tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post8437285165822891811..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: How to sell a show to America or "Why I need a passport"By Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-82065994434403279272008-09-21T20:46:00.000-07:002008-09-21T20:46:00.000-07:00I really liked Life On Mars. There are quite a fe...I really liked Life On Mars. There are quite a few English series I never miss.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-14589860215853505082008-09-21T07:56:00.000-07:002008-09-21T07:56:00.000-07:00@d.mcewan...You've obviously blanked from your mem...@d.mcewan...<BR/><BR/>You've obviously blanked from your memory the DR. WHO tv movie that broadcast on Fox in 1996, as an attempt to Americanize the good Doctor. <BR/><BR/>Eric Roberts played The Master.<BR/><BR/>Didn't take - and The Apocalypse was, again, narrowly averted.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-78955380207070763432008-09-20T08:59:00.000-07:002008-09-20T08:59:00.000-07:00Kath and Kim is good stuff; RTE here in Ireland ha...Kath and Kim is good stuff; RTE here in Ireland have been showing it late at night for the last couple of years and its been well received. <BR/><BR/>Theres been a lot of talk about Little Britain USA on this side of the water but until now I was unaware that theres a new Kath and Kim stateside too. <BR/><BR/>Wait till you guys get "the Mighty Boosh"!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-46378284083199309372008-09-18T14:34:00.000-07:002008-09-18T14:34:00.000-07:00"I loved that show for Niles and C.C., and was abs..."I loved that show for Niles and C.C., and was absolutely rotted at how badly they were short-changed in everything - writing, character, growth (but, God love 'em, not on acting) - so that Drescher could be front and centre ALL. THE. BLOODY. TIME."<BR/><BR/>Well that was all Fran's doing. The writers, who loved Niles and CC for the same reasons you did, wrote tehm lots of gerat stuff, and as soon as anything they did got a augh, Fran had it rewritten so SHE got the laugh. "There's one funny person on this show, and it's Meeeeeeee." - F.D. for five years.<BR/><BR/>Niles and CC had to resort to giving half-hearted performances at all rehearsals and run-throughs, to avoid getting laughs in front of Fran to be able to keep any bits at all. they would only go full-out at teh taping.<BR/><BR/>And don't think Fran wasn't above stopping tape, and having the audience (Which for a a number of the seasons was a hired audience anyway) wait, while a scene was rewritten to give her a bit she'd just found out was funny.<BR/><BR/>"Pseudonym said... <BR/>Anonymous has an interesting point, though. Why can't US networks just show the overseas originals?"<BR/><BR/>Well many are, on PBS. But running and rerunning FAWLTY TOWERS a billion times never stopped the, to my knowledge three different attempts to do an American version. (The most notorious, AMANDA'S PLACE, changed Basil Fawlty into Beatrice Arthur. Destroyed the character of Sybil Fawlty of course. No man could EVER have henpecked Bea.)<BR/><BR/>Fortunately, so far no one has tried to Americanize KEEPING UP APPEARANCES or DOCTOR WHO.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-82878598804168099822008-09-17T21:33:00.000-07:002008-09-17T21:33:00.000-07:00Anonymous has an interesting point, though. Why c...Anonymous has an interesting point, though. Why <I>can't</I> US networks just show the overseas originals? It's not like KATH & KIM is in a different language.<BR/><BR/>After all, American shows are shown in other countries without explaining all the jokes.Pseudonymhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04272326070593532463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-18296138594789071972008-09-17T20:33:00.000-07:002008-09-17T20:33:00.000-07:00Big fan of the Aussie Kath and Kim, cannot imagine...Big fan of the Aussie Kath and Kim, cannot imagine how it's going to translate but I'm willing to give it a go. I remember speaking to Steve Carell before the Office premiered and he said it was really good - after the disaster of the American version of Coupling, I was very skeptical - well you know how that goes. Do yourself a favor, try to get your hands on the orginal Kath and Kim. I know some Australians who hate it because they think it perpetuates negative stereotypes about suburban Australians. Without stereotypes, would there be any sitcoms?<BR/><BR/><BR/>I've seen some snipets of Little Britan USA, I'm not hopeful, even though I am fan of Little Britain, BritainAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-4620721774964686042008-09-17T19:05:00.000-07:002008-09-17T19:05:00.000-07:00One of these days, somebody is going to have to sp...One of these days, somebody is going to have to spill the complete and unabridged load of dirt on <I>The Nanny</I> so I can hear every sordid detail. I loved that show for Niles and C.C., and was absolutely rotted at how badly they were short-changed in everything - writing, character, growth (but, God love 'em, not on acting) - so that Drescher could be front and centre ALL. THE. BLOODY. TIME.<BR/><BR/>spmsmithAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-67330327207563329762008-09-17T14:22:00.000-07:002008-09-17T14:22:00.000-07:00It's called having balls, anon.I see you taste of ...It's called having balls, anon.<BR/><BR/>I see you taste of chicken.<BR/><BR/>And believe me, my valuation of your opinion IS based on your content.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-89717287777403691912008-09-17T14:07:00.000-07:002008-09-17T14:07:00.000-07:00"you'd sign your name to your insults."I'm not int..."you'd sign your name to your insults."<BR/><BR/>I'm not interested in people who value the opinion of others based on their name instead of the content of their message. Goodbye.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-40278883803704868332008-09-17T02:20:00.000-07:002008-09-17T02:20:00.000-07:00"I mean, we haven't sent you The Last of The Summe..."I mean, we haven't sent you The Last of The Summer Wine."<BR/><BR/>Actually that does air here on PBS, it's that show I always skip in between KEEPING UP APPEARANCES and ARE YOU BEING SERVED.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-19654947840730852962008-09-16T17:04:00.000-07:002008-09-16T17:04:00.000-07:00Ken, I don't know why you are complaining. You hav...Ken, <BR/><BR/>I don't know why you are complaining. You have so much to be grateful for if you only realised it.<BR/><BR/>I mean, we haven't sent you <A>The Last of The Summer Wine</A>.<BR/><BR/><I>A whimsical comedy with a penchant for light philosophy and full-on slapstick..</I>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-84079124941910483872008-09-16T16:51:00.000-07:002008-09-16T16:51:00.000-07:00As I heard it, we were offered British cuisine or ...As I heard it, we were offered British cuisine or British TV shows. Not a hard choice.Cap'n Bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11783977137812876489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-14360625404704021012008-09-16T16:47:00.000-07:002008-09-16T16:47:00.000-07:00"I think what Ken is saying is that only american ..."I think what Ken is saying is that only american shows can be exported everywhere, but foreign show can't be imported into america, because america is the center of the universe in terms of creativity and entertainment."<BR/><BR/>Brilliant, anonymous! You've nailed it! Tremendous insight from someone so clueless they don't even know how to type their own name.<BR/><BR/>Of course, if you had any balls (this goes if "Anonymous" is female also) you'd sign your name to your insults.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-61728570511181917332008-09-16T15:26:00.000-07:002008-09-16T15:26:00.000-07:00I think what Ken is saying is that only american s...I think what Ken is saying is that only american shows can be exported everywhere, but foreign show can't be imported into america, because america is the center of the universe in terms of creativity and entertainment.<BR/><BR/>Especially comedy! I mean, fuck, "the french surrender"? who could come up with such comedy genius other than an american comedian?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-64353042304849327712008-09-16T15:22:00.000-07:002008-09-16T15:22:00.000-07:00But imagine Fran's voice speaking Russian. "Nyyyyy...<I>But imagine Fran's voice speaking Russian. "Nyyyyyyyyyeeeeet. Dosvedoooonnnnnnnya."</I><BR/><BR/>AHHHHHHHHHH!!! It still burns the ears, even in another language.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-33471831760602564702008-09-16T14:53:00.000-07:002008-09-16T14:53:00.000-07:00I thought that it was also translated into Turkish...I thought that it was also translated into Turkish? I remember watching a few Turkish episodes of the Nanny at 12.30 on SBS. <BR/><BR/>And Len, I was saying that alot of jokes came from that premise, not that I think she is ugly. Plus, a question: who is going to be the US Kylie and Danni Bolton?Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17333274169800739452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-71030672225596873542008-09-16T13:24:00.000-07:002008-09-16T13:24:00.000-07:00It's true about THE NANNY being exported to Russia...It's true about THE NANNY being exported to Russia. A friend of mine who was a staff writer for THE NANNY found herself making additional money while her old scripts were retooled for Russian references and translated, and writing new ones never to be seen here.<BR/><BR/>However, sadly, the Russians didn't take Fran.<BR/><BR/>But that did make the writing easier, as they never had to rewrite something because Fran had noticed that someone else had a laugh or a funny line, and wanted it changed so that she got the laugh or the joke.<BR/><BR/>But imagine Fran's voice speaking Russian. "Nyyyyyyyyyeeeeet. Dosvedoooonnnnnnnya."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-58443026780040554452008-09-16T12:54:00.000-07:002008-09-16T12:54:00.000-07:00Another Britrip coming to America is the automotiv...Another Britrip coming to America is the automotive show <I>Top Gear</I>. If you've seen it you know the presenters <B>are</B> the show. But, instead of going with proven hosts, it will have three American presenters.<BR/><BR/>It may have the same name but it surely won't be the same show.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-71396687695965072652008-09-16T11:31:00.000-07:002008-09-16T11:31:00.000-07:00Dey tuk err jerbs!Don't forget that show from arge...Dey tuk err jerbs!<BR/><BR/>Don't forget that show from argentina about the guy who's body gets SWITCHed by a woman.<BR/><BR/>"hey, the networks can always blame France."<BR/><BR/>you're not even trying anymore Ken.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-29936268679211350632008-09-16T08:44:00.000-07:002008-09-16T08:44:00.000-07:00Interesting that you bring this up due to recent d...Interesting that you bring this up due to recent developments at CBS. <I>The Ex-List</I> was developed by Diane Ruggiero (<I>That's Life</I>, from an Israeli half-hour show. Ruggiero walked Friday when CBS brought in the original creator as a consultant. In Ruggiero's words, "I'm not a fucking transcriber."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-44818813766794741552008-09-16T08:14:00.000-07:002008-09-16T08:14:00.000-07:00Is The Nanny funny in Russian? Explains a lot.Is The Nanny funny in Russian? Explains a lot.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-20248737067108367022008-09-16T06:15:00.000-07:002008-09-16T06:15:00.000-07:00If you are going to rip off the British, then go a...If you are going to rip off the British, then go all the way, and have a series run only 6 or 8 episodes a series or season. Rather than try and come up material for 22 episodes, do it the British way, and make a handful of <B>great</B> episodes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-66639781438643163392008-09-16T06:12:00.000-07:002008-09-16T06:12:00.000-07:00""Friends", the big NBC hit, was a redo of a Briti...""Friends", the big NBC hit, was a redo of a British series called "Coupling"."<BR/><BR/>Wow, that's some trick... they redid it 6 years before the original!<BR/><BR/>America exports its series as well, so you get, say, a version of Charlie's Angels for Latin America. Heck, when they moved The Nanny to Russia, it was such a hit that they had the American writers write an additional season.<BR/><BR/>Me, I care more about the results than ingredients. If the Brits want to do their own series of Cheers, go for it!Nat Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16071882426424901455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-2256126902417415682008-09-16T04:27:00.000-07:002008-09-16T04:27:00.000-07:00"Friends", the big NBC hit, was a redo of a Britis..."Friends", the big NBC hit, was a redo of a British series called "Coupling". When they tried to import "Coupling" to NBC and show it and friends, "Coupling" died.<BR/><BR/>Guess they don't all translate as well as would be hoped.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-84683775654935337482008-09-16T04:15:00.000-07:002008-09-16T04:15:00.000-07:00So what's new? This has been going on since TV was...So what's new? <BR/><BR/>This has been going on since TV was a success: "Steptoe and Son" became "Sanford and Son". US comedies have been remade in the UK - at least one that I know of ran longer than the US original which is an achievement given the UK series length being half the length of a US season. The biggest family sitcom over here of the last few years is an original sitcom led by the US producer Fred Barron. Same thing with quiz shows, panel shows, talent shows...<BR/><BR/>I even met a guy once who made his living buying jokes from stand up comedians in countries and selling them to comedians in other countries. Just swap the celebrity/politician the joke was tagged to for each country and you've made a sale. He made a healthy living at it for 30 years that supported his variable income writing career.<BR/><BR/>Now so long as they don't mess up Life on Mars I'll be happy.impworkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08891629480335816158noreply@blogger.com