tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post116275073886574174..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: Borat and the state of televisionBy Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1163090179503165612006-11-09T08:36:00.000-08:002006-11-09T08:36:00.000-08:00As a currently working studio executive, it is imp...As a currently working studio executive, it is important for you to realize that I know who all of you are - anonymous or otherwise - and you will all pay!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162961891488843822006-11-07T20:58:00.000-08:002006-11-07T20:58:00.000-08:00Meant to add, outside of the Daily Show and Real T...Meant to add, outside of the Daily Show and Real Time - but these aren't sitcoms - the best comedy continues to be delivered by the Brits. R. Gervais' show Extras is hilarious. Little Britain is chock full of likeable funny characters, most notably Lou and Andy. Steve Coogan, creator of Alan Partridge and the delicious Coogan's Run, recently invented another delight called Saxondale about an ex-roadie turned pest controller. <BR/><BR/>I can't bring myself to watch the American version of The Office because the original spoiled me rotten. <BR/><BR/>Bodies is another gem that I hope returns to BBC soon.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162960862471047332006-11-07T20:41:00.000-08:002006-11-07T20:41:00.000-08:00I'm enjoying Everybody Hates Chris, but think the ...I'm enjoying Everybody Hates Chris, but think the first season was much better than the second.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162935499031291392006-11-07T13:38:00.000-08:002006-11-07T13:38:00.000-08:00Sing it, Kenny.Sing it, Kenny.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162932593988880952006-11-07T12:49:00.000-08:002006-11-07T12:49:00.000-08:00Re: Tina Fey - As long as someone is talented and ...Re: Tina Fey - As long as someone is talented and funny, there's nothing wrong with them not knowing the form. Larry David didn't know the form when he started Seinfeld. Ricky Gervais had never written a show before The Office. It may lead to them bringing in something new and interesting.Kennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02125259992970822694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162925317761163232006-11-07T10:48:00.000-08:002006-11-07T10:48:00.000-08:00If you want to know what it would look like if Bor...If you want to know what it would look like if Borat was on network TV, you'll probably want to check out The Papdits. It was a pilot from the same producers. Looks like CBS is going to stream it on Innertube.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162908662535750052006-11-07T06:11:00.000-08:002006-11-07T06:11:00.000-08:00To Anonymous:You said, "You seem to be under the f...To Anonymous:<BR/><BR/>You said, "You seem to be under the false impression that network executives prime directive is to entertain people. Their mission is much simpler, to make money."<BR/><BR/>Wrong. Their mission, and their SOLE mission, is keep the jobs they are unqualified for so that they can get promoted to the next job they will be even MORE unqualified for. If they were truly making decisisions based on "making money" they wouldn't be putting their own personal fingerprints on every pilot script. Trust me, they are morons. Arrogant, stupid, unqualifed morons.<BR/>But they are VERY good at moving up the ranks and getting promoted by their morons bosses, who also take great pains to weed out anyone who has anything at all on the ball, because then THAT person would be a threat to their own jobs. So basically, at the network and studios, you're dealing with Moron # 1, the head of the department, and then a gaggle of Morons # 2's, the minions that are waiting to become Moron # 1's. Save your defense for someone truly deserving of it, like a heartless killer or disgusting pedophile. Don't waste it on studio or network execs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162880748313785192006-11-06T22:25:00.001-08:002006-11-06T22:25:00.001-08:00I just want to add to my above post that I/we were...I just want to add to my above post that I/we weren't only looking for "new writers." Any good script was a reason to be excited, but bringing someone new to the attention of the execs was a rare treat. This company, which shall remain nameless, actually had a couple of smart/aware execs who often gave very good notes. But, absolutely every single person in the office was fired a few weeks ago due to the corporate overlord's desire for "restructuring." Perhaps it was the Evil Hollywood Gods way of eliminating a few decent people.<BR/><BR/>I've also been on the other end during my one experience writing for a studio. The notes were broad an vague. My partner and I were told at one meeting to make the script more like "Men In Black," which we sorta understood, but at the next note session the new model was "Daddy Day Care." I still can't figure what our script had in common with "Daddy Day Care."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162880702454197472006-11-06T22:25:00.000-08:002006-11-06T22:25:00.000-08:00You seem to be under the false impression that net...You seem to be under the false impression that network executives prime directive is to entertain people. Their mission is much simpler, to make money. The sad reality of that is they must cater to the lowest common denominator... you know, the <I>Jerry Springer</I> watching imbeciles who think <I>Jackass 2</I> is high art. Oh, and they can't try anything too provocative because god forbid they offend some vocal minority by being politically incorrect or religiously intolerant.<BR/><BR/>And by the way, there's some great programming on 'free' television, it's called PBS and they get crap ratings and would be extinct in a year if not for donations, federal funding and corporate sponsorships.<BR/><BR/>To Fox's credit they <I>have</I> tried some of the more innovative, quirky comedies in recent years (Greg the Bunny, Arrested Development) and got critical praise and low ratings for their effort. I think <I>The War At Home</I> is their attempt to punish the viewing public for not patronizing their quality shows (how else to explain it's presence on the schedule?)<BR/><BR/>I think the sad truth is that the mediocrity of network television, a good portion of which is imposed on networks by FCC regulations and public pressure, has institutionalized the shit-com.<BR/><BR/>All the good talent has fled to cable where they can work in relative freedom and the networks have more modest ratings expectations and are more open to trying something different.<BR/><BR/>Presumably some network will get desperate enough to try something edgy in the future and the next <I>Seinfeld</I> will be born. But market forces, market fragmentation and competition from cable make it increasingly difficult.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162879349901199502006-11-06T22:02:00.000-08:002006-11-06T22:02:00.000-08:00Wow, as a young (well, in this town, youngish) wri...Wow, as a young (well, in this town, youngish) writer with just a few minor paying jobs under my belt, I find this entire stream insightful yet extremely depressing. At least it doesn't shake my desire to push ahead in the business.<BR/><BR/>And to the poster above -- I spent several years reading for a film company and every single time I sat down I took to writer's effort into consideration and read every page... even when the script was god-awful (and most were pretty bad). I've always hated that people consider readers bitter failed writers who want to trash everything, when in fact many of us know we have to spend at least an hour reading a script (and a couple more writing up the coverage ) and hope that time is well spent. Maybe myself and the other primary reader at the company were exceptions, but we were always excited to find a good script by a new writer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162876059241379122006-11-06T21:07:00.000-08:002006-11-06T21:07:00.000-08:00Years ago, I wrote and optioned my first screenpla...Years ago, I wrote and optioned my first screenplay. It was "The Last Four Minutes" about a woman becoming the first woman to run a mile in less than four minutes. <BR/><BR/>One producer wanted me to "up the stakes" , give her cancer. " She has to make history before she dies."<BR/><BR/>Where do they find these Horse's Asses?<BR/><BR/>We had a director and financiers lined up -- then out came Robert Town's Personal Best. I got in line with a bunch of dykes for the first showing in Westwood. <BR/><BR/>When I came out I knew my movie was dead. 9And the world will never get to see a magnificent Greyhound named Nero ( a major character in the screenplay. )<BR/><BR/>Personal Best sucked. The money people pulled out. If timing isn't everything - it's godamn close to it.<BR/><BR/>Of course, no woman has ever run four minutes - even on drugs. The Chinese can't run as fast as they did years ago because the drug testing got better. <BR/><BR/>(Americans are the best at dodging drug tests. Just look at our best female sprinters in the past twenty years.)<BR/><BR/>I coached three Olympic athletes in the early '70s. (As David Pearson). After I quit, the best compliment I ever got from a rival coach was, "They did that without steriods!" <BR/><BR/>Proably most of you writer's have seen some of your 'coverage'. Someone slipped me the Disney coverage of a piece called "Sam and Danny". <BR/><BR/>The someone commented, "The three things the reader knocked on the screenplay: Funny, warm family stuff, and hardcore action - which of the three does the writer want write about?" kinda describes "Lethal Weapon" ( a movie he worked on) "and we all know what a financial failure that was."<BR/><BR/>I don't think Execs are any more moronic than many so-called Readers (make that skimmers.) Overheard one boasting she could read a 120 pager in 15 minutes...hey, and not miss a nuance.<BR/><BR/>The fucking gate keepers are under twenty!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162875168964948582006-11-06T20:52:00.000-08:002006-11-06T20:52:00.000-08:00Um, if 'Sienfeld' premiered today it wouldn't last...Um, if 'Sienfeld' premiered today it wouldn't last three weeks. And while I agree the state of TV comedy needs fixing, do we need to be knocking Paula Marshall? I think not.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162857510322164032006-11-06T15:58:00.000-08:002006-11-06T15:58:00.000-08:00Personally, I think network and studio execs are c...Personally, I think network and studio execs are completely oblivious to how writers feel about them. And that is partly because we, the writers, can't ever say it to them out loud, or we can kiss our development deals, pilot scripts and staff work goodbye... but mainly, because they are so arrogant and cock-sure of themselves and their place in show business. I wish they did know how we ridicule them behind their backs, and truly look at them as being about as necessary to the production of a sitcom as that pack of Nabisco Fig Newtons in the snack room. Wait, I take that back... the Fig Newtons actually DO have a function, they give the writers energy. The execs merely sap it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162856486171246162006-11-06T15:41:00.000-08:002006-11-06T15:41:00.000-08:00Do the network and studio execs know or recognize ...Do the network and studio execs know or recognize this level of criticism? Or are they simply blind to it? It reminds me of the time I was joking with my agent about how much showrunners hated getting calls from agents, thinking he was completely aware of it. He got this hurt look on his face and said, "Wh-what do you mean?" He allowed he thought agents were considered very helpful expediters in the staffing process.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162856445542718382006-11-06T15:40:00.000-08:002006-11-06T15:40:00.000-08:00To those of you who haven't seen BORAT but who, fr...To those of you who haven't seen BORAT but who, from seeing him in TV interviews and "Long clips" don't think it looks very funny, I was just like you until I saw it. Most comedy films promote themselves by showing the funniest moments in trailers, clips and ads. Not BORAT. It CAN'T. The funniest stuff is UNAIRABLE on American TV. But trust me, it is HILARIOUS! When Borat chases Amazat into the elevator, your jaw will hit the floor, but you will laugh. and if you don't; check your pulse, because you've died.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162852060380271012006-11-06T14:27:00.000-08:002006-11-06T14:27:00.000-08:00I totally agree. Perhaps, with Borat, there is a g...I totally agree. Perhaps, with Borat, there is a glimmer of hope.Mileshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11039669729545942514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162851656059570482006-11-06T14:20:00.000-08:002006-11-06T14:20:00.000-08:00I think "sad" would be a better description about ...I think "sad" would be a better description about how I feel about the state of TV comedy, Miles. And I am sorry if you thought my earlier post was directed at you, it truly was not. I even felt conflicted writing it to the anonymous person I was responding to, as I think that person was truly trying to admit the problem is as bad as several of us have alleged. <BR/><BR/>I have had a lot of fun, had some amazing experiences, worked with some incredibly talented writers and actors and directors and made a lot of money over the years just writing funny stuff, but it is so different now. The execs take all of the joy out of what should be the best job in the world, making people laugh. And shame on them for having done that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162850742183651922006-11-06T14:05:00.000-08:002006-11-06T14:05:00.000-08:00HaHa. Well, it seemed as though you did reference ...HaHa. Well, it seemed as though you did reference something I said. My bad. Regardless, you do seem, I don't know, unhappy...Mileshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11039669729545942514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162850128998061992006-11-06T13:55:00.000-08:002006-11-06T13:55:00.000-08:00To Miles. It should have been obvious that I was ...To Miles. It should have been obvious that I was responding to the post above yours. I didn't reference one thing you said in your post, and ONLY referenced what the previous poster said. So... "The World Revolves Around YOU", party of one, YOUR table is ready.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162847498781536152006-11-06T13:11:00.000-08:002006-11-06T13:11:00.000-08:00Interesting personal attack. For the record, I am...Interesting personal attack. For the record, I am neither a studio or network executive nor am I an executive producer or a comedy writer.<BR/><BR/>In a perfect world, it would be great to allow the funniest comedy writers to create the funniest sitcoms.<BR/><BR/>Unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world. <BR/><BR/>Now, Bitter, Party of One, your table is ready.Mileshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11039669729545942514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162846020923037172006-11-06T12:47:00.000-08:002006-11-06T12:47:00.000-08:00Sorry. There IS no good studio or network exec no...Sorry. There IS no good studio or network exec nor is there any such thing as a good n/w exec producer. They are all unnecessary obstacles to the job at hand, producing a funny sitcom. It's that simple and it may not be polite to say so, but it's a fact. A complete fact with NO exceptions. Sorry. If you want to be in the writing business, be a WRITER. Put in the time to learn the craft, deal with the rejections, and write, write write! But don't kid yourself or anyone else into thinking you are in any way an important part of the process. You are not. You are a hinderance. You sound like a nice person and I feel awful saying that to you, but it is true.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162845944543362552006-11-06T12:45:00.000-08:002006-11-06T12:45:00.000-08:00Regarding Tina Fey, you're right. she is funny, bu...Regarding Tina Fey, you're right. she is funny, but she doesn't know how to write a sitcom. Bring in a seasoned funny writer and let him/her lead the way. She will learn.<BR/><BR/>As for the concept of hiring funny people and allowing them to be funny. Here Here! I wouldn't count on it, though.<BR/><BR/>Funny thing is I am the stepson of longtime comedy writer (now passed away) and when I went away to school, I argued in all my TV and Film classes that it was always about the craft. Well, it's not. It's about the business. Studios/networks will almost always go with the lowest risk venture. <BR/><BR/>In the case of comedy development, that means sticking with people who you have worked with before and/or who have been assocated with success. They just don't look for funny first. <BR/><BR/>It was a hard lesson to learn, but I learned it and never have forgotten it.Mileshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11039669729545942514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162840594080863192006-11-06T11:16:00.000-08:002006-11-06T11:16:00.000-08:00Having once worked at a network, I couldn't agree ...Having once worked at a network, I couldn't agree more with everyone's complaints. <BR/><BR/>I never bought into justifying my presence by coming up with something - anything - to say about material. Often, I would be the only dissenting voice in the room saying - "This doesn't need any notes," or "That's unnecessary," only to be ignored by a bunch of suits with disapproving looks on their faces.<BR/><BR/>The culture of "failing up" in television's executive ranks (see: Zucker, Jeff) is deadly, be it due to nepotism, comfort, or plain old bad judgement in hiring. I've watched it literally dozens of times, at all levels of development. It's awful, disheartening, frustrating, and distructive, but it is the system and the system is slow to change (see: Season, Fall Premiere). <BR/><BR/>I will say that there are a few "good ones" out there, for whom the material comes before ego. Find them and find a way to keep working with them. Who knows, down the road they may be a worthy N/W producer, who fights against the network for the integrity of your next project.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162837609260051292006-11-06T10:26:00.000-08:002006-11-06T10:26:00.000-08:00A week ago I was at a dinner and I ran into a form...A week ago I was at a dinner and I ran into a former studio executive who got out of the business to save her sanity. She was the executive on a show I was a writer on and as such, I was forced, several years prior, to listen to her notes every week. They were vague, lame, and they contained all the buzzwords they learned along the way to becoming an executive. <BR/><BR/>She told me she left the position because she knew just how much of what she was offering in the way of "helpful" notes was utter crap.<BR/><BR/>"I've never been around a group of people who were paid so much to do such a meaningless, unnecessary job," she said about her cohorts at the studio. "When we would meet to discuss a script, we knew we were simply trying to justify our jobs. And so we would just try and come up with anything to tell the writers, whether it helped or not."<BR/><BR/>Among the writers I've worked with, this has always been the complaint, but I'd never heard it actually corroborated. Hearing it from her was like scratching an itch, but an itch you know will NEVER go away.<BR/><BR/>Worse, of course, is the fact that it's not just the studio, but also the network that feels the need to take its turn with the clay sculpture the writer created. By the end, what was once a unique, nuanced figure with interesting fingerprints and pockmarks and fascinating gnarled curves and edges is a bowling ball. Without the holes.<BR/><BR/>And lest I forget, there are the non-writing executive producers. Can we please get some legislation to regulate the number of these parasites? I was on a show where there were two NWEPs. They showed up twice a week at the writers' offices, ate a box of Fudge Stripe cookies, told us to up the stakes, then went out, got in their Carerras and drove to the bank to deposit money that could have been used to hire a couple more writers; there are so many talented, hard-working writers who are just trying to keep the wolves away from the door. I sincerely hope that someone can expose and eliminate this fraud.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1162837203816704272006-11-06T10:20:00.000-08:002006-11-06T10:20:00.000-08:00I haven't seen BORAT the film yet, but I have seen...I haven't seen BORAT the film yet, but I have seen Cohen everywhere promoting it and, I hate to be oppositional, but he has yet to make me laugh. To me, it's a one-joke premise that is not funny. I will see the film and maybe my thoughts will change, but so far, I don't get it. And I have written comedy and write it now. But then Tim Allen never made me laugh and Ray Romano is one of the unfunniest people I have ever met (and I interviewed the guy and he KNEW he was dreadful!)<BR/>I'll take The Garry Shandling Show ... Larry David ... Newhart ... The MTM Show ...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com