Firefly

Sci-Fi Series “Firefly” Available through Navy’s Afloat Library Program

Story Number: NNS040331-02

Release Date: 3/31/2004 1:09:00 PM

By Ingrid Mueller, Navy MWR Communications Group

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) — Sailors serving aboard ships worldwide will soon be able to watch the science fiction television series “Firefly” through the Navy’s afloat library program.

Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) recently signed a commercial sponsorship agreement with FireflyFan.net, a fan-based organization for the television series “Firefly,” that will provide 250 DVD box sets of 13 “Firefly” episodes in support of the Navy’s afloat library program.

Three of the episodes have never been seen on television. The series is also the basis for the future motion picture, “Serenity,” scheduled for a 2005 release.

"I’m very lucky to have such generous fans (within Fireflyfan.net) who have always used their community to serve the community at large," said Joss Whedon, “Firefly” creator and chief executive officer of Mutant Enemy, Inc. "Firefly may be nothing more than a diversion, but it may be just what our Sailors and Marines need during down time while serving at sea. I hope the troops enjoy these stories as much as we have."

"The members of FireflyFan are thrilled to do what they can to support Sailors by making this collection of 13 Firefly television episodes part of the Navy’s afloat library program,” added Susie Stoner, project coordinator for FireflyFan. “We also wish to thank Mutant Enemy, Inc. for working closely with us to make these DVDs available to Navy MWR."

The DVD sets, valued at close to $14,000, will be distributed throughout Navy MWR’s afloat library program, benefiting Sailors and Marines serving aboard ships and submarines worldwide.

“Improving the quality of life of Sailors is what Navy MWR is all about,” said Bill Winters, head of the Special Projects and Programs Section for Navy MWR. “We’re extremely thankful to FireflyFan, Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy Inc., for providing several hours of viewing entertainment to the fleet and look forward to working with them in the future.”

Commercial sponsorship is an authorized way for Navy MWR activities to offset the cost of programs and services. Sponsorship is received in the form of in-kind services and financial support in exchange for public recognition, advertising consideration, and/or product promotion at MWR events.