24 ~ Wednesday. November 1, 1995 - North Shore News The truth and on MAINSTREALi DID not describe the X- Files....until recently, By Shane Gray Contributing Writer If you want to share in this North Shore-based production's monumental success, turn your Friday nights over to the sly FOX Network (or U.TV) and become an X-Files junkie. You will not be alone. The X-Files has finally devel- oped into a full fledged "mega show’, with strong ratings and a cult following. It’s no surprise that trade shows have begun to appear offering merchandise, collectibles and show information similar to those ‘frekkie gatherings. The Internet is jammed with X-Files sites, and lengthy debates rage over the show's main charucters — agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson), .. Viewership extends far and beyond North America to include large portions of Europe and Asia. Japan has adopted Duchovny and ‘Anderson as if Elvis Presley and ' Marilyn Monroe have been reincar- nated, Several magazines in recent months have featured both David and Gillian on their cavers. It’s no surprise the term “sex symbol” is batted around within many of these articles. But there's more substance here than Baywatch, as the thoughtful casting of these two main charac- ters works well and produces an enjoyable on-screen chemistry worth watching between our two locally residing professionals. The show deals with paranormal activity and repressed government files — it has a dark, mysterious undertone and catchy motto: Trust “no one. _. The FBI] agents (Duchovny and Anderson) are always looking for the final piece of confirming evi- dence that. would prove the exis- tence of an alien presence here on Earth, and the never-ending chase leads our heroes to many locations in and around Vancouver within each of the X-Files episodes. Even with the sets in disguise to look different from our familiar land- marks, some locations are still rec- ognizable. The drama and suspense created rric Photo submitted THIS AUTOGRAPHED X-Files promotion photo fetched a nice donation to the Robert Ferguson Society recently from a woman in Engiand. The locally produced television show has grown into a global phenomenon, testimony te viewers ever- increasing skepticism about what our governments tell us. by fiendish props and special effects have also contributed to the ‘spooky’ feel of the show. Makeup and effects creator Toby Lindala’s job is to ensure we want to turn our heads as horrific creatures, monsters. mutations and down right gross things appear out of the woodwork of the show. My visit to his creative “think tank” and shop revealed a number of these interesting props. Toby started working with ooz- ing and other weird household material at a young age — much to the delight of his parents I’m sure. He now employees several highly skilled people through his company Lindala Makeup Effects. He and ‘his staif sculpt and put together the pieces needed for each episode of the X-Files. | am sure these talent- ed craftspeople will be in high demand from their close friends on Halloween this year. if only fora scar, boil or fake pussing flesh wound or two. The detail and drive for perfec- tion Toby exhibits with his X-files creatures and effects are very evi- dent. Much of his time is devoted to his work — holidays have been a luxury only other people could afford. You could see the excite- ment in Toby, and feel the pride he has for his work. Agent Fox Mulder, Agent Dana Scully and Toby Lindala’s creations appear Friday nights at 9 on chan- nels 13 and 35. Gray's column can be found in the Wednesday entertainment sec- tion every three weeks, For celebrity memorabilia, wander by — the Bellevue Cafe in West Vancouver. 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