tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75278352022361116862011-08-01T19:41:03.133-07:00The Screen Writers Guild strike, technology, and the future of scripted televisionMichael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.comBlogger931100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-11139457186679808262011-05-30T11:37:00.000-07:002011-05-30T11:37:09.890-07:00

As I noted at the end of last May, all my fears back in 2007 during the Screenwriters Guild strike that the number of scripted TV would seriously decline were wasted. During the Summer TV Season of 2011, I am already recording or will record 46 scripted series shows: “Against the Wall”, “Alphas”, “Army Wives”, “The Big C”, “Breaking Bad”, “Breakout Kings”, “Burn Notice”, “The Closer”, “Combat

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-80453390394814949732010-10-18T23:06:00.000-07:002010-10-18T23:26:18.296-07:00

Henry to Betty: "There is no fresh start. Lives carry on." And that's what happened this year. In this episode titled "Tomorrowland," Weiner and company had Don finally choose between being Don or Dick, and he chose Don but without rejecting all of Dick, perhaps owning more than just a nickname. Should this episode have been titled "Fanstasyland" because Don's self-image includes being the "

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-30372281692843404412010-10-11T15:56:00.000-07:002010-10-11T16:26:04.439-07:00

So the guy from Heinz tells Don: "There's a time for beans and a time for ketchup." That statement was one theme of this episode, a theme that is dominating the last half of this season. A can of beans is food. When times are tough, you buy food. You don't buy the little things that make food taste better. This is the situation that Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce is in. Some members of the firm

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-79320273340996455952010-10-10T15:32:00.000-07:002010-10-10T15:42:43.707-07:00

Most are not aware of two burning disputes between one media billionaire and two others. At issue is the price of your monthly cable or satellite TV bill. It could go up 50% in a very few years. Rupert Murdoch of News Corp, #148 on Forbes World's Billionaires list, has decided to take on Charles Ergen of Dish Network, #117 on the list, and Charles Dolan of Cablevision, #367. Rupert is trying to

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-10008652126620105422010-10-08T16:51:00.000-07:002010-10-08T16:51:26.570-07:00

First of all, I'm very uncomfortable watching these SyFy shows on any other day but Sci-Friday. But whatever NBCU wants to do with scheduling and ad sales, they do. Which, of course, leads to the fact that I was also uncomfortable with them running half a season of this show, leaving us with what for all intents and purposes was an action-filled cliff-hanger episode. So you can imagine my

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-8122117770878707352010-10-05T12:36:00.000-07:002010-10-05T13:25:01.200-07:00

A story arc sequence in this episode says it all about the "business model" of ad agencies like Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. (I'd also make a sarcastic remark about investment banking here, but that's another blog.) The partners are gathered in Roger's office prior to leaving for a funeral of a fellow ad man (we really don't know who David Montgomery is). They talk about how to use the event to

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-53941950026321408982010-09-29T14:54:00.000-07:002010-09-29T15:05:50.143-07:00

Joan Harris is the only one who did not seem to have a panic attack as characters are confronted with threats to their reimagined existence. "We averted a tragedy. Life goes on."And so Joan seemingly sums up the appearance of things in an episode that indicates the imminent collapse of the house of cards built on lies that is Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. With life closing in, Don Draper was

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-45145043177369236012010-09-23T12:43:00.000-07:002010-09-23T16:43:39.583-07:00

Before plunging forward, I need to thank my partner in life for offering much that makes up this and other "Mad Men" posts. Without her reactions to this show and discussion of the stories from her perspective which is based on having experienced the workplace in 1965, I would miss much. Joyce explains it all to Peggy: "Men are this vegeteble soup and you can't put em on a plate or eat em on the

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-79629833409667130322010-09-19T16:16:00.000-07:002010-09-20T14:55:54.412-07:00

When I'm drivin' in my car and a man comes on the radio he's tellin' me more and more about some useless information supposed to fire my imagination. When I'm watchin' my TV and a man comes on to tell me how white my shirts can be. Well he can't be a man 'cause he doesn't smoke the same cigarettes as me.The above is the first two versus of the opening song in this weeks episode, "Mad Men: The

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-53493113128432855672010-09-07T16:41:00.000-07:002010-09-08T10:41:26.736-07:00

What do a mouse and a cockroach have in common? Answer: they both got a part in this episode of "Mad Men." Together Peggy and Don cope with the vermin infecting their present and their pasts - you know those noxious, objectionable, or disgusting bits of reality that infect our memories, like mice and cockroaches.  In doing so, it appears Don's alcoholic binge may have bottomed out. The show

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-72115907446953161932010-09-01T11:31:00.000-07:002010-09-01T11:33:10.248-07:00

It seems almost as if a certain synergy is involved when you know that the main story arc of this Sunday's episode of "Mad Men" is about Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce - well, really Don Draper -  receiving a Clio award. For on Sunday night, the show won its third consecutive Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series. (One has to note that if you don't watch much cable - particularly "Mad Men" on AMC, "

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-71476825836369271602010-08-27T14:22:00.000-07:002010-08-27T15:04:37.960-07:00

"Since when is forgiveness a better quality than loyalty?" asks Roger Sterling, the only veteran of the Pacific Theater, indeed of WWII, in the office. Cultural psychology underlies this week's episode of "Mad Men" with the title "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" based a on book by the same name, a 1946 study of Japan by American cultural anthropologist Ruth Benedict written at the invitation of

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-69198805205941338752010-08-20T16:22:00.000-07:002010-08-20T16:35:02.941-07:00

Cathy is ordinary - no superheroine here. She's a pretty decent Minneapolis schoolteacher. We learn without being told that she was a compliant, conscientious, deferential, personality. In fact, it is only through Laura Linney's performance, not the words in the script, that we learn that. (And so we also learn that this is one of those shows requiring the viewer to pay attention, or you

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-59854051901662707702010-08-19T16:59:00.000-07:002010-08-19T22:53:34.530-07:00

Historical context is the elephant on the set in the opening scene of this week's episode "The Rejected." We know that Lucky Strike is the cash cow that keeps Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce in business. From this episode, we begin to see that for Don and Roger this is going to continue to be the nightmare client. The scene began with us seeing Don, stressed, chain smoking, lighting a cigarette

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-56711806441688785602010-08-10T16:10:00.000-07:002010-08-11T18:31:52.730-07:00

So far this season, when I watch an episode I tend to be overwhelmed with feelings about memories. I’m never certain about the intent of Matthew Weiner and his “Mad Men” writers who have a character makes a statement relevant to today, when that statement is also very relevant to creating important historical context. We know that “Mad Men” is much about context, the place and time. When

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-11830548710912724052010-08-07T13:20:00.000-07:002010-08-07T15:59:22.585-07:00

This episode was a puzzle forcing me to give it some thought, particularly regarding how Don's character is being used to emphasize ... what? Finally, consideration of related American historical cultural background seemed appropriate before diving into a review of the episode.This show is set in the heart of New York City, both in physical location and with regard to the cultural avant-garde.

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-3678387581392122412010-07-28T09:07:00.000-07:002010-07-28T09:13:15.591-07:00

"Glow" is either a noun or a verb. "Coat" is also either a noun or a verb. But when you name a product Glo-Coat you have created an modifier for the the second word.In the case of this season's premier episode of "Mad Men," Don Draper has become a star in creative advertising because of an ad for the Johnson Wax product Glo-Coat, as if the supposed benefits of the product have made him shine.

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-88312102588200905842010-05-29T10:34:00.000-07:002010-05-29T12:06:58.674-07:00

Since the Screen Writer's Guild strike in late 2007, contrary to many expectations including mine, scripted TV on cable channels and broadcast networks has made a significant comeback. This Summer's lineup - mostly cable channels - is remarkable. My own list of shows to check out is rather long and has been getting longer as premier announcements have been made:3-Jun - USA - Burn Notice Season

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-23899776904776126322010-04-26T14:30:00.000-07:002010-04-26T14:33:09.102-07:00

I subscribe to HBO, Showtime and Starz these days not for the movies, which is a nice benefit, but for original programming. And there is a lot on these channels.A number of 30 minute "sitcoms" are offered by these channels, many offbeat and/or dry. Despite the representation, a few aren't "sitcoms" or even could be called a "dramady" - think "Nurse Jackie" which has some dry, witty moments

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-15121656393829810772009-09-07T11:32:00.000-07:002009-09-07T13:16:14.625-07:00

This week's TIME magazine has Jay Leno on the cover and describes "Jay Leno is the Future of Television" in its headline. The portion of the article that is not directly about Jay Leno is devoted to the same discussion offered here in November of 2007 in the series of posts headed The Screen Writers Guild strike, technology, and the future of scripted television.Near the end of the article is the

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-83743459200640414882009-08-09T15:04:00.000-07:002009-08-09T16:17:01.627-07:00

Nowadays, network executives are as likely to be plotting to extract “retransmission consent” fees from cable operators as they are to be gathering around their magnetic scheduling boards and shifting shows from slot to slot. - from "Don't Touch That Dial", a 2006 book review by Tad Friend in the New YorkerThe time has come for Congress to deal with the absurdity of the retransmission fee issue

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-84178523706772088312009-07-28T09:34:00.000-07:002009-07-28T10:36:05.359-07:00

As I noted in April in March at the Media Summit conference Zucker said: "We are, first and foremost, a cable network company." Today it was announced that Zucker put NBC under the control of of his cable operations boss.You can read this from many sources but The Hollywood Reporter broke it up into two articles. First we have from Ben Silverman out at NBC Universal: Quote: After a rocky

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-18087245625805259792009-07-26T16:54:00.000-07:002009-07-27T14:06:57.187-07:00

"That's what Torchwood does, you see: it ruins your life," Gwen Cooper emphatically states towards the end of "Torchwood: Children of Earth" and indeed the story line is that disturbing. In fact, it should be regarded as a politically charged, not very subtle anti-establishment piece. But first, a momentary side discussion."We've got great reaction from viewers on our HD service," channel

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-64948643582784510932009-05-29T14:01:00.000-07:002009-05-29T14:16:24.700-07:00

I was surprised, no shocked, that I liked this show because almost every critic (with few exceptions) gave a big thumbs down. Based on those reviews, I expected it to be "House lite". As far as I'm concerned, nothing could be further from the truth.Yes, it's on Fox. So is "Dollhouse" and it even has "house" in its name, but it's not "House." Yes, the star of "Mental" is a Brit. But he doesn't

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-68381385209249359162009-05-01T11:02:00.000-07:002009-05-01T11:26:00.535-07:00

In the original six part series posted here November 12, 2007, the importance of the birth of Hulu.com parented by NBCU and Fox was described. Also noted in that series was the following: Disney (ABC) CEO Bob Iger was called upon to defend the company's narrow online video distribution at a recent corporate event. After doing a song and dance defense, he described it as an interesting debate,

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-40415942747703272382009-04-29T10:35:00.000-07:002009-04-29T10:54:16.543-07:00

On a forum recently a member raised a question related to the suspense of what shows will not be picked up for another season: So considering the 4 major OTA networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC)... someone has to be in 1st place, and someone has to be in 4th place no matter how good or bad the show!So I guess I wonder... when a network sees a show #4 in the ratings for a night... what are they

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-81712304781495552872009-04-28T12:03:00.000-07:002009-04-30T14:04:42.938-07:00

It has become apparent that the broadcast networks have designed a two part season that begins in earnest September/October and ends April/May with a mid-year mini-shift that occurs January/February. This is the Fall/Winter Season and appears to be about 9 months long and which I now name Fallter, pun intended. The cable networks appear to have designed a season that begins

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-68427781210832340212009-04-24T12:24:00.000-07:002009-04-24T12:30:11.973-07:00

On November 12, 2007, a six part series on the future of scripted TV and the home entertainment industry was posted here which contained the following: Neither television industry executives, nor the writers, nor any of us viewers know where scripted episodic drama and comedy programming will end up within five years. We need to think in terms of media, source of

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-69179836211286226522009-04-16T08:57:00.000-07:002009-04-16T12:02:27.173-07:00

The struggle to sell scripted TV series has become more difficult in the current economy for obvious reasons. And it appears that it is easier to recover the production and delivery cost of an hour of news, sports, and televaudeville (any show other than news and sports that doesn't depend upon professional actors performing scripted scenes for its entertainment content).From my perspective, this

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-63399518381112566342009-04-14T16:06:00.000-07:002009-04-15T14:02:53.801-07:00

"Yes, that ad supported NBC channel you watch now may degenerate into only news, sports, and televaudeville." - The Lost Scripts, November 12, 2007When I wrote the statement above, it was clear to me that Jeff Zucker, President & CEO of NBC Universal, had plans. They were a bit fuzzy at the time, but the hints were there. Much has come into focus since then. But then in March at the Media Summit

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-76704114484351306772009-03-24T15:09:00.000-07:002009-03-24T16:42:22.591-07:00

For a moment, pretend you're a bit of a science nerd. How would you go about sounding out a word that begins with "sy"? Hmm. Well, "system" or "symbiotic" or "synchronous" comes immediately to mind.Then let's consider sounding out words that end with "fy". This is actually a bit harder, but if we check a rhyming dictionary "iffy" or "jiffy" or "spiffy" immediately come up.So how will we

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-86108976227975803622009-03-21T12:04:00.000-07:002009-03-21T12:24:55.135-07:00

Battlestar Galactica is the best completed series ever shown on American TV. And Friday night's 131 minute finale was befitting.In the simplest sense, I liked the Mash ending and this one because both demonstrated "life went on" which is always a boring thought. The 1950's I actually lived through, in the case of Mash. In the case of Battlestar Galactica, pre-150,000 B.C. now seems almost

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-45862330885035964192008-12-31T18:38:00.000-08:002008-12-31T18:42:03.737-08:00

Time Warner Cable's refusal to even consider Viacom's proposed 25%± increase in carriage fees is an action deserving of commendation and a medal. If Viacom wants to demonstrate how much these channels are worth, unpackage them, set a price for each, have TWC add on it’s costs and a modest profit, and agree to an optional carry contract based upon some drop number like less than 10% of cable

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-31179926806948968112008-12-16T11:45:00.000-08:002008-12-16T11:46:43.479-08:00

The reports of the Monday night SAG discussion indicates the kiss of death for the militant's strike vote proposal. This article from The Hollywood Reporter gives a very good feel for the depth of conflict within SAG. Here's a short bit from the long article:"The contentious and at times bitter meeting capped a roller-coaster four days for SAG, in which opposition to the guild leadership's call

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-43524374005166771982008-12-11T12:09:00.000-08:002008-12-11T12:11:55.199-08:00

Jeff, I know you’re President and CEO of NBC Universal. So I expect it to be difficult to see the same big picture you see in your head for the NBC broadcast network. While I do understand your efforts to diversify NBCU, I can’t seem to get your view of the prime time TV schedule.Here’s what I see for the upcoming Winter Season 8-10 pm Monday prime time. Fox with “House” plus “24" and CBS with it

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-42618041328764473212008-12-03T16:44:00.000-08:002008-12-03T16:49:39.633-08:00

Hollywood produces drama. But the geographic Hollywood may become the stage for a showdown representing the end to an old dynamic that balanced the interests of workers against the power of huge corporations.From an historical standpoint, it's going to be a riveting drama. But from the standpoint of a long-time (56 years) American TV viewer who loves scripted TV, it's depressing. It is the

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-22435221611413768802008-11-22T15:03:00.000-08:002008-11-22T15:05:24.002-08:00

One has to give Screen Actors Guild (SAG) President Alan Rosenberg credit for a certain "put one foot in front of the other" tenaciousness. In fact, his march forward in the face of internal partisan challenges within his own union and from the rest of the union movement and tough external opposition is not dissimilar to the Obama campaign. Just keep explaining until your constituency “gets it.”

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-61935312500856606792008-11-19T16:46:00.000-08:002008-11-19T16:47:02.690-08:00

A recent lengthy commentary in The Hollywood Reporter is perpetuating an impression created by financial analysts regarding Dish Network, the satellite TV signal provider.It doesn't delve into the problems created by the EchoStar Communications Corporation split this year, or even indicate an awareness of the balance sheet differences between November 2007 EchoStar Communications Corporation and

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-64363574888991377522008-11-01T14:55:00.000-07:002008-11-01T14:56:31.389-07:00

Under normal circumstances, I'm reluctant to recommend 30-minute sitcoms because people's sense of humor differ significantly. But "Rita Rocks" which started last week on Lifetime is a pretty good new family sitcom - some clever lines and good actors. Like all sitcoms at the start, it's a little bit uneven but it is well done.Lifetime is repeating all six previous episodes next week. If you like

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-65728997369383764992008-10-30T13:05:00.000-07:002008-10-30T13:07:04.019-07:00

A two hour premier of the new series "Legend of the Seeker" will occur Saturday. Reviews have been...ah...mixed? But it is the pilot and we all know pilots today have to be crammed with everything. Typical are these comments from Variety:"The producing team of Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert enjoyed considerable success a few years back with "Hercules" and "Xena,"...."...There's nothing howlingly bad

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-70605137227787744222008-10-25T13:04:00.000-07:002008-10-25T13:05:45.359-07:00

A truly hilarious video from "Talkshow with Spike Fereston" is making the rounds on the internet.You need to watch the video before any of this post makes sense. With that said, here it goes folks.The video demonstrates how truly stupid the February 2009 digital "cutoff" is, a government mandated technological change that will have the most negative effect on the most vulnerable - mostly poor and

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-48646946904978072862008-10-14T00:06:00.000-07:002008-10-14T00:08:34.987-07:00

Newly misplaced. One TV show. Surprisingly mature plot, clever writing, with solid direction and acting, Last seen in the vicinity of The CW on Sunday, lost in the noise. If found, call HBO or AMC. Answers to the name of Easy Money.Easy Money is a show that is as well produced and as offbeat HBO's Big Love, AMC's Mad Men, and Fx's The Riches. The only problem is that it debuted in October on

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-54526025517065509672008-10-11T14:48:00.000-07:002008-10-11T14:51:27.340-07:00

Two shows from British television premiered against each other Thursday night - Eleventh Hour and Life on Mars. We weren't impressed with Life on Mars in our household but more on that later.Eleventh Hour, on the other hand, was better than the Brit version.The surprise was how much better we liked Rufus Sewell as Dr. Jacob Hood than we did Patrick Stewart and how ok we were with Marley Shelton

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-82044427349670341072008-10-11T14:46:00.000-07:002008-10-11T14:48:00.334-07:00

One show carried over from the disaster of last year is extremely well written, has stimulating characters played by strong actors, and is directed with great care. Unfortunately it's on NBC.The show is Life. Yes, on the surface it's just another police procedural. But it also has a backstory that drives a subplot that is actually moving towards early resolution, not something to keep up ad

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-90795295615426215052008-09-10T22:40:00.000-07:002008-09-11T11:09:57.180-07:00

It's official now, because the Nielsen's confirm it. Broadcast TV and cable channels are competing equally for the same prime-time audience. And the Monday night competition clearly presents the picture. But before I deal with this Fall's Monday lineup, let me offer this "startling" fact that recently came to light.The Tuesday mid-season finale of ABC Family’s "The Secret Life of an American

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-33858155156998190282008-09-10T16:15:00.001-07:002008-11-24T23:51:07.057-08:00

It's been a long time since both my wife and I have been enthused about a show's potential after watching the pilot. But "Fringe" is that show.Yes, the show is about a mysterious conspiracy and has been compared to the X-Files. But it isn't about aliens, it is about science; particularly the odd weapons research conducted in the 1950's and 1960's and 1970's and...run amuck. Think Fort Detrick, Md

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-89694284073749948622008-08-29T15:13:00.000-07:002008-08-29T15:14:26.173-07:00

It's hard to imagine, being able to watch on television important political speeches without a couple of talking heads telling me before the speech what the speech should and should not include, why the speaker will or won't succeed, and what he or she did for lunch.Then immediately after the speech, not having additional talking heads tell me what the speech did and/or did not accomplish, what

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-8050086525541848492008-08-24T14:28:00.000-07:002008-08-24T14:31:12.025-07:00

"I think the broadcast television universe has kind of, on a certain level, devolved, if you will," said Steven Bochco, in a recent interview in Forbes. "Additionally, the working environment in broadcast television has really shifted radically over the last half a dozen years or so."In those few words Bochco described the malaise infecting the television industry everyone can see exists but no

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-767678621929569872008-07-19T12:14:00.000-07:002008-07-19T13:37:50.322-07:00

For lovers of scripted television, this summer is a delight because of the "non-premium" cable channels. In fact, it has been better than the last few fall seasons of broadcast TV. Consider this lineup which isn't every show (in alphabetical order by network name): The Cleaner on A&EMad Men on AMCNot Going Out on BBCAThe Middleman on ABC FamilySecret Life Amer Teen on ABC FamilyRescue Me Minisode

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-55974023183572792342008-07-09T09:26:00.000-07:002008-07-09T14:52:28.947-07:00

It could be a movie called Norma Rae Moves to Hollywood except the star is Alan Rosenberg.The concepts to be portrayed are complicated. On one side we have the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers (AMPTP). That's the simplest side. They're the bossess, the company. The equivalent of the textile mill in Norma Rae.Except today the American textile mills are mostly shut down and the

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-51769768920529778702008-07-01T14:09:00.000-07:002008-07-01T14:13:37.750-07:00

The media conglomerates began a lockout of all workers as its final offer to SAG hit the table.The Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers (AMPTP) handed the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) their 42-page "last, best and final offer" yesterday."In short, our final offer to SAG represents a final hope for avoiding further work stoppages and getting everyone back to work,' said AMPTP in its news

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-79958802824327161072008-06-17T16:06:00.000-07:002008-06-17T16:18:14.490-07:00

Look out folks. Lack of any organized defender looking out for your interest is providing another opportunity for media conglomerates to pick our pockets. As with all these opportunities, things begin as internecine squabbling.Big media has discovered "revenue distribution" problems derived from their own unregulated cross-platform ownerships. This is leading to the curious situation where a

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-56754464402647368092008-06-12T11:25:00.000-07:002008-06-13T18:14:11.021-07:00

On my favorite satellite TV forum, someone complained about a show being canceled because it obviously had a following. The thought was that the fault lies with the ratings.I guess we lose sight of why there are Nielsen ratings at all?Nielsens are used to sell advertising. Remember you, the viewer, don't pay anything to watch OTA networks. So to cover the cost of buying the show, owning and

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-43297099184552043482008-06-07T09:33:00.000-07:002008-06-07T11:58:46.396-07:00

In attempting to undo what the DGA, the WGA, and AFTRA have done, SAG President Alan Rosenberg has my sympathy. Unfortunately his problems are the result of his own lack of foresight.Last fall when AMPTP effectively engaged in a lockout of actors, directors, and all others by forcing WGA members into a strike, an effective countermove would have been for SAG members to state they were negotiating

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-39984789434291963342008-05-07T10:11:00.000-07:002008-05-07T10:20:33.894-07:00

As I explained in December and 10-days ago, like the Battle of New Orleans, the Screen Actors Guild's (SAG) battle with big media is being fought after the war ended earlier this year when all the film and TV production rank and file workers lost.Big media (AMPTP) during its talks with the Writers Guild used the lockout effectively to break the Writers Guild and scare middle management, the

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-88093305571906641252008-04-28T10:54:00.000-07:002008-06-07T12:09:07.032-07:00

...If you don't recognize the forces that play on what people watch and what they don't then you're a fool and you should be in a different business. - Roone ArledgeTake all the fools out of this world and there wouldn't be any...profit. - Josh BillingsAs the major players in TV reposition themselves to generate significant new revenue on the web and through premium cable, those who discovered

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-76043597404753708232008-03-13T11:50:00.000-07:002008-03-13T12:06:36.973-07:00

It is ironic that we are seeing headlines in the "media ad press" (here and here) indicating resistance to Nielsen's proposed A2/M2 integrated television and internet measurement. The irony is that reports of these Luddites are appearing on the day that Hulu.com rolls out for the general public. According to one newsletter (notice the use of the word "claims" rather than, say, "explains":“

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-62885604345872424742008-03-11T15:47:00.000-07:002008-03-13T12:22:07.579-07:00

As Hulu.com approaches its general audience launch tomorrow, the web industry pundits are offering up considerable criticism.My suggestion? Let's all keep in mind that this is the TV industry, with emphasis on "industry". While it has been interesting to sit at a computer and watch something on Hulu.com beta, that's missng the point. Hulu is a TV video-on-demand source that can be run on your TV

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-81942053285798429392008-03-10T13:34:00.000-07:002008-03-10T13:43:20.557-07:00

Last week "Lipstick Jungle" finished third in total viewers against a rerun of "Without a Trace" at #1 and "Eli Stone" at #2; and essentially tied for second in that 18-49 demographic. The last episode of "Cashmere Mafia" also finished third behind a new "Law & Order" and a rerun of "CSI: NY". It appears that generally the viewers are rejecting these shows."Big Shots" has already been canceled by

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-63493406504281768262008-03-05T09:03:00.000-08:002008-03-05T09:58:49.484-08:00

It appears that The CW is struggling. Let's see - ages 18-34 aren't watching tv as much as they used to. So let's set up a channel for them. Great economic model. Not.How about an AARP age group broadcast channel named "The New 40"? The national feeds could begin with a simulcast of the CBS evening news and end with a simulcast of David Letterman. And in between, feed shows that appeal to that

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-87855359911039015972008-03-01T15:51:00.000-08:002008-03-01T16:08:24.573-08:00

Sundance Channel will premiere "Terminal City," an award-winning Canadian miniseries about a cancer-stricken housewife who becomes a reality TV star, beginning March 6, 2008."Terminal City" mixes drama and dark comedy as it tells this story of a family facing not one but two major upheavals: cancer and overnight fame. Maria del Mar stars as Katie Sampson, a loving wife and mother of three with a

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-82930549879074998692008-02-24T13:20:00.000-08:002008-02-24T14:02:10.482-08:00

Tom Brokaw was a guest on Bill Maher Friday evening. Brokaw, because of his book Boom!: Voices of the Sixties has become an "expert" on the subject of the 60's. I haven't read the book, but was a bit disappointed with his discussion with Maher about the idealism of the '60's and its ultimate failure to materialize as social change in the ensuing decades.I was one of those political idealists who

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-35241222620642785962008-02-21T12:30:00.000-08:002008-02-21T14:11:50.091-08:00

Various news sources indicate that some NBCU folks are trying to save the award winning show Friday Night Lights (FNL) by finding another network to share the cost. The reason someone is trying to save the show is that it is good, very good. Also it has a cult following.The reason they have to save it is that it hasn't attracted an audience. The average rating is 6.1 million viewers. For

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-62713518128402874242008-02-20T10:05:00.000-08:002008-02-20T11:01:20.319-08:00

Apparently the science fiction writer Harlan Ellison wrote a "blunt" response to the proposed WGA contract. In his response, he begins: "THEY BEAT US LIKE A YELLOW DOG.""My Guild did what it did in 1988," he continued. "It trembled and sold us out. It gave away the EXACT co-terminus expiration date with SAG for some bullshit short-line substitute; it got us no more control of our words; it

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-39716735432406652412008-02-14T15:17:00.000-08:002008-02-23T00:05:55.989-08:00

Apparently Denny is not going to succumb to mad cow.From WilliamShatner.com:We are not cancelled.My Best, Bill

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-66904912856556944872008-02-13T11:24:00.000-08:002008-03-13T12:22:52.952-07:00

It appears Boston Legal is in limbo, at best, for being picked up for a new season.The thing about Boston Legal is you have to love the Denny Crane and Alan Shore (William Shatner and James Spader) characters' relationship (strong male bonding or right-wing gay? tension) and enjoy the weirdness of other regular characters, plus not be offended by the strongly liberal political views expressed by

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-2544547246922059352008-02-04T13:53:00.000-08:002008-02-04T14:42:23.511-08:00

If you go to the websites of the CBC, CTV, and Global TV, you see that Canadians are watching some Canadian-made programming as well as Prison Break, the CSI's, the Law & Orders, Jericho, Greys Anatomy, etc.It appears now we Americans may to get to see some of that Canadian creativity. NBC has reportedly picked up The Listener, CBS Flashpoint, and ABCFamily Sophie. Supposedly CBS and ABC are

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-40533340892615911842008-01-30T10:31:00.000-08:002008-01-30T11:24:51.111-08:00

The National Association of Television Program Executives convention is being held this week in Las Vegas. The keynote address speaker was Jeff Zucker, head of NBC-Universal reinterated the mantra that was clear last November - TV must change or become extinct. I won't restate everything I've pointed out repeatedly in this blog. You can read the more traditional reports:NBC's Zucker outlines new

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-31325972635300033982008-01-28T16:58:00.000-08:002008-01-28T17:10:21.139-08:00

TV Week reported today that the local stations division of NBCU just purchased LX.tv in a deal that calls for the new-media shop to produce original entertainment content for all NBC-owned stations. LX.tv produces two shows for NBC-owned WNBC-TV in New York, “Open House NYC” and “LX.tv 1st Look New York,” which run both online and on-air.This continues the movement by NBCU to expand it tv media

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-47153902383510393992008-01-27T16:56:00.000-08:002008-03-13T12:27:37.892-07:00

On a internet board dedicated to satellite TV, someone who was upset with media conglomerate power over federal regulations posted some complaints. Another board member responded: "It's only TV...." That pushed my satellite-tv-user rant button as follows:In 1878 home entertainment did not include radio, tv, movies, recorded music, or the internet. People had the options of getting together to

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-48588276234258991442008-01-23T23:06:00.000-08:002008-03-13T12:24:47.024-07:00

The New York Times reported today that Jeff Zucker, CEO of NBC-Universal, indicated that NBC would not be buying numerous pilots in the future as it traditionally has. Instead they will order a couple each year, but would shift more toward a system of straight-to-series orders buying "first episode" scripts.At the same time, the network will stick by its current script commitments.This

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-39286442942318889312008-01-23T11:55:00.000-08:002008-01-23T11:59:34.725-08:00

It's hard to keep up with the dizzying pace NBC is moving to the web, NBC's beta subscription full episode download delivery service NBC Direct has signed an advertising delivery technical deal with YuMe.

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-57229530545934583522008-01-23T10:39:00.000-08:002008-01-23T10:50:42.483-08:00

If you haven't been closely following the news related to the writers strike, you probably aren't aware of the networks cleaning house - scrubbing commitments to scripted programming.Beginning with ABC Studios on January 11, the five major TV studios terminated about 70 deals under the force majeure provisions in its producers' contracts. These cases include "producer" contracts, some of which

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-57210393008802097622008-01-21T11:12:00.000-08:002008-01-21T11:22:29.737-08:00

Bragging is not good manners. But I'm going to be rude.Last Thursday in my post Web tv programming - multiple revenue streams for conglomerates I commented on Time-Warner Cable trying out "metered" internet service in Texas and how this would add to the conglomerate revenue stream from web tv produced by the same conglomerate - different divisions.Now comes the news that HBO, a Time-Warner

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-61953140344676688972008-01-21T10:45:00.000-08:002008-01-21T10:50:52.272-08:00

“…Most completely-scripted programming is likely to become severely devalued to advertisers and the networks under these circumstances.”That was the one key point from my post “Why Broadcast TV Can’t Use Scripted Programming” written in early November.Now many, many scripted projects are being cancelled with the Hollywood Reporter announcing this morning the most recent with “In the latest

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-69255328260028934112008-01-17T13:59:00.000-08:002008-03-13T12:25:42.561-07:00

As conglomerates prepare new television programming for the web, like Trenches, Broadband Reports.com ran a news story yesterday that indicates just how those conglomerates are going to generate revenue. See Time Warner Cable Eyeing Overage Charges?The story indicates that Time Warner Cable is going to test the implementation of overage charges for its RoadRunner cable broadband service.

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-80078778505071973992008-01-11T10:35:00.000-08:002008-01-21T10:45:05.882-08:00

In November, I posted the following within my initial series on just how radical the change in home entertainment will be:"While the home entertainment industry struggles to cope with changes over he next 5-to-10 years, viewers who want to watch scripted tv will need to adapt."With CES 2008 comes the announcement that new TV's are going to have plugs to connect to your home network and the

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-78626898891339280082007-12-28T17:12:00.000-08:002007-12-28T17:37:57.786-08:00

Looking for scripted programming to watch? If you have HD television that includes Universal HD (UHD), there's a good chance you could have four TV series to watch which did no do well in viewership the first time around. On Fridays, beginning January 4, Jericho and Friday Night Lights will be aired weekly. On Sundays, beginning January 6, Kidnapped and Touching Evil will be aired weekly.Jericho

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-61469482762151739412007-12-14T10:38:00.001-08:002007-12-14T13:11:24.968-08:00

Many in the trade media who are management oriented are misrepresenting the Directors Guild statement made yesterday by President Michael Apted and Negotiations Committee Chair Gil Cates leaving out the important comment italicized in the following:Because we want to give the WGA and the AMPTP more time to return to the negotiating table to conclude an agreement, the DGA will not schedule our

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-25937753028748176702007-12-14T10:11:00.000-08:002007-12-14T10:34:31.116-08:00

Professional (or struggling semi-professional) script writers need a web site to turn to which offers some serious production values. YouTube may have its audience, but most production is amateur and...let's face it...mostly disorganized and boring.Comedy now has the Funny or Die web site which describes itself as:Funny Or Die was created by the guys at Gary Sanchez Productions (Will Ferrell,

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-3017235671721652282007-12-10T14:34:00.000-08:002007-12-10T14:39:35.698-08:00

It's worth noting that many thought a settlement with the Writers was possible. Everyone is ignoring June 2008 but the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTA). What has yet to be considered is the June 2008 expiration of contracts with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Directors Guild of America (DGA).In my opinion, the AMPTP never had any intention of settling with the

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-28400106333422944002007-12-03T12:18:00.000-08:002007-12-03T12:25:31.382-08:00

The 2nd season of BBCA's curious scifi-time-shift/crime procedural "Life on Mars" premiers December 11 (2 hours). We like it. Since David Kelly is producing an American version for ABC and some consider it "Journeyman" done right, take a look.

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-20347230809763095612007-12-01T21:51:00.000-08:002007-12-03T12:18:21.450-08:00

Cable channels have scripted programming ready, and its a go:On SciFi: "Flash Gordon" and "Stargate Atlantis" new seasons begin on Friday January 4.On USA: "Monk" and "Psych" new seasons begin on Friday, January 11.On ABCFamily: "Kyle XY" and "Wildfire" new seasons begin on Mondays, January 14 and January 21 respectively.On AMC: a new series "Breaking Bad" will premier on Sunday, January 20;

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-48110118339516400102007-11-30T14:22:00.000-08:002007-11-30T14:23:33.759-08:00

Season 2-B on "Kyle XY" will premiere on Monday, January 14 on ABC Family, beginning a run of 10 new episodes.

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-60194704551240734192007-11-25T15:06:00.000-08:002007-11-25T15:10:22.002-08:00

Scripted programs are starting into reruns. Here's some upcoming new shows to watch:mini-series Tin Man, a 3 parter beginning 12/02 on Scifinew episodes of The Closer and Saving Grace on TNT 12/03new episodes of Monk and Psych on USA 12/07

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-73136091405078159492007-11-14T10:11:00.000-08:002008-02-23T00:03:14.193-08:00

News media recently have reported network CEO's positioning themselves within context of the writers strike through comments regarding the future of scripted TV. But News Corp's Chairman and 30% owner Rupert Murdoch is not a "hired gun" CEO. His entire life is tied to New Corp.In News Corp's annual shareholder meeting and a media conference following (yeah, profits look great and the Wall Street

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-40609161718185971002007-11-13T10:34:00.001-08:002008-04-28T10:25:41.487-07:00

According to an article in Online Media Daily, Universal McCann Worldwide CEO Nick Brien, whose 20-year career has made him one of the most influential executives in the world of integrated marketing and advertising, noted this week that big name-brand marketers are moving away from traditional media channels and are threatening to shift the lion's share of their budgets online.Brien was in New

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-7290761000759126432007-11-12T16:42:00.000-08:002009-08-17T23:27:30.704-07:00

Part I - Relevant HistoryThe Television Writers Guild strike is viewed by many as just another labor dispute. It’s not. It is the first nationally significant economic acknowledgment of the transition in home entertainment that has been under way for a decade. For this industry, 2008 is 1948 all over again.At the beginning of 1948, the primary choices for purchased or broadcast home entertainment

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-75518759010400469692007-11-12T16:39:00.000-08:002009-08-17T23:29:00.959-07:00

Part II - The Influence of the Digital Video RecorderIn the early 1970's, music industry executives were ruffled by the cassette tape recorder. In the early 1980's, film industry and television executives were ruffled by the video cassette recorder. But as it turned out, both formats produced inferior quality results and really were n0t that easy to use within the typical home. Even home CD and

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-90617130944915831172007-11-12T16:36:00.000-08:002009-08-17T23:30:06.596-07:00

Part III - Why Broadcast TV Can’t Use Scripted ProgrammingAs we can now see, because of the DVR and the C3 rating system, the only thing economically important about any ad supported TV show is how many viewers watch commercials live or within 3 days after the air date. Any show that does not incline viewers to watch live and/or within 3 days is commercially disadvantaged.Consider two wildly

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-56925982468399574152007-11-12T16:34:00.000-08:002009-08-17T23:31:11.434-07:00

Part IV - 1948 All Over Again?Neither television industry executives, nor the writers, nor any of us viewers know where scripted episodic drama and comedy programming will end up within five years. We need to think in terms of media, source of funding, format or survival.Consider again the radio-to-tv transition of the 1948-to-1958 period and thereafter. NBC, which was the top national radio

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-81964136234890060732007-11-12T16:21:00.000-08:002009-08-17T23:32:32.177-07:00

Part V - Quarterlife: Will Scripted TV Mean Indy TV?Basically, we seek out fiction books to share, to expand the narrative within our minds, and to enjoy the imagination of the novelist. We seek out fiction in movies to enjoy the vision of the writer's imagination as envisioned by the director, actors, cinematographer, special effects creators, etc. Which brings us to the future of scripted tv.If

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527835202236111686.post-13613681880250834942007-11-12T16:14:00.000-08:002008-07-19T12:12:36.140-07:00

Part VI - Indy TV or the Corporations, the Economics of Scripted TV Will ChangeNo doubt exists that the corporate leaders are looking to online revenues for future growth. As discussed, guys like NBC’s Zucker with their Hulu may be smart enough to make money out of the transition from broadcast television and also help those in the Indy TV industry make some real money, with or without ads.Disney

Michael O'Faolain -noreply@blogger.com0