tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post3906397117137012167..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: My thoughts on Mini-roomsBy Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-30646466133235563852018-08-16T01:06:11.913-07:002018-08-16T01:06:11.913-07:00The mini-room might explain how, of the dozens of ...The mini-room might explain how, of the dozens of streamed shows released each month, the vast majority have a promising pilot followed by 6-9 episodes of pure melodrama - by which I mean characters without depth, plot turns without logic, and dialog more dumped than delivered.blogwardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07362291687463326731noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-73072799565027368502018-08-15T16:57:40.957-07:002018-08-15T16:57:40.957-07:00Re: voice actors... Unless you have a regular role...Re: voice actors... Unless you have a regular role in a super-successful animated show, cartoon voice acting is paid scale. Doesn't matter how long you've been in the business or your track record. Rob Paulsen -- one of the most successful voice actors out there who's been working non-stop for 35 years -- has said it's a "volume business." The only way to survive is to take as many scale gigs as you can get and hope that a few will become successes. Even then, you may not make much more than scale for each session, but at least you'll get residuals.Andy Rosenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-24623666833992940892018-08-15T06:25:57.708-07:002018-08-15T06:25:57.708-07:00Janet Ybarra: Yes. To quote William Goldman, "...Janet Ybarra: Yes. To quote William Goldman, "The work may stink, but it always arrives."<br /><br />wgWendy M. Grossmanhttp://www.pelicancrossing.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-75360262980778472212018-08-15T04:17:04.407-07:002018-08-15T04:17:04.407-07:00Joe Blow where did I even speak about "actors...Joe Blow where did I even speak about "actors/actresses taking voice acting jobs" or about "super wealthy actors". Go back and read the question and try to understand what I asked.<br /><br /><br />I am just asking how many roles will they allow voice actors to do?<br /><br />My specific question that followed was about Seth. He simply takes up all the roles. Hardly anything is left for other voice actors.<br /><br />Tednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-49482392245953433042018-08-14T19:18:16.974-07:002018-08-14T19:18:16.974-07:00Corporatism is killing society.Corporatism is killing society.Janet Ybarranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-46981937800605172018-08-14T18:04:31.815-07:002018-08-14T18:04:31.815-07:00Not only that, Ken, but you've got to turn in ...Not only that, Ken, but you've got to turn in said quality script on a deadline, not whenever fancy strikes. To me getting the professional grade writing in on deadline is the mark of a true pro.Janet Ybarranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-29102525414996326932018-08-14T17:39:30.185-07:002018-08-14T17:39:30.185-07:00A brief view of script doctoring: The producer an...A brief view of script doctoring: The producer and director of a feature film have final approval of the script, because they're the ones paying for it and having to make it work on screen. This is specified in the contract a writer signs. Sometimes rewriting screws up a good script, but other times it's necessary to get something viable in production. Some doctors may make strategic changes that don't alter enough of a script for them to get credit under WGA standards. Others work under contracts agreeing to remain anonymous. Still others will wildly mess around with the script in order to take credit for themselves. <br /><br />One time I worked on a horror movie. I kept only the creature and a few murder setpieces, using about 12 pages of the original 139. Another time everyone liked the plot but the writer couldn't handle characters or dialogue to save his life. I wrote a treatment showing how the roles could be humanized and would have worked with the proposed director on a rewrite (if he and the producers had agreed on his salary). Then someone wanted a tie-in in tandem with the launch of a video game. Three writers had already gone down in flames trying to dramatize it. I was sent a group of character designs, a list of settings, and some specific action scenes that had to be included in the story to reflect the game. <br /><br />Basically you're like an auto mechanic who gets a motor that isn't running properly. Sometimes it needs new spark plugs, sometimes a complete overhaul. The filmmakers may come to you with specific changes they want, or you may have to make your own choices and see if that flies with the people paying the bills. Generally, the previous writer(s) are out of your hair. When they're kept around in jobs of mine, their goal has generally been to negate as much of my repairs as necessary. As mentioned above, this is generally more about retaining screen credit than hurt feelings, but ego is always lurking somewhere in Hollywood. <br /><br />I was once given a car for working on a script, but it was an Aurora model. Generally I got a flat fee and the chance for credit if the project was completed, being considered a freelance contractor at that stage of development.E. Yarbernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-24220646784510557212018-08-14T16:50:47.608-07:002018-08-14T16:50:47.608-07:00It's difficult to break into the industry as a...It's difficult to break into the industry as a writer, as I'm still trying myself, and yet the guy who wrote Big Mommas:Like Father, Like Son, one of the stupidest, unfunniest and most worthless pieces of shit ever made, has an agent and sold that script. Go figure.Peternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-2288442584134938072018-08-14T15:49:17.169-07:002018-08-14T15:49:17.169-07:00Ted
Are you joking? Ken once wrote about a new tr...Ted<br />Are you joking? Ken once wrote about a new trend (at the time) of famous actors/actresses taking voice acting jobs, and how it was devestating the careers of professional voice actors. If those gazillionaires won’t turn down a few thousand dollars to help out an entire genre of entertainment professionals, how could anyone expect voice actors to restrict their roles? The super wealthy actors are always letting us know how their hearts bleed for the downtrodden of the earth, but they won’t do anything for the individuals standing next to them. Joe Blownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-25883826300726903042018-08-14T15:42:53.371-07:002018-08-14T15:42:53.371-07:00Friday Question--
Whose idea is it normally to re...Friday Question--<br /><br />Whose idea is it normally to re-cast a pilot when it gets picked up? The new Cedric the Entertainer sitcom "The Neighborhood" recast two central roles, the new neighbors, played by Josh Lawson & Dreama Walker to Max Greenfield and Beth Behrs. What does a re-shoot cost? Did the showrunners not think their original choices were not strong enough? Was there pressure form the network to get a more "name" star? Rodnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-82377232728397442022018-08-14T15:25:10.025-07:002018-08-14T15:25:10.025-07:00Two comments:
One, nothing saves bad writing - no...Two comments:<br /><br />One, nothing saves bad writing - not acting, not camera work, not direction (though Lucas sure f*#ked up the 2000 Star Wars with Portman), not editing. <br /><br />It's laughable to see well-budgeted, expertly shot, acted, edited film with crap writing - where are the producers?<br /><br /> (and where were they when the original writers "restored" the Jewel of the Nile screenplay?) <br /><br />Two, I wonder if there might be an over-supply of writers? This looks like the glut of liberal arts PhD's which has chased only a handful of college prof positions since (at least) the late-80s. The mini-room thing looks a lot like "adjunct professors" at certain lesser "universities" - over-worked and under-paid. Jahn Ghaltnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-45407312080335733632018-08-14T14:07:59.623-07:002018-08-14T14:07:59.623-07:00Friday Question:
This year is the 20th anniversar...Friday Question:<br /><br />This year is the 20th anniversary of the tragic death of the much loved Phil Hartman. Did you ever work with him or meet him?Peternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-71463403583904995822018-08-14T13:14:41.480-07:002018-08-14T13:14:41.480-07:00Fridsy question: On ALMOST PERFECT, did you have a...Fridsy question: On ALMOST PERFECT, did you have any plans for how Kim and Mike's relationship would evolve in Season 2 before CBS forced you to write Kevin Kilner out of the show?Michaelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-65315872216128593532018-08-14T11:37:16.750-07:002018-08-14T11:37:16.750-07:00Since many comments are about jobs being scarce an...Since many comments are about jobs being scarce and there are many aspirants, here is my question on another field of the business.<br /><br />Is there any rule for voice actors to limit them from taking up so many roles? Like the Simpsons actors all do multiple voices. Aren't they snatching jobs from others?<br /><br />Similarly Seth MacFarlane does so many voices on Family Guy. And he is pathetic. Dr.Hartman and Carter are the same. Brian and Tom Tucker are almost same too. He is not that versatile (read talented) but still does it thereby denying opportunities to others. <br /><br />Tednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-84503632754985883002018-08-14T11:13:25.834-07:002018-08-14T11:13:25.834-07:00> reality shows. Minimal writing (though they A...> reality shows. Minimal writing (though they ARE scripted)<br /><br />WHAT????MikeNnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-79396886073279953612018-08-14T11:01:31.174-07:002018-08-14T11:01:31.174-07:00Same can be said for radio. When I started out [wa...Same can be said for radio. When I started out [way back in the mid 70s], the estimates were that there were roughly 500 jobs for DJs but close to 5000 people being churned out yearly from colleges, broadcast schools, etc. So you might get a job as a DJ but it might be broadcasting polka music to cows at 3 AM in the morning for a sackful of bananas as payment. Nowadays it's probably even worse what with one person basically voice tracking 20, 30, 50 or more stations or the syndicated morning and evening weenies putting DJs out of work. Like one friend who spent $14,000 on broadcast school and was forced to intern for no pay as a board op at a local station. Once he graduated, they booted him and brought in the next intern. To this day he has been unable to get a job in radio. A few of the former DJs I have worked with have given up ever getting a radio job again and have gone into PR work or something not even remotely related to radio.YEKIMIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01921751875397071034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-30635339762688516892018-08-14T10:58:15.699-07:002018-08-14T10:58:15.699-07:00Ken, what happened to the WGA Minimum Basic Agree...Ken, what happened to the WGA Minimum Basic Agreement? I thought the MBA expressly guaranteed writers on WGA TV shows at least a 13 week contract. How do the employers get around that provision?Steve B.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-77724105359278675862018-08-14T09:48:23.181-07:002018-08-14T09:48:23.181-07:00I have the same fascination with script doctors an...I have the same fascination with script doctors and how it works as Nora. As I understand it, Carrie Fisher was one of the best.Anne in Rockwall, TXhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00171076259617071023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-9997705805080129692018-08-14T09:48:07.915-07:002018-08-14T09:48:07.915-07:00I would say that the problem stems from the fact t...I would say that the problem stems from the fact there is more supply than demand. Hollywood is the ultimate dream for many. So there are lots of budding writers or wannabe actors. As such so many are desperate for a break that studios take advantage of it. <br /><br />And writing is not a technical profession where in, you invest in that person with training and equip him with skills that he becomes indisposable. So here, there is no pressure to retain the writer. These corporates treat them as they like. If not him, then another or another. <br /><br />Can this attitude/treatment be stopped? Afraid not. <br /><br />Stevenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-76448574964699106952018-08-14T09:27:15.030-07:002018-08-14T09:27:15.030-07:00Ken a related question on experienced writers/scri...Ken a related question on experienced writers/script doctors helping during a shooting of a movie or a TV pilot or some other time when needed the most. <br /><br />Do they take help because there is some problem with the script or just that the studios/stars/directors want re-assurance from an experienced writer?<br /><br />And what exactly is the magnitude of change a script doctor does? Just fine tuning or major ones?<br /><br />Wouldn't the actual writer's feelings be hurt because someone else has been hired to change his script?<br /><br />And finally is there any real compensation or just some gifts like you said today or yesterday that Diane got a Porsche?<br /><br />I am interested in knowing about this part of a writer's job since it sounds like its a cool one. Like you know in "Pulp Fiction", Harvey Keitel is called to handle "situations". Similarly I figure these writers just zoom in and do their magic and just take off :)<br /><br />Please share your experience too. Or is there an unwritten rule that script doctors should not talk about their work :)<br /><br />I hope you will indulge me in one of the Friday questions or an entire blog would be just great :)<br /><br />Noranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-51197428760938139252018-08-14T09:02:31.930-07:002018-08-14T09:02:31.930-07:00In the TV business it used to be standard to have ...In the TV business it used to be standard to have a Reporter, cameraman and editor. Now a lot of places hire Preditors: One person that shoot, is talent and edits the video. Three jobs become one.blinkyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04284135060900752329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-92090119810717095202018-08-14T08:59:35.599-07:002018-08-14T08:59:35.599-07:00Sad but not surprising. Management will always try...Sad but not surprising. Management will always try to squeeze talent. That's why they invented reality shows. Minimal writing (though they ARE scripted) and they don't need to hire professional actors.VincentSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-60381179640971459492018-08-14T08:19:11.737-07:002018-08-14T08:19:11.737-07:00Yet it isn't merely Sessions and his fundie an...Yet it isn't merely Sessions and his fundie anti-union friends in the backward South who are on the side of management, but the supposedly more "enlightened" coastal technocrats who are at fault. Just try to organize lower-level workers at Apple or Amazon, and Tim Cook and Jeff Bezos will give you the same canards as any member of Walmart's executive board. They may be more progressive on cultural matters, but on labor vs. management they're every bit as regressive. VP81955https://www.blogger.com/profile/11792390726196611188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-23059341917712697372018-08-14T08:18:21.561-07:002018-08-14T08:18:21.561-07:00corporatism is killing television.corporatism is killing television.Terrence Mosshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09365112876091271689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-86157195961779817542018-08-14T08:12:33.305-07:002018-08-14T08:12:33.305-07:00When I worked for Story Departments, the submissio...When I worked for Story Departments, the submissions piled to the ceilings, but nearly all of them were garbage. It's very hard to find actually talented writers, but even those with ability are generally treated like wannabes. I know because I did my best to recommend anyone who impressed me, and saw how their work was treated.E. Yarbernoreply@blogger.com