June 29, 1999

Jane,

I wanted to give you an update and some good news on our progress in re-clearing WNET's film version of "The Lathe of Heaven." We are very close to completing a deal for the home video distribution of this film. I can't give you the details because we haven't yet crossed all the t's and dotted all the i's, but I think there's a very strong chance that the film will be out on video in the United States by the end of this year. Among other things, we've come to terms with Ursula LeGuin, who is thrilled that our film adaptation of her book will be available to audiences once again. The film may also be rebroadcast on either PBS or a cable channel in the foreseeable future, though I can't be more specific on that issue at the moment. As I already told many of the individuals who emailed me, I will be in touch again with all the details as soon as we complete the video deal.

I also wanted to thank you for posting my September 1997 letter on your Web page. I have received many dozens of responses from "Lathe" fans who read your open letter and my response on your page. I recently printed out the stack of emails for my colleagues here at WNET to read, and let me tell you, it was a formidable pile. Make no mistake about it: the constant encouragement and intense devotion of you and the other "Lathe" fans are the major reason why this film will soon see the light of day again. On behalf of WNET, I thank you for your help. I also encourage you to update your Web page to include this good news. Believe me, people read your page!

Joe Basile

WNET