FAST TRACK is coming out on DVD in Japan in March. Here’s the cover…
Film and Television
A New Approach to Fandom
The Los Angeles Times reports today that DR. WHO executive producer Russell T. Davies is taking a new approach to fans. He’s completely ignoring them.
"I think we’re an unusual
science-fiction franchise in taking a very big step back from fandom
and having nothing to do with them. . . . Every program on the BBC has
a message board on the website. I forbid it to happen on ‘Doctor Who.’
I’m sorry to say this, all the science fiction producers making stuff
in America, they are way too engaged with their fandom. They all need
to step back."
His policy of ignoring the fans doesn’t seem to be hurting his show at all. In fact, it may be helping by making his show more accessible to mainstream audiences worldwide.
It falls to
Davies "to keep balancing how much continuity there is, how many
stand-alone elements there are." Ever mindful of the shows’ "mainstream
audience" (meaning, not just sci-fi enthusiasts) and put off by
"exclusivity" in general, he said he is reticent of creating overly
inclusive stories dependent on viewers’ in-depth knowledge of ornate
histories. This job is made easier by Davies’ policy of ignoring the voices of those most vigilant.
Is there a lesson to be learned here for showrunners?
Still Crazy After All These Years
My friend Javi has been a working TV writer/producer for a dozen years, has an Emmy award on his shelf, and even did a stint as a network executive. Nobody would blame him if he’d become just a little cynical and jaded about the business. But I’m pleased to report that he’s got the same enthusiasm for TV that he had when he was just starting out…and I love it about him. Don’t take my word for it, read this and decide for yourself.
FAST TRACK out on DVD in Spain
FAST TRACK is airing in Germany on February 21, but the movie has already been released on DVD in Spain. Here are some shots of the box:
Be Conventional
Writer/producer Lisa Klink regularly posts great advice for aspiring TV writers on her blog. Today she’s talking about writing the episodic spec script:
Your first spec or two should demonstrate that you know how to
follow the rules, and imitate the format and voice of a show. Your
“why not” script should show off your voice.
She also shares a very instructive anecdote:
I heard a great story from a fellow drama/sci-fi writer: she wrote
a “Lost” spec about Vincent. Yes, Vincent, the dog – complete with a
flashback to his life before the crash. Wouldn’t you immediately grab
that off the pile and read it? A lot of people did. My friend got a
slew of meetings off her spec and, more importantly, a job. She also
had a “West Wing” spec, but it was the “Lost” which really launched
her. As we were talking about this, she said something particularly
smart about sending out a spec: “You don’t need everyone to like it.
You need someone to love it.” Exactly.
Lisa is also a recent JEOPARDY champion, surviving for a full week before getting bounced on a question about….writers. That had to hurt.
Movies A-Go-Go
I’m on strike…and on Christmas break…and I’m a lazy ass, so I have been catching up on my DVD awards screeners (one of the perks of being in the WGA, but I’m sure the AMPTP will roll that back on us, too).
LARS AND THE REAL GIRL – Cute and enjoyable, though the central conceit wears thin after awhile.
I’m looking forward to the USA Network series in which Lars and the Real Girl become a private eyes.
MARGO AT THE WEDDING – What a mess…but just when you are about to give up on it and watch BOSTON LEGAL on the Tivo instead, there will be a great line or a good performance. Jack Black is always fun, but he seems to be performing in an entirely different, and much better, movie.
CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR – It’s one of the better first season episodes of THE WEST WING.
THE BOURNE SUPREMACY – Even better the fifth time. I loved it. And I admire the creative choices. It takes really guts to have the third movie take place, chronologically, in the final act of the second film….and real skill to actually pull it off.