Signs of the Apocalypse Roundup – July 2009 – Week 3
TNT turns to Burnett for first reality show
Cabler takes ‘Wedding’ for walk down the aisle
The cable net’s first venture into reality programming, “Wedding Day,” offers a twist on the old “Queen for a Day” concept by providing a dream wedding to selfless couples. So when TNT went searching for a producer who knows how to touch the heart, Mark Burnett proved the right fit.
Bravo renews vows with ‘Housewives’
Net picks up third season of ‘New York City’
Bravo has picked up a third season of “The Real Housewives of New York City.” Decision was a no-brainer for the cabler as the “Housewives” phenomenon — judged most recently by the media coverage of the New Jersey women’s antics — continues to draw viewers to the NBC Universal-owned net. In terms of total viewers, New Jersey ranks best in the franchise, followed by Orange County, New York City and Atlanta.
‘Top Chef’ to start cooking in Vegas
Bravo to launch show August 26
Bravo has set an Aug. 26 launch for “Top Chef: Las Vegas,” the sixth installment in its popular culinary competition series. The fifth season of the skein, which shot in New York and ended in February, was the highest rated so far, averaging nearly 3 million in the 18-49 demo and 4 million total viewers. Seventeen chefs will appear in week one, to be whittled down to a champ by season’s end. The playing field has been extended since the show began in March 2006, when only 12 chefs competed.
What’s next for Jackson reality show?
A&E project’s fate still to be determined
The network commissioned a one-hour special following Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Randy that was originally intended to serve as a “backdoor pilot” for a potential series. The project was commissioned months ago and producers have finished shooting footage that followed Jackson family members as they readied a new album and reunion tour. After Michael’s unexpected death last month and subsequent intensive media coverage, the question for A&E becomes: What now?
Ryan Seacrest stays with ‘Idol’
New deal keeps TV host with show through 2012
Host Ryan Seacrest has just sealed a rich new contract that will pay him $15 million annually (for a total of $45 million). Seacrest’s pact, which keeps him on “Idol” through 2012, also makes the host/producer exclusive in primetime to 19 Ent. owner CKX.
Business of the Business
Studios take film sites seriously
Online writers now a key part of marketing plans
The studios, which once regarded the sites and their scribes with a mixture of fear and disdain now incorporate into their publicity campaigns a wide swath of online writers repping demographics and psychographics far beyond the traditional fanboy hubs — everyone from faith-oriented mothers (MovieMom.com) to senior citizens (ReelGeezers.com).
Europe increases anti-piracy fight
Seizures of illegal DVDs, CDs rise 2,600%
Seizures of pirated goods at the European Union’s borders more than doubled last year as customs officials confiscated some 178 million items compared to 79 million in 2007. Pirated DVDs and CDs made up 44% of the goods seized — some 78 million units.
Creative Kingdom getting creative
Studio unveils plans for mixed-use lot
Creative Kingdom unveiled plans last month for Chiang Mai Wood (CNX-Wood), a 175-acre, mixed-use movie studio and residential development in Chiang Mai, Thailand. With an expected 2014 completion date, the complex will house CNX Movie World studios, as well as residential neighborhoods, entertainment and cultural venues and restaurants.
Hollywood spins the globe
Local nuances reshape day-and-date visions
More than ever before, studios are releasing movies day-and-date worldwide, but when it comes to marketing, the global effort is far from unified. And studios that fail to grasp the nuances of the local scene do so at their peril.
Networks, ad buyers standoff continues
Who’ll blink in the upfront showdown?
The fundamental roadblock is, of course, money. Media buyers are pushing networks for as much as 10%-12% discounts in ad rates compared to last year, when ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and the CW booked about $9 billion in upfront coin by mid-June. This year, CBS, ABC and Fox have — at least so far — linked arms to hold the line at discounts of no more than 2%-3% vs. last year, and none at all for top-tier programs.
Planet of the Odd
‘Bruno’ bingo victim drops assault and battery claims
After viewing taped footage of the alleged incident, Richelle Olson’s lawyer filed an amended lawsuit this afternoon dropping causes of action for assault and battery against the ribald comedian, instead focusing the 9-count complaint on the “emotional distress” that allegedly caused Olson to fall and become confined to a wheelchair.
Kate Beckinsale accepts libel damages over false Barbarella claims
“The film industry, particularly at the highest level in Hollywood, values actresses on the basis of them being successful and in-demand – one may say, being ‘hot property’. This article wrongly gave the impression that the claimant’s career is in decline which would undoubtedly have a knock-on effect on those who would be casting film roles, as well as the industry as a whole.”
Roman Polanski files appeal in effort to have sex case dropped
Roman Polanski’s attorneys have asked a state appeals court to overturn the May ruling of an L.A. judge refusing to throw out Polanski’s 32-year-old child sex case while the director remains a fugitive.
Hatch tried to return to ‘Survivor’ for ‘heroes vs. villains’
A federal judge has shot down Richard Hatch’s request to join the 20th season of “Survivor.” Guess asking the court, “Can I go on ‘Survivor’ while being punished for not paying taxes from winning ‘Survivor’” didn’t work. He has not yet paid $400,000 in back taxes — from winning the first season of “Survivor.”
Paris Hilton declares Hon. Federico Moreno ‘my best judge forever’
Paris Hilton is being sued for more than $75,000 because she allegedly failed to provide “reasonable promotion and publicity services” for the film “National Lampoon’s Pledge This!” The trial is being heard by Chief U.S. District Judge Federico Moreno, who was puzzled by the title of Hilton’s current reality show, “My New BFF.” “What does that mean?” he said. After Hilton gave the title – “Paris Hilton’s My New Best Friend Forever” – the judge remarked, “This will be my best case forever.” Without missing a beat, Hilton replied “You’re my best judge forever.”
The Fine Print
This is by no means meant to be a comprehensive roundup of the entire weeks’ news. All stories are chosen by me for no other reason than that they got my attention and might capture yours. If something you think is more important chime in on the feedback; we’d love to hear comments and have a conversation about it.
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Paris H. seems to have a quick wit to be able to banter with the judge. This is no stupid blondie.
It would also be difficult to believe that she refused to promote something with her name on it. The movie wasn’t well made, that’s why it failed.
This lawsuit seems to be an attempt to get money out of her,nothing else. Sue the director instead LOL.