Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
The Parody Blueprint
Bruce Kimmel develops a low-budget comedy parodying Alien, casting Leslie Nielsen and reuniting with Cindy Williams. The script integrates lounge-style musical numbers and establishes a farcical tone.
Key Events
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Comedy Parody Concept — Kimmel conceives a low-budget comedy parodying Alien.
Location: Writing Room
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Nielsen Cast as Lead — Leslie Nielsen cast in a comedic role similar to past farces.
Location: Casting Office
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Supporting Cast Joined — Co-stars recruited to join the ensemble cast.
Location: Casting Office
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Kimmel & Williams Reunion — Director reunites with actress from 1976 project.
Location: Production Set
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Lounge Music Planned — Planning lounge-style musical numbers for the film.
Location: Rehearsal Room
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Creature Concept Finalized — Red slimy one-eyed alien monster designed for parody.
Location: Art Department
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Alien Parody Structure — Narrative framework established as a direct parody of Alien.
Location: Writing Room
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Farcical Dialogue Written — Dialogue wrapped around musical numbers with farcical tone.
Location: Writing Room
Stages and Sets
The crew films simple sets while integrating musical performances featuring the alien monster and cast. The director and actress share stage time for duets and solo numbers.
Key Events
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Creature Concept Finalized — Red slimy one-eyed alien monster designed for parody.
Location: Art Department
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Monster Musical Shot — Monster performs lounge-style musical number.
Location: Set Stage
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Solo Musical Scene — Cindy Williams performs a solo musical number.
Location: Set Stage
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Kimmel & Williams Duet — Musical duet performed between director and actress.
Location: Set Stage
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Simple Sets Constructed — Low-budget comedy filmed with simple sets and dialogue.
Location: Studio Lot
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Original Edit Finished — Bruce Kimmel completes the original cut titled The Creature Wasn't Nice.
Location: Editing Room
The Producer's Cut
The original cut screens at previews before producers completely re-edit the film for home video distribution. Creative control shifts from the director to the studio executives.
Key Events
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Original Edit Finished — Bruce Kimmel completes the original cut titled The Creature Wasn't Nice.
Location: Editing Room
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Public Previews Held — Original cut shown at two public preview screenings.
Location: Cinema
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Producers Re-edit Film — Producers completely re-edit the film for home video.
Location: Editing Room
Title Shifts and Revival
The film releases under different titles to leverage Nielsen's fame across VHS and DVD eras. Both versions are eventually preserved and announced for a 2019 restoration.
Key Events
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Spaceship VHS Launch — Released as Spaceship to emphasize Nielsen's comedy brand.
Location: Distribution Center
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Naked Space DVD Launch — Released as Naked Space to highlight Naked Gun connection.
Location: Distribution Center
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Marketing Title Changes — Titles changed to leverage actor franchise recognition.
Location: Office
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Versions Preserved — Both original and re-edited versions preserved.
Location: Archive
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Home Video Return Announced — Announcement that both versions will return to home video under original title.
Location: Press Room