tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post7417085080814558552..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: Dan Harmon's firing: My takeBy Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-3616894856852507852013-02-21T07:50:16.659-08:002013-02-21T07:50:16.659-08:00NBC don't believe in community. This issue mus...NBC don't believe in community. This issue must be investigate well.San Antonio Water Softenerhttp://www.aquamanwater.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-66905854421509612142012-10-13T10:08:25.548-07:002012-10-13T10:08:25.548-07:00They made the right decision though. He personally...They made the right decision though. He personally admitted that he would have fired himself.cproductreviews.comhttp://www.cproductreviews.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-60499471640909840012012-10-09T13:57:41.956-07:002012-10-09T13:57:41.956-07:00It's a shame that this is what the industry ha...It's a shame that this is what the industry has come to. I wish Dan Harmon the best, he has created art that will outlive him and us, and will be appreciated by anyone that has internet connection. He might possibly be our new Joss Whedon.<br /><br />As for NBC and Sony, NBC is going to pay for all the pain they put their employees in. It's a shame.<br /><br />I just hope this doesn't end the show, I want my 6 Seasons and a Movie.Arihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581788352662753405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-87045052766877958602012-08-18T11:37:40.643-07:002012-08-18T11:37:40.643-07:00"Yes, your fanboys rally around you and you’r..."Yes, your fanboys rally around you and you’re a media martyr, but they’re not the people who can say “yes” to your next project. They can’t make the decisions that will shape your career. "<br /><br />Regarding Ken's thought above, here's an interesting footnote to consider: The model may be shifting. Dan and some other creatives (Charlie Kaufman, Dino Stamatopoulos) have raised almost $300k to make a stop-motion film via the fund raising site Kickstarter. Crowdsourced funding is the fanboys saying "yes" with their own money. Will the project be profitable? Maybe, but it doesn't need to be. The fanboys don't answer to stockholders; they've contributed and aside from whatever tchotchkees they receive, there is no expected return on investment, other than patronizing artists they believe in. Crowdsourced funding may not reach the critical mass to bankrupt the studios, but it's nice to see Harmon doing what he does best, whether or not anyone in a suit thinks it's a good idea.<br /><br />http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/anomalisa/charlie-kaufmans-anomalisa<br /><br />PS - Love the blog, Ken.Gabe Uhrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16126359803190445835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-39196787705219845942012-07-18T09:10:39.791-07:002012-07-18T09:10:39.791-07:00Just a relevant update:
"If you think Dan...Just a relevant update:<br /><br />"If you think Dan's great, mortgage your house (ha ha! j/k you have no house), mortgage your parents house, and give him the money to make an independent film that will make you all rich."<br /><br />As I said, that isn't how things are done these days. Dan Harmon is producing Charlie Kaufman's next project. I sent them $100 through Kickstarter. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/anomalisa/charlie-kaufmans-anomalisanerkulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04927301561819474314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-56949852813108011752012-06-15T20:52:05.269-07:002012-06-15T20:52:05.269-07:00I like this when the "expert opinion" co...I like this when the "expert opinion" complements things i imagined. Tends to make me sense consequently intelligent. Many thanks, Ken.Polo factory storehttp://www.2012ralphlaurenstore.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-10540421055793731722012-06-07T12:50:56.381-07:002012-06-07T12:50:56.381-07:00Jeffrey Mark: Sorry for the late response. Just ...Jeffrey Mark: Sorry for the late response. Just saw you now. I didn't meant to say that Seinfeld didn't have good episodes prior to Season 4. However, it did not gain mainstream popularity and large network support (and consequently commercial success) until Season 4.Clayburn Griffinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10761616189927206084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-53181564754326243672012-06-02T22:52:13.231-07:002012-06-02T22:52:13.231-07:00I'd like to thank you for the efforts you have...I'd like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this site. I really hope to see the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own, personal website now ;)sport livehttp://sportsfunia.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-63665521520032112602012-05-25T18:33:55.239-07:002012-05-25T18:33:55.239-07:00That's an interesting point. I thought Donald ...That's an interesting point. I thought Donald Glover was the worst actor ever during most of the first season. He's not a character actor, he doesn't have the acting chops to pull off the role of a football player to save his life.<br /><br />Glover is a metrosexual black guy, and that's all he's going to be able to play. <br /><br />Once, I guess, the writers figured this out, they started writing him as a nerd, which was a lateral move on the metrosexual archetype. That is, Donald is still "nerdy," except instead of being nerdy about plucking his eyebrows, his character is nerdy about video games. <br /><br />From then on, Donald was off to the races. <br /><br />Chevy seemed to have the same problem as Donald, but the writers, for whatever reason, wouldn't adjust the character to fit Chevy's strengths. He's always been a bumbling leading man character, and they kept him as a drug addict on the show, and didn't even do that very well. <br /><br />"Jim" from "Taxi" was a drug addict who was funny, and interesting. He's what you'd call a "three dimensional character." Pierce was just a lot of shitty writing, with no shame. Also, the role of Jim was given to a very talented character actor. Chevy isn't really a character actor, but they tried to force him into it.<br /><br />Bad decision that eventually blew up in the show runner's face, I'm afraid. I always suspected the "writing" for Chevy's character was used as punishment for whatever shenanigans Chevy may have pulled on the set. If so, that was a terrible decision. You don't write shittily to punish one of the actors, and you can't "write around" some actor you don't like for long. That's not the way to manage a show. It brings the whole show down, as we've seen.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-89968639328785676832012-05-25T13:56:50.425-07:002012-05-25T13:56:50.425-07:00What's funny to me is that I have been a very ...What's funny to me is that I have been a very loyal viewer and been totally in love with this show from the beginning. However, based on getting my heart broken before over Sports Night and Firefly, I tend not to "look behind the curtain" too much these days (unless it's Sorking or Whedon). So I have been completely oblivious to all the goings-on with the show. Having said that, I've always wondered about Chase's character. The character feels unnecessary and poorly acted. It's interesting to find out that the actor at least was not the "best" choice for the character. I wonder if the character as a whole was forced onto the show or if the character has been minimalized because an unwanted actor filled the role.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-91232399760705769932012-05-25T07:13:35.899-07:002012-05-25T07:13:35.899-07:00You guys do realize that there was a new page put ...You guys do realize that there was a new page put up on Thursday by Mr. Levine on this discussion?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-4519375743368829562012-05-25T05:46:18.149-07:002012-05-25T05:46:18.149-07:00Silverman couldn't work with him because it wa...Silverman couldn't work with him because it was her show, she needed to be the boss, and Dan can't take orders. That's all. They totally respect each other.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-49176672735036428792012-05-24T22:55:36.464-07:002012-05-24T22:55:36.464-07:00- Allegedly, Dan Harmon, in the first season of th...- Allegedly, Dan Harmon, in the first season of the show he co-created, "The Sarah Silverman Show, was fired by Sarah Silverman because, according to Silverman, he was "crazy."<br /><br />This is akin to Charles Manson kicking you out of his family because he felt you were too "stabby."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-16236953464067858242012-05-24T22:07:33.965-07:002012-05-24T22:07:33.965-07:00Remember all those interviews, and stories, about ...Remember all those interviews, and stories, about what a female friendly writer's room Community has.<br /><br />It's because Dan Harmon was using it as a dating pool.<br /><br />Dan Harmon passed out drunk on the writers room floor.<br /><br />Dan Harmon kept a large bottle of Vodka on his desk.<br /><br />Dan Harmon tweeted about being drunk, and hallucinating, WHILE AT WORK.<br /><br />Dan Harmon turned in scripts Thursday for an episode that started shooting on monday.<br /><br />Not denying that he had an interesting vision and that Community is his brain child, but he wasn't able to be a good task master and keep himself and the writers on a schedule. The Show runner is a CEO of a $60 million TV show, and he wasn't able to manage his time, meaning the production suffered for it.<br /><br />Dan Harmon shouldn't have been show runner after season one. They gave him two extra chances.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-22516877164613713512012-05-24T13:47:08.366-07:002012-05-24T13:47:08.366-07:00I still haven't seen Community, so can't c...I still haven't seen Community, so can't comment directly on it or Harmonm but I can speak a little to Chevy Chase and Joss Whedon. First, Chase has been known as a jerk for a while; he was basically playing himself on SNL when he was doing his smarmy snob character, ditto for Caddyshack, and he picked a fight with his SNL replacement, Bill Murray, when he came back to host the show after leaving the first season, purely out of insecurity because of Murray's breakout popularity. (That made for some awkward moments when they did Caddyshack; apparently Harold Ramis had to twist their arms to get them to do a single scene together.) <br /><br />Also, WRT Joss Whedon: People who see the success of Avengers as some sort of huge vindication of Whedon (including Whedon himself) should remember that Marvel kept him on a pretty tight leash, as they had some pretty definite ideas about what they wanted to do with the characters (one of the reasons why Jon Favreau, Edward Norton, and Kenneth Branagh aren't signing up for more films). Plus, of course, he benefited greatly from those previous efforts. As much as his fans like to think of him as the great geek auteur, it might be worth remembering the success of this film vs. his own more personal projects.Halloween Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11384379626872143033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-82474705635938196892012-05-24T12:20:27.591-07:002012-05-24T12:20:27.591-07:00What does that even mean?What does that even mean?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-60534252878768018772012-05-24T12:08:24.446-07:002012-05-24T12:08:24.446-07:00@BurnThis
I don't think that is what's be...@BurnThis<br /><br />I don't think that is what's being debated here. I think it's the fact that the creator of the show was axed and then they said "Hey we're going to cancel it after you're gone." It was almost like they said we'll finish the show the way we want it and you can watch from the sidelines. I'm not saying that is what's going to happen, but without Dan in the driver's seat it could be any finish. And worse than that, if they write it with an actual series finale in mind it will really screw up the possibility of a reincarnation on another station. Sure Hollywood is cut-throat and dog eat dog, we've heard that before. But in general I think the consensus is despite the low ratings, NBC probably messed something up along the way to prevent this show from really gaining widespread notoriety (I think little to no ads killed it, I didn't find out about it the second part of season 3 aired). Now I'm a die hard fan too. I have a Troy and Abed in the Morning Mug even. And as the sentiment is here - you have a genuinely funny, creative and fresh idea person who's getting ousted even with a three year old show. What does that say to aspiring writers? <br /><br />Abed would probably say this is the second darkest timeline.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-49245054644281889162012-05-24T08:40:14.616-07:002012-05-24T08:40:14.616-07:00We're Cool. Cool cool cool. ;)
LOL Just to cl...We're Cool. Cool cool cool. ;)<br /><br />LOL Just to clarify I didn't make the "gross masturbating and house selling and stuff comments." I thought that was way out of line to. Makes you wonder where that hate came from. Maybe it was just a troll trying to get a rise? I don't believe any of the well esteemed writers who follow this blog would write that.<br /><br />Anyway all, have a nice day and thank you for letting me participate in this blog discussion. :)Piliocolobusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-14241497328409320542012-05-24T07:52:18.132-07:002012-05-24T07:52:18.132-07:00This is the anon from the over 40 comment.
Awwww,...This is the anon from the over 40 comment.<br /><br />Awwww, I'm so sorry Piliocolobus. I was trying to be flippant, lol. Did not mean it to come out like a diss. I meant more the over 40 execs who've been so used to a certain way of doing business they may still find the idea of celebrity show runners a fad. Wasn't referring to over 40 viewers.<br /><br />And yes I found out who Ken Levine and Karen Hall are right after I found out about the existence of "cheers" and "MASH," which are both great shows, FROM community. Before that I'd never heard of the shows.<br /><br />As far as the gross masturbating and house selling and stuff comments: Grow up. After a certain age, comebacks like that are just pathetic.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-13425221510590005222012-05-24T00:10:23.008-07:002012-05-24T00:10:23.008-07:00I must admit I've seen some Australian movies ...I must admit I've seen some Australian movies made like that. (The Tunnel & The Reef) No kidding. For independent films they were AWESOME!!!!! In fact, they were a LOT better than the main stream films with BIG bucks.<br /><br />That being said, someone spoke of international shows.... We're not just talking Monty Python's Flying Circus and Doctor Who here any more..... Anyone seen Primeval from the UK....., Downton Abbey???? And that's just to name a couple. Personally I LOVE the Australian shows. Heck... We are stealing ideas from THEM now. (Wilfred)<br /><br />Anyway I must admit. There IS a LOT to chose from now.<br /><br />So..., as a 40 and above something please don't be dissing our capabilities to be in the NOW and get around the world or should I say WWW. Yes. The internet and international media has a LOT to offer.Piliocolobusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-19096851695125059082012-05-23T21:52:23.178-07:002012-05-23T21:52:23.178-07:00I don't need to sell my house. I just said: we...I don't need to sell my house. I just said: we're entering a post-studio age. Whedon had a huge cult following and then made Dr Horrible with his own money, let everyone see it for free, and then the DVD made ridiculous profits. Louis CK had a huge cult following and then produced a video with his own money, and it made ridiculous profits. Dan Harmon is on his way to having a huge cult following...<br /><br />It sounds revolutionary because we're used to assuming that viewers wouldn't pay directly for television - because television has traditionally been watered-down shit in service of advertisers. Cable changed that, the internet is obliterating it.nerkulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04927301561819474314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-54272544323961790692012-05-23T21:02:50.264-07:002012-05-23T21:02:50.264-07:00"But Dan Harmon in three seasons came very cl..."But Dan Harmon in three seasons came very close.<br /><br />Easy to say when you're not the one bankrolling him. A major part of the game is to get enough of an audience so that the backers make money.<br />If they don't make enough money, you're officially fucking with them. You wrote them a "bad check," so they close out your account and move on.<br />If you think Dan's great, mortgage your house (ha ha! j/k you have no house), mortgage your parents house, and give him the money to make an independent film that will make you all rich.<br />You're not gonna to do that? Look at you! You're a money-grubbing suit, who hates art! Aren't you somethin'?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-34641702071192522232012-05-23T20:19:21.746-07:002012-05-23T20:19:21.746-07:00If Dan Harmon isn't God it's because there...If Dan Harmon isn't God it's because there's only one God, ma'am, and I'm pretty sure he dresses like Joss Whedon. But Dan Harmon in three seasons came very close. I think we're entering a post-studio age, and we're already in a post-network age. Genius creators with their own devoted following connecting directly to their audience. Dan worked out that you could make Community for $5 per fan per episode, and that was just considering the known US viewership. <br /><br />Soon we'll be feeling bad for the politically astute non-genius showrunners. Their jobs won't exist any more. A direct connection to your audience will be everything.nerkulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04927301561819474314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-90546848538698261872012-05-23T20:15:27.001-07:002012-05-23T20:15:27.001-07:00Doesn't it stand to reason that for every &quo...Doesn't it stand to reason that for every "asshole" showrunner like Harmon there's at least one sane one like Ken? If all else is equal, why pick the troublemaker when you can just go with the guy who lets you sleep at night?<br /><br />WV: "noriesi prehef"--Young girl destined to become a Playmate.cadavranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-189970077767097112012-05-23T18:45:11.149-07:002012-05-23T18:45:11.149-07:00And this post is just rude.And this post is just rude.Piliocolobusnoreply@blogger.com