on. I will have to get this on DVD as it is a treasure to be enjoyed over and over again. With all the sex, drugs, and profanity on television these days, it is a joy to see life served up realistically, but gently with humor and grace. I pray that a second season is truly in the works as we need better alternatives to mindless sitcoms, reality tv and unchecked violence. Thank you so much for what you have brought to the table!
Kelly,
Thank you for your words.
It is a little scary what is “served up as real life” in film and television.
So much of how we evaluate a project here (and we don’t do so many !!) is if it has bearing on how we live – or dream – rather than how we die.
I appreciate your sending your thoughts and good wishes!!
Amy
Hello,
Please try to bring this show back, i can see that there are many people who want it back and i can imagine that you heard this many times, however it is such an inspiring show,and very entertaining and my partner and I learn a lot from it. People love it so please bring it back. We are thrilled to watch more episodes.
Regards,
Sharee
Sharee,
We are !! We are !! We’re working on getting it right.
I know it feels like a big black hole of no-information, which is one of the reason I wanted to start this forum. (The other, of course, was I wanted to meet everybody and I don’t do facebook.)
What have you learned!?
& Thanks for your kind words.
Amy
Hi Amy:
To me, the pilot for #1LDA was some of the best TV I have ever seen. The rest is great too, but Anthony Minghella had a magic touch that shows in the pilot.
Is there anything an individual can do to persudae HBO (who presumably hold the rights) to get off the pot and make those two long-promised films? Other than support my good friend Barbara Albin’s extraordinary efforts, that is. The longer it is put off, the les likely that the original cast (who were so well chosen) can be brought together again.
Best wishes for the success of your other projects – there is a crying need for sensible, non-violent TV and films.
Dear Bob,
Anthony did have the magic touch – and in fact, I am often in awe when I watch the pilot … and I was there with him helping to create it !! It is pretty seamless, a translation from the book that wasn’t always easy, because of how different the Botswana in the books is/was to the Botswana in reality.
I’m a great believer in individual power – that we all have to voice our opinions, this is a responsibility and duty that we have as citizens. I’d say – absolutely do this with HBO – somebody somewhere there on Avenue of the Americas or wherever they are in Los Angeles must be listening and watching – but don’t expect to get a reply. But then, if you know the indomitable Ms. Albin, you already know this.
And don’t worry about the cast. We all love each other and are very much like family. Speaking of, happy birthday Desmond (BK.)
Thanks Bob for your words.
Amy
Hi Amy,
My whole family loved the No1 Ladies Detective Agency. I read the books when I lived in Eat Africa and loved the world they captured –so beautiful and different from the tragic African news stories.
I waited for years for the film and series, just to see this beautiful world brought to life on the screen. The Botswana scenery is so beautiful; the set and the old post office are perfect. In fact everything is wonderful about the film and series: cast; wardrobe; scripts; production and filming.
Please make more, and I sincerely hope that Botswana is the location again. I am sure that you have made an enduring and classic series that has captured a world and its detail as it truly exists. There is a timeless quality to the work.
I would be happy with either films or episodes but please continue the beautiful work,
Kate
Dear Kate,
It’s funny that you talk about the “timeless quality.” I’ve seen the series many times before, particularly the first episode, the pilot directed by Anthony Minghella. Every time I see it, I see something different. I admire something different – or I laugh at a nuance I had forgotten. When I think of classics, and it’s kind of you to say we are one, I think that’s the quality – that you dip in again and again, and see something you hadn’t before !! Each time, the characters or the action effect you differently. I love that.
Botswana is a magical place. And you might have noticed a slightly East African feel to some of the fabrics that are in our wardrobe. That’s because so many different people come to Botswana, so the clothing and the fabrics are from all over Africa, not just the traditional print (which is lovely too.)
I find Africa – and especially the African people – to be full of spirit and heart. We do hear horrible things from the Continent, but those news stories miss the essence and the spirit of good people, leading good lives. There is so much that I’ve learned from Africa (don’t get me started!) and it has influenced my thought-process, beliefs, and life resoundingly. Hopefully this comes across in the work.
Now that said, it takes time to create something with meaning and beauty. The movie (pilot) and episodes took 9 years to come into being, from the time I optioned the material, took it to Anthony Minghella and Harvey Weinstein, to its final release with HBO. Hopefully it won’t take as long for the second series !!
Thanks again for your words.
Amy
Please do another season of this wonderful show. I was going to cut back on my premium channels like HBO, but this show changed my mind. I watched the entire first series twice. I did not realize HBO had this high quality of programing. I’m sick of foul language and violence riddled shows with no content. This show grabbed my attention within a few minutes. Casting was perfect. I has been a long time since I’ve seen this quality of programing. Please Please Please continue the series.
Dear Janice,
Thank you !! We are doing our best to continue – and hopefully we will have more news very soon. I know a lot of people cancelled their HBO subscription when we didn’t immediately come back – talk about loyalty!! – but the fact is, HBO has been a tremendous supporter of the series. I agree with you regarding the foul language and the violence. One of the things we liked to say at Cinechicks (and now Michigan and Trumbull productions) is that we want to create programming (however slowly) that deals with how we live as human beings, not how we die, blow-up, or decay.
I’m pleased to hear from you. Stay in touch!!
Amy
Please, please, please, do a second series or movies or anything, on the No 1 Ladies!
Read the books several times, just about worn out my series 1 disc, and would love to see more of beautiful Botswana.
Kind Regards
Ann – Australia
Ann,
Thank you !! We really are busy working on more No. 1 Ladies, though these things seem to take forever. While you’re waiting, why don’t you join our book group that we’ve started on line? You can access the January selection – it’s Bernie McFadden’s selection – an amazing author in her own right. We’re still trying to figure out how to set up the logistics … so stay tuned, but join us.
Best,
Amy
Dear Mr. Capwell,
CCH Pounder stands for Carol Christine Hilaria, which is a long name, so that may be why she shortened it for her acting careeer. I have to agree with you, The Boy with the African Heart was a touching story, the relationship between all three women was quite emotional.
Sincerely,
Barbara Albin
Barbara,
Leave it to you, very likely our No. 1 fan, to know that C-C-H might not stand for Mary Catherine !!
Thanks for your wisdom.
Yours,
Amy
Dear Cinechicks,
Great to see that you have up-dated your site. For the last 3 years I have been answering the comments and postings on HBO’s facebook site for the series The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. When I started there were around 3,000 fans and I think we will hit 30,000 fans before the end of the year. The fans come from all over the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Canada, China, India, etc. The fans include women and men, all ethnic groups and ages 5 to 105, so we are certainly a diverse group. The one question from every fan is when will Season 2 be here and it is the one answer that I do not have, although I encourage all the fans to leave what HBO calls a “show your love” comment on http://www.hbo.com/the-no-1-ladies-detective-agency. They can leave a message about the series or the cast members on the site also. I also encourage fans to have their friends and family join us on http://www.facebook.com/#!/no1ladiesdetectiveagency, feeling that as we increase the number of fans, we will encourage HBO to make a second season. I do try to answer any questions I can, as to the ones I can’t answer, I let the fans know that hopefully HBO will let us know what is happening in the near future. Hope to hear from you. Best, Barbara
Second Season !! It’s true … we are busy trying to make this happen, in the form of two-long form movies, 90 minutes ish, rather than making more one-hour episodes. This feels a bit like I’ve come full circle. When I first optioned the books, and I sent them to Anthony Minghella, asking him to direct (you can read about this by clicking on No. 1 Ladies on the navigational bar), he and I had looonng debates over the form the screen adaptation should take. I always wanted to make movies. He wanted to make television episodes. I wanted to see the staggering beauty of Botswana splashed across the big screen, but he wanted the audience to be able to check in every week with their favorite characters. In the end, i was satisfied and thought the television angle was wonderful, and HBO was heavenly to work with. ironic, eh? we’re back to movies.