Category: Press Release

Hey, we didn’t write this – not all of it anyway

Have TV Networks Come Up With an Answer to DVRs?

Once upon a time, time-shifting (that’s using a DVR for most of us) was looked upon as a savior because it was a way to keep audiences watching TV. Now, however, it’s a big problem because people watch without looking at commercials and the time-shifting thing makes it harder for networks to measure audience size and therefore convince ad buyers that their prices are right.

In other words, the only ones benefitting from the existence and use of DVRs are the viewers. And we can’t have that, can we? What to do? What to do?

how dvrs work read article

The Writers Guild of America Wants Us To Know About New Ways of Doing TV Series Biz

For all practical purposes, the Guild has come to the same conclusions we posted here yesterday. But, especially considering how far behind the technology/market/New Media curve the Guild has been in the past, the WGAw perspective is well worth sharing.

So, direct from the WGAw’s latest e-mailing:

netflix2 New Buyers in Town
by Team TVWriter™ Press Service (in other words, it’s a press release)

There was considerable media hoopla last week around the premiere of House of Cards, Netflix’s first original series. Written by Guild member Beau Willimon (The Ides of March), directed by David Fincher and starring Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright, the high-profile series reportedly cost $100 million for two 13-episode seasons and was a shining example of web TV at its flashiest. read article

A Young Creator-Showrunner Spills Some Secrets

But, dammit, he doesn’t tell us what we really want to know: How’d you get so hot? Especially when your first series was canceled after 3 episodes?

chad_hodge_headshot

Chad Hodge Talks ‘Playboy Club’ Lessons and His Wild Development Season
by Lesley Goldberg

Chad Hodge has come a long way from The Playboy Club. read article

What’s Happening on Cartoon Network in ’13?

We’re glad you asked. Because thanks to Broadcasting & Cable TVWriter™ is in the know. Oh yeah, it’s good to be king. Anyway:

Steven Universe

Upfronts 2013: Cartoon Network Slates Nine New Series

by Andrea Morabito (Broadcasting & Cable) 

Nine new series and a quartet of specials and movies will be joining Cartoon Network’s lineup in the 2013-14 season.

Cartoon Network Studios will produce three new animated comedy series developed from its shorts program:Steven Universe, about the youngest member of a team of magical Guardians of the Universe; Uncle Grandpa, about the exploits of a magical uncle and grandpa; and Clarence, about an optimistic boy who wants to do everything. Steven Universe and Uncle Grandpa are both slated for 2013. read article

The Seven Deadly Sins of Screenwriting

Didja ever notice how since Rupert Murdoch took it over, The Wall Street Journal seems like a truly ironic parody of itself?

Except that, you know, it’s real.

And if you overlook the attitudes of the WSJ’s writers you still can find some good stuff. For example: read article