The future of television, now
A reader writes in responding to today’s report on failing high-profile shows and NBC’s retreat from scripted programming in the 8 p.m. hour:
I don't see the recent announcement by NBC as some sort of death knell for broadcast TV. I think today's technology and production values can produce some very interesting programs that still don't cost the vast sums that the dramatic and comedy series do. Also I don't think Desi Arnaz, as smart as he was, foresaw the longevity of "I Love Lucy". He did the show on film because there was no video tape and he didn't want to do the show live which was the norm then. If it had been live they would have had to do it twice for both coasts. He filmed it so they could just do it once and he had to come up with a technique to film it in front of a live audience using three cameras and then a special editing machine to put the separate films together. Too bad he didn't opt for color too. In any event Desilu made their money based on one run and summer reruns, something that can't happen today.
What are your thoughts? Will smart minds figure out how to be clever and entertaining on shoestring budgets? Or is TV in trouble?
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David Kronke was appointed Mayor of Television after a bloodless coup in 2000. Since then, he has improved infrastructure, championed greater educational opportunities and fought for reforms that have utterly erased corruption and incompetence from the television industry. Since Mr. Kronke has ascended to power, Television is a far better place.
Isn't it Lionsgate Television that is saying it has found a formula with which it can make money on the first couple of runs? It did so with "Weeds." I remember an article in the L.A. Times about this ... but naturally can't find it.
Hate to say it, but you've got to pay the "talent" less. Would "Studio 60" suffer without Matt Perry, Bradley Whitford and Steven Weber? You could probably get the show over pretty well with lesser-known (and lesser-paid) actors. Who in "Ugly Betty" (aside from America Ferrera and Vanessa L. Williams) do you recognize?
Um, Steven? I recognize Betty's boss, even though I can't think of his name. So, I guess that makes your point.