tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post41427247889375385..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: My thoughts on the pilot season so far (one month into it)By Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-60776666125724854342011-09-07T08:31:34.418-07:002011-09-07T08:31:34.418-07:00In all these complaints about the networks, though...In all these complaints about the networks, though, there's the counter-example of the Kings, who have apparently been advised very well by CBS (which they've said interviews recommended among other things that instead of placing the big Kalinda reveal mid-season 1 they give the relationships time to develop and delay it until later - end season 2 - when it would have far greater impact.<br /><br />wgWendy M. Grossmanhttp://www.pelicancrossing.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-66593295317937724982011-09-07T00:59:13.657-07:002011-09-07T00:59:13.657-07:00Zack, not sure what Ken would say, but this is a p...Zack, not sure what Ken would say, but this is a pretty good resource that is user-friendly:<br />http://www.thefutoncritic.com/devwatch/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-22356273990974655182011-09-06T16:50:24.272-07:002011-09-06T16:50:24.272-07:00Kevin: The exec would probably just say, "I k...Kevin: The exec would probably just say, "I know this didn't turn out well, but can you imagine how bad it would've been WITHOUT my notes?" :)jbryantnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-10343405351841299092011-09-06T15:42:11.853-07:002011-09-06T15:42:11.853-07:00It seems to me that there's a job with less se...It seems to me that there's a job with less security than being a writer, and that's being a network executive.<br /><br />How long does a studio or network president last in the job anyway? As far as I know, they only last long enough for a project to flop.Eduardo Jencarellihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14393598179614372710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-11304498684067590952011-09-06T15:31:00.630-07:002011-09-06T15:31:00.630-07:00What's the argument for NOT having culpability...What's the argument for NOT having culpability, Kevin?Johnny Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13302545167970532080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-63336307583332477722011-09-06T14:44:38.066-07:002011-09-06T14:44:38.066-07:00Friday Question: How do you feel, both personally ...Friday Question: How do you feel, both personally and as a writer, about almost all the shows that NBC just put on a few months ago getting canceled?<br /><br />Also, is there any chance Sorkin will appear again? Thanks!Nic Schweitzernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-7784540126997697052011-09-06T10:28:38.863-07:002011-09-06T10:28:38.863-07:00Ken,
I've asked this question, but it was a w...Ken,<br /><br />I've asked this question, but it was a while ago and I'm not sure if it was answered. Considering today's topic, I thought I'd ask again. Hopefully you can impart some sage advice.<br /><br />I once heard some very comforting and needed advice from "Everybody Loves Raymond" producer, Philip Rosenthal. He said essentially, "Make the show you want to make. They're going to cancel you anyways."<br /><br />I've been both fortunate and unfortunate to have several projects go thought the development process. There are always heated, passionate exchanges that one has during this process. There are compromises (some for the good, some not) but everything is done in the hope of getting a show on the air.<br /><br />If your lucky, you actually end up with something less than what you started with. I know this is the process, and I accept this. What I hate is network executives who give notes (however necessary and well intentioned) but ultimately have no culpability, and thus suffer no repercussion from their "advice" and opinions.<br /><br />Here's my question: "Should exec be culpable?" "Should names be named?"<br /><br />I ask, because I believe that if they had a stake in the process, they might actually make more of an informed opinion.<br /><br />I know I'm dreaming, but what do you want from me? I work in a dream factory.Kevin Rubionoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-35954520549920505022011-09-06T09:06:44.804-07:002011-09-06T09:06:44.804-07:00Where do you go to see the list of pilots that wer...Where do you go to see the list of pilots that were picked up? I would love to get an idea of what premises are catching the networks' eyes.Zacknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-22379979085259290952011-09-06T07:43:19.146-07:002011-09-06T07:43:19.146-07:00Here's one for friday: Why would a writer get ...Here's one for friday: Why would a writer get a consulting producer and a written by credit in the same episode of a show?<br /><br />Mara Brock Akil got it on 1x21 of Cougar Town.Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-33998106238767796952011-09-06T06:47:44.523-07:002011-09-06T06:47:44.523-07:00Someone with vision and power at a network could c...Someone with vision and power at a network could completely turn around the entire system. Grant Tinker in the 80's, etc. Just one person who understands what quality shows (and people) look like and has the power to greenlight material could turn any network into a powerhouse. Problem is, it seems that no one has that kind of power these days. As long as everything at the networks are done by committee, we're going to get the same watered down, lackluster concepts year after year. Same thing for sitcoms. A strong show runner with a vision can also keep a show on track and help protect it from the "helpers" at the network who want to throw in their two cents. I heard a story about how the reason Seinfeld was able to keep its edge and quality during its early years, is that when the network tried to water down the scripts, Jerry said something to the effect of, "I have a very nice career as a stand up comic and I am happy to go back to that if we can't do the show the way we believe it should be done." Without that confidence in what they were doing, Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David could have been screwed around with by nameless "improvers" and never been able to do the stand-out show Seinfeld was. We need to find more individuals (both in creative and decision making) who have the power and guts to stand by their instincts.David Schwartzhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ2W6VoCrSwnoreply@blogger.com