Yesterday I finally completed correcting the proofs of my book.[1] Now we can think about the possible televisual project.
Where this is concerned, I believe I remember that it was Canal plus that, around a year ago, after having us make overtures, capriciously announced that "its schedule" was no longer compatible. Now you tell me that the network has "reconfirmed its decision" to make the film. They forget that they no longer have this freedom to "reconfirm" such a decision, which, finally, will be mine alone.
I am still favorable to the idea that you might realize, in suitable conditions, this broadcast on my art and times. But to see the assured manner in which these people conduct themselves, one would say, in sum, that it is me who would be the plaintiff, attached at all costs to what this broadcast does. This isn't the real situation. The interested parties must at first declare to me the importance that they themselves attach to such a project, and give me sufficiently precise information. If they do not know how to make themselves acceptable to me, the film will not be made with them. In any case, they will no longer have another occasion to talk shit. This would already be one time too many.[2]
Affectionately,[1] Translator's note: "Cette mauvaise reputation."
[2] Translator's note: Guy Debord: Son Art et Son Temps was eventually aired on Canal plus on 9 January 1995.
(Published in Guy Debord Correspondance, Vol 7: Janvier 1988-Novembre 1994 by Librairie Artheme Fayard, 2008. Translated from the French by NOT BORED! June 2009. Footnotes by the publisher, except where noted.)