What are you watching this summer?

[lurkey]

Are the writers striking for the wrong reason?

Joe Novelist gets less up front, controls his work, and makes more on the back end.

Joe Screenwriter gets more up front, has no control over his work, and makes less on the back end.

That’s the story with residuals. They’re about authorship.

A friend of mine recently suggested that if our work is so important to us, we should refuse to sell it. In a way, I agree with that sentiment. In fact, I have been arguing on the picket lines that we're striking for the wrong thing. Screw residuals. Let's redesign the entire system so that we retain copyright of our work and license it to the studios when they decide they want to produce something.

[Brent]

DONALD TRUMP RETURNS TO NBC WITH "THE CELEBRITY APPRENTICE" PREMIERE THURSDAY, JAN. 3RD 9PM ET

SEVENTH INSTALLMENT OF REALITY HIT TO RETURN TO NEW YORK CITY WITH ALL-STAR LINEUP

Trace Adkins, Carol Alt, Stephen Baldwin, Nadia Comaneci, Tiffany Fallon, Jennie Finch, Nely Galan, Marilu Henner, Lennox Lewis, Piers Morgan, Omarosa, Tito Ortiz, Vincent Pastore, and Gene Simmons To Face Off on the City Streets and in the Boardroom For Charity

NEW YORK - Monday, Nov. 19th 2007 - NBC and Donald Trump return to New York City with "The Celebrity Apprentice," with an all-star celebrity lineup of candidates. Now in its seventh season, this installment of "The Apprentice" changes the game.

"The Celebrity Apprentice" with host Donald Trump begins its latest edition on Thursday, January 3 (9:00PM ET).

Contestants will not be vying for a job with Donald Trump, but the business-savvy celebrity contestants will be working towards a greater goal -- as they raise over a million dollars for their various charities throughout the season. Not only will the final winner be crowned the first 'Celebrity Apprentice,' but he or she will also have the honor of delivering a two-hundred and fifty thousand dollar bonus check to their designated charity.

All 14 celebrities will be competing in business driven tasks around New York City, using their fame along with their proven business acumen to win challenges, while ultimately raising money and awareness for their respective causes.

http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx ... 71119nbc01

[JonathanBelles]

Omarosa and Piers Morgan.. ..I might actually watch this season!

[lurkey]

No wonder the agents are getting involved. . . Look like the AMTP is taking on the SAG now, versus later in June. . . cripes


And in other news: Entertainment law in Hollywood is being outsourced to India. . .

And it's official . . CBS news writers will be going on strike. . .


And if you're bored

[lurkey]

NBC Gives Journeyman Two-Week Notice

Submitted by Kevin Bachelder (SerenityFirefly.com)



From Zap2It Blogs:

We’re hearing that the next two weeks are crucial for NBC’s Journeyman. While nothing official has been decided, the rumor is that if the Nielsen numbers don’t rise for the Nov. 19 and 26 episodes, the network will yank the show, without airing all the episodes produced.

The network is only interested in the live Nielsens, not DVR viewers or downloads, says a show staffer. This is a problem for the show, because the majority of emails the show gets is from fans who watch online. Since ads touting the ability to watch Journeyman for free online are common, that’s hardly surprising.

[Brent]

NBC Gives Journeyman Two-Week Notice

Submitted by Kevin Bachelder (SerenityFirefly.com)



From Zap2It Blogs:

We’re hearing that the next two weeks are crucial for NBC’s Journeyman. While nothing official has been decided, the rumor is that if the Nielsen numbers don’t rise for the Nov. 19 and 26 episodes, the network will yank the show, without airing all the episodes produced.

The network is only interested in the live Nielsens, not DVR viewers or downloads, says a show staffer. This is a problem for the show, because the majority of emails the show gets is from fans who watch online. Since ads touting the ability to watch Journeyman for free online are common, that’s hardly surprising.

Not surprised at all. I have actually liked the show pretty well, but not well enough. Will be watching October Road on ABC Monday.

ABC really suffered from the holiday, especially Wednesday as PD, PP, and DSM all hit record lows. Last night, Grey's almost beat CSI but was still way down from normal(every show was, on CBS also). October Road however bombed, losing half the audience and dropping 20% in the 2nd half hour.

[lurkey]

“Journeyman” Creator Quells Cancellation Rumors
Posted by Sam on Saturday, 24 Nov 2007

journeyman_promo.jpg“Journeyman” creator and executive producer and showrunner, Kevin Falls, sets the record straight on the future of the show’s first season. Rumors flew across the net, and we here at Slice also reported the possibility that this great show might not see the end of its full Season One run. However, Falls states that, while the show may not get a back nine (Season Two), NBC is ready to allow the entire first season to air - well, almost. Also, the final episode (if it sees the “light of day”), while not answering all fan’s questions, will bring sufficient closure, if the show isn’t picked up for a new season.

Here is Falls’ (KF) statement on the subject when asked by Premium Hollywood’s Bullz-Eye (BE):

BE: So what is going to happen with the remaining episodes? Because Ain’t It Cool News got everyone up in arms by saying that the network was gonna cancel the show unless the two-parter that started last night (Nov. 19th) and finishes next Monday (Nov. 26th) brings big numbers.

kevin_falls.jpgKF: Here’s what…I think what got twisted around was that episodes 8 and 9, the episodes in question there, were certainly important episodes. We’d up-kicked on 7, and 8 and 9 were sweeps, and so they’re gonna be watching that closely. That, coupled with the fact that, on Dec. 3rd, “Life” gets our slot…there’s gonna be a “Life” episode on that night, and I think they’re doing a Monday / Wednesday episode that’s a 2-parter, but you’d have to check on that…and I think that made it seem like we were gonna get yanked after that, but that’s not true.

We will air Episodes 10 and 11; 10 is our Christmas episode, and 11 is the first part of a two-parter that leads into our…season finale. (Writer’s note: I can’t do justice to the inherent depression in his use of the term “season finale,” but suffice it to say that the words didn’t come out easily.) Now, here’s what no-one knows about and what I just found out about last night: there’s no room for Episode 12. And the idea is…they’re not saying, “We’re not going to give you that back 9.” I mean, no-one can predict what’s gonna happen with the strike. But I think the idea is that NBC, what they want to do is tie up all their loose ends. Like, “Heroes” and “Life” and our show, have all that stuff done by the first of the year, so that they can, if there’s still a strike, air new programming or mid-season shows like “Medium” and “Lipstick Jungle” or another “Law and Order” and a ton of reality wallpaper, so they can start fresh. I think that’s (NBC President Jeff) Zucker’s thinking, and, business-wise, I get that. It makes sense. But what’s frustrating…and this is the second time I’ve been frustrated with the network…is because I love them so much and I think they do the best TV shows. It’s like being angry at your parents; you love them, but sometimes you don’t like what they’re telling you to do.

So we’ve got this Episode 12 dangling out there, and…I don’t know if it’ll ever see the light of day on the network. And it is…in some ways, it could very much be the series finale. And it’s really good. It’s directed by Alex Graves, it’s a really strong script, and it answers questions, and it’s gonna be one of those things that people are really, really gonna want to see. Now, I’ve been told that there’s gonna be a DVD, so you will get it. But it’s…what makes us so frustrated is that, at a time when writers are striking and networks need programming, why on earth would you not find a place for Episode 12? And that’s the question for which nobody seems to have an answer.

[Tstormwatcher]

The only shows that I have been watching are Survivorman, Beyond the Limits( a reality type show about climbing Mt. Everest), Top Gear, Ghost Hunters, and Supernatural.

[Miss Mary]

TV Alert - with all this Desperate Housewives Tornado Nov. 2nd episode hype, I just assumed we wouldn't have a new episode tonight. LOL

I was wrong......new DH episode tonight. Woohoo! Of course, you would know this Brent but for those, like me, that just assumed DH was taking off again after Thanksgiving (today is one of the biggest travel days of the year).

[Brent]

TV Alert - with all this Desperate Housewives Tornado Nov. 2nd episode hype, I just assumed we wouldn't have a new episode tonight. LOL

I was wrong......new DH episode tonight. Woohoo! Of course, you would know this Brent but for those, like me, that just assumed DH was taking off again after Thanksgiving (today is one of the biggest travel days of the year).

LOL.

It took off last week, so there was no way it would take off again this week(it is sweeps after all, and it always aired a new episode Thanksgiving weekend, last year was a Christmas episode).

I can't wait... and B&S looks awesome too(also has a huge episode next week).

Both shows go on hiatus til at least January after that. DH will have 1 episode leftover(due to the strike), B&S at least 2-3, no clue when they will air.

[CajunMama]

I thought the tornado was this week. We have to wait another week!

[Brent]

I thought the tornado was this week. We have to wait another week!

LOL, yeah. The promos were misleading(although I knew it wasn't). Same thing went for the B&S wedding which is also next week.

DH was great in parts and seemed like filler in others. Didn't really care for Lynette and I'm tired of Susan/Mike. But Bree/Orson/Andrew and Gablos/Victor was great(and I really can't wait for that next week).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIUV5uAL5FU

Brothers and Sisters... I really hate Lena. Ugh. First Tommy and now Justin. Next week looks amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaYRHOl8GsU

[lurkey]

Today talks between the writers and the studios/networks begin again . .

There was an article about the unusual and powerful role of the television showrunners aka writer/producer in this strike. There was an interesting quote in another related article from one of the showrunners " . . This is the only industry in the world where employees would actually do extra work to help their employer withstand a strike . . ."

What could be coming if strike talks fail. . .

[Miss Mary]

My DH episode review:

1. I wasn't surprised Victor would be alive.
2. I wasn't surprised Mike would still be addicted to his pain pills. Sad that they can't leave this little family - just happy.
3. Very surprised at Orson's reaction, when Mike said his chronic pain is from his accident and not work related. Dare we hope that Orson didn't run over Mike? Or perhaps Orson has an evil twin who did this unspeakable act? I was slightly encouraged by Orson's reaction. As if it was just dawning on him - oh yeah, I did run over someone and that someone is Mike Delfino!
4. I was quite sad when Bree explained she, the baby and Orson are a new little family, just the 3 of them. Which leaves Andrew out in the cold. I actually teared up when he moved out. Andrew - you can't leave that street - you have the most common sense of everyone! And really when you get very technical, he's more related to the baby than Orson is.
5. I don't see Danielle leaving her mother and Orson to raise Ben. I predict she'll have a change of heart and come back.
6. Didn't expect Lynette's family to patch things up so nicely but dang it, if those writers didn't find a safe place for her mother to land and it wasn't a car! LOL

[Pburgh]

Great choice for Lynette's stepfather.

I loved when Andrew made Bree use a coaster. He has really changed in the past 2 years.

I think Susan and Mike have both turned into nut cases.

[Brent]

Will the strike negotiators be home for Christmas? A "very reliable source" tells Nikki Finke's Deadline Hollywood Daily blog that there appears to be a deal in place between both sides. "It's already done, basically," says the insider, crediting weeks' worth of back channel note-sharing conducted by Hollywood agents. "I was told not to expect an agreement this week," says Finke, "but my source thought it was possible that the strike could be settled before Christmas."

In other words, maybe, just maybe, TV viewers won't be handed a big lump of coal as this holiday season — at which time the fresh scripted offerings will really start to dry up — rolls around. "I don't want to raise false hope," Finke adds. "But this source has been very accurate in the past."

[Brent]

My DH episode review:

1. I wasn't surprised Victor would be alive.
2. I wasn't surprised Mike would still be addicted to his pain pills. Sad that they can't leave this little family - just happy.
3. Very surprised at Orson's reaction, when Mike said his chronic pain is from his accident and not work related. Dare we hope that Orson didn't run over Mike? Or perhaps Orson has an evil twin who did this unspeakable act? I was slightly encouraged by Orson's reaction. As if it was just dawning on him - oh yeah, I did run over someone and that someone is Mike Delfino!

I'm really glad this plot wasn't forgotten(like Andrew killing Mama Solis with a car in the 1st season). I loved the chain of blackmail regarding that(Mike-Adam-Orson), and it was nice to see the guys have some interaction for once.

[whereverwx]

The new season of DH looks great. You can see the preview here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=6cZvuPZlZMQ

[Brent]

ABC NEWS, FACEBOOK & WMUR-TV TO HOST DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DEBATES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, SATURDAY, JANUARY 5

Debates to Air in Primetime on ABC Just Days Before the New Hampshire Primary

ABC News, Hearst Argyle’s WMUR-TV and Facebook will host back-to-back Democratic and
Republican Presidential debates in New Hampshire on Saturday January 5. With the country focused on
the upcoming New Hampshire Primary and the Iowa Caucuses just concluded, the two 90-minute
debates will air in primetime on national television starting at 7:00 p.m., ET/PT on the ABC Television
Network.

Both debates will be held on the campus of Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New
Hampshire. ABC News Anchor Charles Gibson will moderate and will be joined in the questioning by
WMUR Anchor and Political Director Scott Spradling. Before, after and during the debates, Facebook
users will be able to participate in Debate Groups, providing a companion to the televised debates.

“Coming on the heels of the Iowa Caucuses, these back-to-back primetime events will let voters
in New Hampshire and throughout the country see the candidates challenge each other at a moment in
the campaign when the stakes couldn’t be higher,” said ABC News President David Westin.

“WMUR is proud of its tradition of informing New Hampshire voters,” said WMUR President
and General Manager Jeffrey Bartlett. “We're excited to once again produce these important debates,
Bartlett added.”

The first 90-minute debate will air beginning at 7:00 p.m., ET/PT, followed immediately by the
second debate, with a break in between only to re-set the stage. The order of the debates will be
decided by a coin toss.

and the ratings for last night...

The NFL helped two networks on Sunday, with NBC scoring a narrow victory thanks to its showcase of the unbeaten New England Patriots.

CBS led the night in households with a 9.8/15, but NBC, 9.6/15, grabbed the top spot in total viewers (15.57 million to CBS' 15.39 million). ABC was a solid third at 8.7/13. FOX came in fourth with a 4.7/7, and The CW drew a barely-there 0.8/1.

NBC also won the adults 18-49 demographic with a 6.0 rating. ABC finished second with a 5.0, topping CBS' 4.3 and FOX's 3.6. The CW drew negligible numbers.

Late-ending NFL games scored a 13.5/21 for CBS at 7 p.m. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" drew a 6.1/10 for ABC, while NBC came in third with "Football Night in America," 4.6/7. A pair of "Simpsons" repeats averaged 3.5/5 for FOX. The CW went with "CW Now" and an "Aliens in America" rerun.

NBC's "Sunday Night Football" telecast, featuring the Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles, earned a 9.9/15 at 8 p.m. CBS' "60 Minutes" tied for the lead in households and was second in viewers, holding off a second hour of "EM: Home Edition," 8.5/13, on ABC. A new "Simpsons," 5.3/8, and "King of the Hill," 5.1/7, kept FOX in fourth. The CW aired a "Life Is Wild" rerun.

The Patriots-Eagles game improved to an 11.8/17 at 9 p.m. to keep NBC on top. "Desperate Housewives" was right behind, posting an 11.6/17 for ABC. CBS dropped one spot to third with "The Amazing Race," 7.6/11. "Family Guy" and "American Dad" held steady for FOX, while an "America's Next Top Model" rerun came in at 1.0/1 for The CW.

At 10 p.m., "Sunday Night Football" delivered its best hour of the night with a 12.3/20. ABC's "Brothers & Sisters," 8.4/14, was second, beating out "Cold Case," 8.1/13, on CBS.

[lurkey]

NBC GIVES PICKUPS TO PROMISING FRESHMAN DRAMAS 'CHUCK' AND 'LIFE' FOR NINE EPISODES TO COMPLETE 2007-08 SEASON

Released by NBC
[NOTE: The following article is a press release issued by the aforementioned network and/or company. Any errors, typos, etc. are attributed to the original author. The release is reproduced solely for the dissemination of the enclosed information.]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



BURBANK -- November 26, 2007 -- NBC has picked up the freshman dramas "Chuck" (Mondays, 8-9 p.m. ET) and "Life" (Wednesdays, 10-11 p.m. ET) for nine more episodes -- or the balance of the 2007-08 season -- it was announced today by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.

"'Chuck' and 'Life' stand out in a crowded TV landscape because they are smart, well-produced series with incredibly talented casts," said Silverman. "Both shows are hitting their stride creatively, have developed loyal audiences and offer unlimited potential to grow throughout the season."

"Chuck" is averaging a 3.4 rating, 9 share in adults 18-49 and 8.4 million viewers overall this season. "Chuck" has been delivering competitive results in the Monday 8-9 p.m. (ET) slot and has increased its adult 18-49 rating from half-hour to half-hour with each of its nine Monday telecasts to date. "Chuck's" average 3.1 rating in adults 18-49 for the November sweep has kept NBC on pace with its rating in the time period during last May's sweep with "Deal or No Deal."

"Life" is averaging a 3.0 rating, 9 share in adults 18-49 and 8.0 million viewers overall for the season to date. With its November 14 telecast, "Life" retained its full adult 18-49 lead-in from "Bionic Woman" for the first time and attracted its biggest overall audience in four weeks. Season to date, "Life" is winning its competitive time period among men 18-34 opposite CBS's "CSI: Miami" and ABC's "Dirty Sexy Money."