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Mindy Kaling, Kristen Wiig, and More Launch Strike.tv

BuzzSugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:32:02 -0700

Well, at least one good thing came out of last Winter's writers' strike. This week brought the launch of Strike.tv, a venture for comedy writers to put their own content on the Web without the interference of networks. (Think Dr. Horrible, but with even more people involved.)

Several of the web series are up now, including one called House Poor starring The Office's Mindy Kaling as a new homeowner who will stop at nothing (er, not even faking a pregnancy) to set up her dream house. Kaling also pops up in Global Warming, a series starring Kristen Wiig and The Daily Show's Aasif Mandvi as two coworkers and possible lovers connected only by their online tech support chats. There's lots more to come; check out the whole list.

Not only is it good content, but it also has a good cause: Its ad revenue benefits the Actors Fund's Entertainment Assistance Program, which distributes money to Hollywood workers (camera crews, set decorators, carpenters, etc.) hurt by the writers' strike and the threat of an actors' strike. This year, the fund has already given $1.3 million dollars in aid. So, get clicking!

The shows will also appear on YouTube and other video sites. To check out the first episode of House Poor, just

Welcome to the Writers' Room, Thanks to the New York Times

BuzzSugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 06:30:16 -0700

Earlier this year, TV writers were in the news like never before — but, unfortunately, that's because they were on strike. So, what's it like when they're working? The New York Times has given us a peek, taking us inside the rooms where the writers come up with the dramatic scenes and witty one-liners that make television so great.

The story goes inside five different writers' rooms. Awesomely, each one belongs to a favorite show of mine: Flight of the Conchords, Weeds, Damages, How I Met Your Mother, and House.

Some fun facts: The Damages room includes a rescued puppy who barks every time a page comes out of the printer. The Mother staff chomps salt-and-vinegar potato chips, while the Weeds room is a sugar-free zone. House writers actually use a whiteboard a la their title character when he's working on a diagnosis, and the Conchords spend a large portion of their day looking up old music videos on YouTube.

I was impressed by the patchwork pattern of colored index cards in the Conchords room that reportedly tracks "every idea [they've] ever had in the last six months," as well as by the fact that Weeds writers aren't allowed to have their cell phones in the room. Overall, it's a cool glimpse into a side of the writing life that we viewers don't get to see very often. Go check it out, and then tell me: What TV show do you imagine has the coolest writers' room? (I've long thought it's probably The Office.)

Source

Buzz In: Did You Quit a Show Because of the Strike?

BuzzSugar — Thu, 01 May 2008 11:30:55 -0700

TV ratings have been pretty miserable overall ever since scripted shows started returning to the air. It seems to be a little surprising to networks and advertisers, who expected viewers to come rushing back in a show of "absence makes the heart grow fonder"-style affection.

Today's New York Times notes that serial dramas have taken the brunt of the ratings hit and suggests several theories, one of which is that the strike gave viewers an excuse to quit shows that they just weren't that into anymore. I've noticed that myself, though the show I've quit is a comedy and not a drama: I've had trouble making time for Samantha Who? ever since it returned. I'm sure it's still cute and funny, but I'm not feeling the urge to get the episodes off my DVR.

A friend of mine recently told me that the strike gave her a chance to admit she was over Gossip Girl, and one of you even suggested yesterday that the strike could make people forget 24. So tell me: Did you quit a show because of the strike? What was it? And do you miss it at all?

Bad News for Fans of HBO Series: Everything's Delayed

BuzzSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:30:38 -0700

If you were eagerly looking forward to this Summer for new seasons of HBO favorites like Big Love, Entourage, and Flight of the Conchords, here's some bad news: You're going to have to keep waiting. As a result of the writers' strike, all of those shows have been pushed till Fall — if not beyond.

The strike delayed filming on several series, including Entourage and True Blood, the vampire series starring Anna Paquin and written by Six Feet Under's Alan Ball. Those two are now scheduled to start sometime in the Fall. Big Love and Conchords will likely start even later; the Conchords guys recently blogged that season two might not air till January '09. Boo!

What's a disgruntled HBO subscriber to do? Well, there are still a couple of exciting things coming up this summer, including the Iraq war miniseries Generation Kill, which was adapted from a book for television by The Wire's David Simon. That's set to premiere in July, while two comedies — an animated series called The Life and Times of Tim and an Australian import called Summer Heights High — are scheduled to start airing on Fridays in June. Summer Heights High, in particular, comes highly recommended by the Conchords guys themselves. To check out the first part of the first episode, just

Buzz News Roundup, 2/27

BuzzSugar — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:30:07 -0800

USA Today has a gallery of images from the psychological thriller The Box, starring Cameron Diaz and James Marsden.
It's official: Hollywood writers approved their new contract with almost 94 percent of WGA members voting in favor of the agreement, the Associated Press reports.
Miss/Guided, the ABC comedy starring Judy Greer, will premiere in March, Zap2it reports.
The next Terminator movie, starring Christian Bale, will open Memorial Day weekend of 2009, Variety reports.
Billboard writes that Justin Timberlake, Lou Reed and Billy Joel are among the people who will induct members of the 2008 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class next month in New York.
The New York Times reports that several networks are ready to claim Jay Leno once he's done with The Tonight Show next year.
The Martin Scorsese film Shutter Island, starring Leonardo Dicaprio, just added Emily Mortimer, Jackie Earle Haley and Max von Sydow to the cast, according to ComingSoon.
Variety has the news that Jonathan Rhys Meyers will join Julianne Moore in the supernatural thriller Shelter.

Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice Casts to Sing for Cash

BuzzSugar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:30:37 -0800

Wondering how you're going to get your Shonda Rhimes fix before new episodes of Grey's Anatomy return in late April? Well, if you live in LA, and you have 85 bucks and no plans for Feb. 29, you can go see the casts of Grey's and Private Practice as they throw a singing benefit.

Yup, singing. The casts are putting on a variety show called Good Medicine to benefit crew members who were out of work during the writers' strike.

Now, some of these people have actually been paid to sing before — and they're even quite good at it. Sara Ramirez and Audra McDonald have five Tony Awards between them, Taye Diggs was an original cast member in the stage version of Rent, and Chandra Wilson has been a Broadway star, too. As for the rest of them, well, I guess we'll find out in a couple of weeks. Can you imagine TR Knight singing? Kate Walsh? McSteamy? Which cast members would you most like to hear belt one out?

BuzzSugar's Guide to Post-Strike TV

BuzzSugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 08:30:00 -0800

So, the writers' strike is dunzo — but that doesn't mean we're getting our shows back right away. It generally will take between four and six weeks to get a comedy back on the air, while dramas will need six to eight. CBS became the first network to announce when its shows will return, and NBC followed soon after. Add that to the premieres and finales we already knew about, and we've got ourselves a calendar!

More than usual, this information is subject to change, especially for all the networks that haven't formally announced their dates yet. Furthermore, some of the shows currently marked as having finales might be returning later in the season — where possible, I've tried to note how many episodes are planned for them. I'll be updating this continuously as we get more info about biggies like Gossip Girl and Grey's.

Announced post-strike premieres and return dates, so far:

FEBRUARY 15
Finales: Las Vegas, Psych

FEBRUARY 17
Finales: American Gladiators, Cold Case (returns later this season), Brothers & Sisters (expected to return, date TBD)
Premieres: Knight Rider, Dexter (on CBS)

FEBRUARY 18
Premieres: My Dad is Better than Your Dad, Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious
Finales: Dance War, Prison Break

FEBRUARY 19
Finales: Nip/Tuck, Boston Legal (expected to return, date TBD)

FEBRUARY 20
Premieres: America's Next Top Model
Finales: Cashmere Mafia

Lots more — including return dates for The Office and How I Met Your Mother — so

When TV Comes Back, Will You Follow?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 05:30:00 -0800

With the writers' strike officially over, we can safely start looking forward to the return of our regular TV shows in the relatively near future. But when they come back, will you still be watching? One of the big questions right now is whether viewers will tune back in when the major shows return or whether they'll keep doing whatever they did for strike survival — say, reading or watching TV on DVD — instead. So, I'm wondering: Are you itching for the return of TV? Or have you discovered you can get along just fine without it? Source

When TV Comes Back, Will You Follow?

I'll be watching! I miss my shows so much.

I won't be back. I don't feel hooked on TV anymore.

I'll still watch, but probably less than I used to.

I never watched TV in the first place.

Other (tell me below)

It's Official: The Writers' Strike Is Over

BuzzSugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:36:22 -0800

Writers have voted overwhelmingly over the past 48 hours to end to the three-month-old writers' strike. Variety reports that 92.5 percent of the Writers Guild of America membership voted to stop the strike effective immediately. Writers should be able to go back to work on Wednesday. The WGA president's statement can be found here, and here's more on what's next.

Source

Strike Update: What Happens Now?

BuzzSugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:33:14 -0800

If all goes as planned today, the Writers Guild of America will formally announce its decision to call off the 100-day-old writers' strike, putting writers back to work as soon as tomorrow. But what happens then? How long must we wait to see new TV? And did the strike resolve all the issues at hand? Here's a roundup of the latest news:

For viewers, the big questions are: When do my shows come back? And how many episodes will we get? In general, comedies could be back on the air in four to six weeks and dramas in six to eight. Some shows — including Heroes and Pushing Daisies — will be off the air till fall, but in general, the May sweeps period will look as packed as ever.
For specific, show-by-show information, I'm partial to this constantly updated chart of network shows from the New York Times that pulls together the latest from various news sources. E! spoke with a number of executive producers about the status of their shows, and their comments are definitely worth a read. TV Guide has its own chart of show returns which, unlike the NYT chart, includes some cable series too. And just in case that's not enough, here's yet another chart with information on the likes of Big Love and Weeds.
Speaking of cable, the NYT has a pretty good rundown of what's going on with series like Army Wives (which has been delayed).
As for some specific network shows: Gossip Girl could return in the summer, Lost is planning five additional episodes for this season, Scrubs will end its run with six episodes but it's unclear if they'll air on TV or go straight to DVD, and 24 won't return till 2009.

There's more, including what's next for late-night shows, so just

Strike Update: Hollywood Optimistic as Some Producers Plan to Return to Work Monday

BuzzSugar — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 16:58:01 -0800

Update: According to Variety, "WGA West president Patric Verrone confirmed at a Sunday news conference. . . that scribes who also have producing responsibilities on their shows will be allowed to return to work on Monday." The general assumption is that Tuesday night, when the 48-hour voting period ends, the vote will be overwhelmingly in favor of the deal and writers will be back to work on Wednesday.

In today's news conference, Verrone "proclaimed that the deal's the best that the WGA's negotiated in the last 30 years and that the strike was the most successful work stoppage in the United States during the 21st Century." Meanwhile, John Bowman, the negotiating committee chairman, said the strike "was necessary to achieve key gains in jurisdiction over new media and tying new media residuals to distributors gross."

It sounds like they're so confident about the strike ending, they're taking this opportunity to remind people why it was necessary in the first place. It's still not over-over until the votes are counted Tuesday night, but things are looking good (knock on wood)!

Source

WGA Members Have 48 Hours to Vote on Deal

BuzzSugar — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 22:03:08 -0800

Here's the latest on the writers strike meetings that have taken place today:
Nearly 3,000 people attended the L.A. meeting this evening, the result of which was that WGA members will have the chance to vote on whether to end the writers strike under an expedited 48-hour voting process.

So, basically the WGA members were presented with a deal and will have 48 hours to vote on whether or not the deal is acceptable. According to Variety, "The WGA West board of directors and the WGA East Council will meet Sunday to formally endorse the contract," and from there the 48-hour ratification process will begin.

I'll keep you updated as I learn more, but until then, as always, fingers crossed!

Source

Writers Optimistic After NY Meeting, Still No Vote

BuzzSugar — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:42:36 -0800

Writers Optimistic After NY Meeting, Still No Vote
Well, one WGA meeting down, one to go today. According to Variety, the tone at the NY meeting this morning was upbeat and promising, though as one writer remarked, the L.A. meeting, taking place this evening, "is where the action is." The latest news reports, "No vote was taken but the sentiment was strong in favor of the tentative pact." Click here for more information on the NY meeting.

Today's the Big Day for the Writers' Strike

BuzzSugar — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 09:00:00 -0800

Want to see your movies back in production, series back on TV, and writers back at work? Then cross all your fingers and toes today: Members of the Writers Guild of America are meeting to chat about the status of negotiations in the writers' strike. Word as of yesterday was that an agreement between writers and producers was being drafted, and if it's done —and the WGA membership supports it today — the union's board could approve it on Sunday and writers could be back at work on Monday.

Of course, nothing's over till an agreement is signed — but all signs point to a resolution. And by "all signs," I mean Disney's Michael Eisner and Fox's Peter Chernin, both of whom have been telling their buddies (and reporters) that the deal is done. Even United Hollywood, the pro-writer blog, has been sounding more optimistic lately — and one of its founders is is being recognized as a key peacemaker.

Would the end to the strike bring TV back right away? Not exactly. Most shows will take between four and six weeks to get new episodes on the air, and some — including Heroes and Pushing Daisies — probably won't return till fall. TV Guide has a handy chart of when shows could return, and how many episodes they might complete, if the strike really does end this weekend.

The East Coast WGA meets this morning, while the West Coast meets at 7 p.m. With any luck, we'll get news shortly after that. Until then, I mean it: fingers and toes.

Source

Rewind: This Week's Buzz

BuzzSugar — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 07:00:00 -0800

Fingers crossed people! — this strike looks like it could be resolved any minute now. This week I talked to a member of the Writers Guild of America to learn about life on strike while other striking writers hilariously penned some endings to a few of my favorite shows, like Gossip Girl (cartooned above).
The Super Bowl came and went and so did all the hype around the commercials. I told you the ads I loved and the ones I loathed, and asked what you thought of the Doritos singer and Paula's performance.
I discussed Lipstick Jungle with Brooke Shields and Candace Bushnell in the run-up to the premiere. So far, most of you prefer Cashmere Mafia over Ms. Shields' gang.
Kate Hudson is set to star in the drama Big Eyes. After reading Molly's review of Fool's Gold, I wonder if you guys still think she ought to stick to comedy?
Speaking of Fool's Gold, I need your help figuring out what in the world Matthew could be drawing-up for Kate in this week's Caption It challenge!
Oscar season is here which means it's time to fill out your Oscar Ballot! As part of my coverage leading up to the big ceremony, I'm helping you out by highlighting some films that might be harder to catch in the theater.
Rilo Kiley made one of my Valentine's Day playlists just as news broke that Jenny Lewis is going solo again! Along the lines of love, what do you think are the most romantic movies of all time?
The Buzz Book Club is off to a fabulous start! I'm still enjoying reading through all of your comments about the first assignment. If you haven't started reading yet, there's still lots of time to catch up, and there'll be lots more to discuss next week.

Source

TV Writers Swap Shows for New York Magazine

BuzzSugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 08:30:00 -0800

Ever wonder what would happen if Hollywood went all Freaky Friday, and your favorite writers from The Office had to write an episode of, say, Gossip Girl instead? New York Magazine decided to find out, asking striking writers to script the end to another show's TV season — with sometimes hilarious, often unexpected results.

The Office writers took on Friday Night Lights, making sure to require that the Dillon Panthers win each of their final games by an incredibly close margin. Writers from The Simpsons imagined what would happen if the plague struck Dunder Mifflin, and a Dexter writer created a Grey's Anatomy world where Cristina sleeps with George purely to satisfy her competitive nature.

All four of the full scenes — also including the Ugly Betty writers reinventing Gossip Girl's Upper East Side — are worth reading, but I have to give special props to the writers from The Daily Show, who took on 13 different shows including CSI and Cavemen. My favorite, on Lost: "It turns out the island is actually a peninsula. Boy, are they embarrassed."

Source

Interview: TV Writer Nina Bargiel Talks About Life on Strike

BuzzSugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:34:07 -0800

The reports that the writers' strike could be nearing its end are good news for TV and movie fans, but they've got to be even better news for folks like Nina Bargiel. As a member of the Writers Guild of America, Bargiel — who wrote 17 episodes of Lizzie McGuire and has worked for several animated shows — has been on the run since the strike began in November, working three part-time jobs, blogging on a couple of websites, and marching on the picket lines.

As part of the Adopt a Writer project, Bargiel answered some of my questions about her life on strike. You can check out her work at The Slack Daily and The Post-Apocalyptic Workout, and to see what Bargiel had to say to me, read on:

What was your first TV writing job, and how did you get it?
I moved out to California right after college in 1994 with the thought that I'd be an agent. Two weeks in the UTA mailroom disabused me of that notion, although I did end up at ICM as an assistant to a television lit agent. I'd read client scripts and think "I can do that" (which is what everyone thinks!) but it wasn't until a few months later when my older brother, a naturally funny guy, decided that he was going to quit his finance job in New York and move out to LA to be a stand-up comedian. I suggested we try writing a script together, and suddenly we were TV writers. At that point I had started working as an assistant to my friend and mentor who was an executive producer, and when she was tapped to run Lizzie McGuire in 2000, we were offered our first gig.

When did you become a member of the WGA? In practical terms, what does that mean for you, whether you're working on a show or not?
That would be 2000, when I got the job as a staff writer on Lizzie McGuire. As a Guild member you're eligible for insurance if you earn a certain amount of money per quarter, and they also handle your residuals and your pension. However, it does not mean job security. The WGA doesn't get you work; you and your representation are responsible for that.

I've got lots more from Bargiel on her life as a striking writer, so just

Cross Your Fingers: Writers' Strike Could End This Week

BuzzSugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 06:30:00 -0800

Our long Winter of repeats, reality shows, and terrible awards show press conferences may be coming to an end —and sooner rather than later. The entertainment world is buzzing with the news that "major roadblocks" to a new contract between writers and producers have been eliminated, meaning the writers' strike could be over as early as this week.

There's no official contract as of now, and the Writers Guild of America would still have to vote on whatever deal is reached. But several reports said the major sticking points were nearly resolved — including the thorny issue of how (and how much) to pay writers for programs broadcast online.

What would a deal mean for the TV season? It depends on the show. But some shows, including Grey's Anatomy, are preparing to go back into production within a month or so, while others such as Pushing Daisies are more likely to be off the air until Fall. But hey, at least we're talking about this Fall, not Fall of 2010, right? Let's keep those fingers crossed until a deal is official.

Source

Strike Survival: What to Read If You Miss TV

BuzzSugar — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:30:00 -0800

The writers' strike is nearly three months old, and even my legendary TiVo backlog and Netflix queue are starting to dwindle. So, it's time to turn to books. A couple of months back, a lot of you said your strike plan involved more reading. To help, I've put together a list of books you should check out if you're missing The Office, Gossip Girl, Heroes, and more. To check out my suggestions, just hit "Start."

Strike Could Shake Up Television For Years to Come

BuzzSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:38:37 -0800

For the first time in a while, things actually seem to be looking up in the writers' strike. The writers and producers restarted informal talks this week for the first time since early December, the writers are dropping some demands in the hopes of reaching a deal, and the decision not to picket the Grammys seems like a hopeful sign. Still, even if there's a chance of getting TV shows back relatively soon, the strike's effects will definitely stretch beyond this season — and could change the way TV shows get developed for good.

Typically, this would be pilot season, when new shows scramble to make first episodes that will impress the networks and earn them a spot on the schedule come Upfronts time in May. But the networks are already dropping scripts that might otherwise have been turned into pilots. And NBC is taking the most radical approach of all, nixing the splashy Upfront presentations and even eliminating pilots themselves.

Networks do spend a lot of money producing pilots that don't get picked up. And it's true that pilots don't necessarily predict what a show will look like later: Last year's Pushing Daisies pilot had a bigger-name director and more expensive effects than the regular episodes that followed. But without pilots, how will NBC pick its shows? In theory, scripts should be enough — it works for movies, after all. But networks often take pilots to focus groups to learn if a show could keep them coming back week after week. (Not that that always works: Last year, Journeyman had the best focus group reactions in five years, and we know how that turned out.)

I just hope the network doesn't restrict itself to reality shows and shows that have already aired in other countries, a la Kath and Kim. No matter what, though, it seems like television could look pretty different when this is all over. What's your take?

Source

Buzz News Roundup, 1/23

BuzzSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:30:05 -0800

In an effort to strike a deal, the Writers Guild of America has dropped demands to unionize reality TV writers and animation writers, USA Today reports.
Beyonce and Tina Turner will duet at the Grammys, according to People.
Three series renewals this week: TV Week reports that Oxygen is in for a third season of Tori and Dean and Bravo has rewened Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, while Mediaweek has news on Showtime's renewal of Brotherhood.
Kirsten Dunst and Ryan Gosling will star in All Good Things, a period drama and murder mystery directed by the man behind the documentary Capturing the Friedmans, Zap2it reports.
Pitchfork has a few more details on the Zooey Deschanel/M. Ward collaboration, which will be out March 18.
The Sci Fi Channel will show repeats of Jericho for two years, including a mini-marathon leading up to its Feb. 18 season premiere; details are at The Futon Critic.
Variety has details on a series of short plays written by striking writers that will feature TV actors in benefit performances.

Source

Do You Agree With the Decision Not to Picket the Grammys?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:34:16 -0800

The striking Writers Guild of America voted yesterday not to picket the Grammy Awards. In a message to members, the WGA president wrote:

Members of the American Federation of Musicians face many of the same issues concerning compensation in new media that we do. In the interest of advancing our goal of achieving a fair contract, the WGAW Board felt that this gesture should be made on behalf our brothers and sisters in AFM and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

As reader elocin pointed out, there's a lot more than awards shows at stake in the strike. So, do you think the WGA was right to let the Grammys go forward without disruption? Or should the union have continued to make its point by threatening to picket, like it did for the People's Choice Awards and Golden Globes?Source

Do You Agree With the Decision Not to Picket the Grammys?

Yes — It wouldn't have been right for writers to disrupt a music ceremony.

No — If they're going to picket some Hollywood events, they should picket them all.

I'm undecided.

Other (tell me below)

Grammys Will Go On — Without Picketing

BuzzSugar — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:21:22 -0800

Have no fear: The Grammys are definitely here.

While the striking Writers Guild of America hasn't said its writers can work on the script for the Feb. 10 show, writers definitely won't be picketing the 50th anniversary event thanks to a WGA decision today. That means that musicians and presenters — including those who are also Screen Actors Guild Members, such as Justin Timberlake — won't have to choose between crossing a picket line and staying home.

It's a switch from what SAG and WGA leaders initially planned to do, and no reason was given for the change in position. With the picketing concern out of the way, a full lineup of performers is expected soon. Beyonce and the Foo Fighters have already signed on for the show.

Even though the WGA didn't explain the decision, I have to take this as a hopeful sign. Informal negotiations are getting under way this week between writers and producers, and maybe calling off the dogs on the Grammys will help the sides reach a resolution before the Oscars.

Source

Writers and Producers Inch Toward Talking Again

BuzzSugar — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 06:30:30 -0800

It's not a contract. Heck, it's not even official negotiations. But as the Hollywood writers' strike enters its 12th week, at least there's a little bright spot out there on the horizon: The writers' union will hold informal talks with studio executives this week, in the hopes of eventually getting back to the table for a formal bargaining session.

At least they're speaking at all — something that hasn't happened since early December. When the producers and the Directors Guild of America struck a deal last week, the producers signaled they were open to meeting with the writers again, too. The Directors Guild deal also started with informal chats, then progressed to official negotiations and — after just a few days of talking — a contract.

Could this be the light at the end of the reality TV-filled tunnel? The leaders of the WGA sent a statement to writers urging them to be patient. I'm trying to be patient, too, but really, I just want my Oscars to go on and my favorite series to come back. Is that too much to ask? My fingers are crossed that we get an answer soon.

Source

Rewind: This Week's Buzz

BuzzSugar — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 08:00:25 -0800

I never thought I'd get K-Fed and Oprah into the same sentence but I think I just did it.
The DGA brought a glimmer of hope to a bleak strike landscape but networks are still bracing themselves for the fallout with more reality series. Still, new scripted programing is making its way to the airwaves and we're hanging in there with shows like Cashmere Mafia to ride this out.
I'm so excited to go to Sundance this year! Check out the festival films I've been highlighting this week.
You told me the movie you were most likely to see this weekend and I told you neither Cloverfield nor 27 Dresses will disappoint. Not in the mood for either? Perhaps it's a good weekend to tackle that waitflix queue of yours.
Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward will make music together once again and I wanted to know what you think of Sia's Gimme More cover. I'm warming to Freddy and the Dials, however it was the Magnetic Fields that made my week.
We know Hayden can do cheerleader but can you imagine her battling vampires? That's right — I'm recasting Buffy!
I'm still getting over the anti-climactic Golden Globe ceremony but thankfully SAG is on the way to fill the void. Get started picking the winners and win a year of Netflix!

Source

Directors, Studios Strike Deal

BuzzSugar — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:22:00 -0800

The Directors Guild of America has reached a tentative contract deal with the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers. While it's unclear what impact — if any — the deal will have on the Writers Guild of America strike, optimists in Hollywood believe the deal might be a blueprint for a potential WGA contract.

Oscars Will Go On, One Way or Another

BuzzSugar — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:30:51 -0800

The good news: There will be an Oscar ceremony despite the writers' strike.

The bad news: Nobody's saying what the ceremony would look like if nominees refuse to cross picket lines to get there.

Regardless, it's a little reassuring to know the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is already working on a contingency plan in case the strike forces the Oscars to change course. Hopefully, that will mean Hollywood's biggest night doesn't turn into a slapped-together press conference a la the Golden Globes.

Oscar producer Gil Cates hasn't revealed much about what could happen in the alternative broadcast, other than saying that sets are being built at the Kodak Theater regardless. But Variety speculates that "the alternative show would rely on industry heavyweights penning their own speeches and presenting the awards" — though whether anyone would be there to receive them is anyone's guess.

So, at least we'll have something. But the only way to make sure the Oscars go on the way we're used to seeing them is for the writers and producers to strike a deal — and soon. Maybe the Directors Guild will strike a deal and help get the writers and producers talking again.

Source

Will the Strike Cancel the Grammys, Too?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:30:00 -0800

Fresh off the downsized People's Choice Awards and Golden Globes comes something new to worry about: Could Hollywood's 10-week-old writers' strike kill the Grammy Awards, too?

This week, a Screen Actors Guild spokesman said the union had been told the Writers Guild of America planned to picket the Feb. 10 Grammy ceremony. The WGA hasn't announced anything formal, but the union is unlikely to grant the Grammys a waiver that would allow it to hire union writers — exactly what started the Globes fiasco.

If the writers picket the Grammys, which seems likely, will anyone attend? Musicians (who aren't unionized like actors are) might not necessarily care about crossing picket lines, though some — including nominee Bruce Springsteen — historically haven't crossed. The actors who typically present many awards might stay home, though, as could musicians who have also appeared in movies or TV shows. So even if the show goes on, it might look a lot different than planned.

This is the Grammys' 50th year, and the ceremony should be a big a blowout celebrating the awards' history and future. Here's hoping it's not reduced to another awkward press conference.

Source

Bottom of the Barrel Spotted? ABC Revives The Bachelorette

BuzzSugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:31:15 -0800

Bracing myself for another edition of The Bachelor this spring was bad enough, but now there's word from ABC that The Bachelorette is coming back, too. After a three-year hiatus, the dating series will return for its fourth season this summer, subjecting a new woman to a horde of single men.

Granted, it was The Bachelorette that produced Trista and Ryan, arguably the most successful pairing in dating-show history. But honestly, isn't this idea completely played out by now? My favorite part of Variety's story: "ABC is keeping a lid on the creative details on the new Bachelorette." Shhhh — A woman is going to date a bunch of men and maybe marry one of them. Don't tell!

Since it's coming back, I suppose we might as well speculate about which spurned Bachelor contestant will be the lucky lady this time around. My money's on Bevin. You?

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Buzz News Roundup, 1/11

BuzzSugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:35:14 -0800

Reuters reports that the Writers Guild of America has canceled its own awards show, promptly after announcing this year's nominees.
According to ComingSoon, Salma Hayek will play the bearded lady in the horror drama Cirque du Freak, which also stars John C. Reilly.
First Reuben and Taylor, now this: Former American Idol contestant Katharine McPhee has also left RCA Records, Billboard reports.
Vanessa Hudgens will star in the coming-of-age dramedy Will, writes The Hollywood Reporter.
Variety reports that Steve Buscemi and Stanley Tucci are starting a production company together.
Forbes wonders: Why so many save-our-show campaigns these days?
The Hollywood Reporter has new details on Sons of Anarchy, a new FX pilot about motorcycle clubs from an executive producer of The Shield.
Variety reports that Olivia Wilde (who plays 13 on House) will star opposite Jack Black in the Judd Apatow-produced "biblical-era comedy" Year One.
Networks are going overboard to make sure people know they have new shows, writes the Wall Street Journal.

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Could George Clooney Solve the Writers' Strike?

BuzzSugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:30:56 -0800

George Clooney has already given money to those affected by the writers' strike. But could he also be donating his diplomatic skills to the cause?

Clooney has reportedly offered to set up a strike mediation panel, and he has plans to ask Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and ER producer/writer John Wells to join. News of the offer came during a call with Harvey Weinstein, whose own production company just reached an independent agreement with the striking Writers Guild of America. According to reports, Clooney envisions that the panel's participants would be locked in a room together and not leave until a deal was done.

Hanks, too, has recently called for negotiations to resume, saying: "I just hope that the big guys who make big decisions up high in their corporate boardrooms and whatnot get down to honest bargaining and everyone can get back to work."

This should be Hollywood's finest season, and with the Golden Globes all but canceled and the Oscars in question, maybe some A-list muscle like Clooney and Hanks can do what professional negotiators and government mediators could not. Maybe it's a long shot, but do you think there's a chance Clooney and his panel could get the writers and producers to agree on a fair contract?

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Golden Globes Ceremony Officially Canceled

BuzzSugar — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:59:34 -0800

It's official: There will be no ceremony for the Golden Globe Awards this Sunday. Instead, NBC News will broadcast a one-hour live press conference announcing the winners. It's still unclear whether winners will be asked to give acceptance speeches. Jorge Camara, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, issued a statement saying the following:

We are all very disappointed that our traditional awards ceremony will not take place this year and that millions of viewers worldwide will be deprived of seeing many of their favorite stars celebrating 2007’s outstanding achievements in motion pictures and television. We take some comfort, however, in knowing that this year’s Golden Globe Award recipients will be announced on the date originally scheduled.

Earlier today, according to Deadline Hollywood Daily and The Envelope, an e-mail went out to studio executives today with the following schedule for Sunday:

7 p.m.: a Dateline NBC show with clips and interviews with nominees
8 p.m.: a retrospective/clip show (still in the works)
9 p.m.: a press conference announcing the winners, to be covered by NBC News
10 p.m.: an Access Hollywood-style special visiting some of the Hollywood parties

NBC still hasn't confirmed the other parts of the announcement, but stay tuned — I'll keep you updated as I learn more. The striking Writers Guild of America also hasn't issued any statements yet. I'm glad we'll get to learn the winners, but this sounds like a big bummer for those of us who were looking forward to the gowns and speeches.

Will You Watch Dexter Edited for CBS?

BuzzSugar — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:30:10 -0800

As was speculated earlier, the Showtime series Dexter is heading to CBS to patch some holes left by the writers' strike. The first-season premiere will air Feb. 17 at 10 p.m., with the next 11 episodes from the first season filling that time slot for the following 11 weeks. It's the first time a full season of a cable series has been broadcast on network TV. So here's my question: Will you watch an edited-for-network-TV version of the serial killer series? Or would you rather hold out for the real thing? Photo courtesy of Showtime

Will You Watch Dexter Edited for CBS?

Yes — I've been dying for a chance to see Dexter.

Maybe — We'll see how desperate I am by February.

No — I've already seen the first season.

No — I'd rather get it unedited on DVD.

I wouldn't watch the show no matter what.

Other (tell me below)

TV Tonight: Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert Return

BuzzSugar — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 13:36:11 -0800

Just in time to skewer the New Hampshire Primary, America's fake-news stalwarts Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are returning to the air tonight. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report will be new for the first time since the writers' strike began in November.

But how will they do it without writers? Colbert and Stewart, themselves both members of the striking Writers Guild of America, are barred from writing anything — and, after Jay Leno was smacked down by the union after writing a monologue last week, the two of them will probably be extra-cautious. Comedy Central hasn't confirmed Colbert's guests yet (though Andrew Sullivan, former editor of The New Republic, says it's him), while Stewart is planning to interview Ronald Seeber, a conflict resolution specialist. Heh.

No matter what else happens, I'm guessing this is going to be one wacky hour of television; as of yesterday, a Comedy Central spokesman was saying Stewart and Colbert were still figuring out what to do on their shows. Will you be watching as these two return to the air? Or are you staying away in support of the strike?

Photos courtesy of Comedy Central

United Artists Strikes a Deal with the WGA

BuzzSugar — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:04:05 -0800

United Artists, the movie production studio co-owned by Tom Cruise, has reached an interim deal with the Writers Guild of America. The deal will allow WGA writers to go back to work for the studio. It's similar to the deal that brought David Letterman and Craig Ferguson back on the air last week, and it's the first deal of its kind for a movie studio during the strike.

Actors Won't Attend the Golden Globes

BuzzSugar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:06:17 -0800

Actors Won't Attend the Golden Globes
The Screen Actors Guild released a statement today saying actors won't be crossing the picket lines for the Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 13. It's unclear how that will affect the television broadcast, though NBC says plans for a telecast are moving forward.

Whose Strike Beard Is Better?

BuzzSugar — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:30:13 -0800

So the late-night hosts returned to TV on Wednesday — some with their writers, some without — for the first time since the start of the writers' strike two months ago. There were a bunch of questions: Would David Letterman and Craig Ferguson get better guests since their shows aren't being picketed? And would people be more likely to watch the shows with writers or the ones without? (So far, it's the ones without.)But I'm wondering about something much more important today: Did Letterman or Conan O'Brien grow the better strike beard? (We ask the hard-hitting questions around here, you know.)Photos courtesy of CBS and NBC

Whose Strike Beard Is Better?

Letterman's

Conan's

They're both pretty bad.

Are You More Likely to Watch Letterman and Ferguson Tonight?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 06:30:00 -0800

All of the major late-night hosts — Jay Leno, David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O'Brien, and Craig Ferguson — return to the air tonight with new episodes for the first time since the Hollywood writers' strike began in November. Leno, Kimmel, and O'Brien will be winging it without their writers (and with picketing writers demonstrating outside their shows' studios). Letterman and Ferguson, however, have their writing staffs intact after Letterman's Worldwide Pants production company, which owns the shows, cut a deal with the Writers Guild of America. That might also help the shows to get better guests since there won't be a picket line to cross — Letterman, for example, is returning with Robin Williams on the couch. I'm wondering: Are you more likely to watch Letterman (or Craig Ferguson) because the writers' union says it's OK? Photos courtesy of CBS

Are You More Likely to Watch Letterman and Ferguson Tonight?

Yes — but I watch their shows anyway

Yes — they're the only late-night hosts I can support now

No — I'm too loyal to Leno, Conan, or Kimmel

No — I won't watch any late-night TV

Other (tell me below)

Letterman, Ferguson to Return — With Writers

BuzzSugar — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 15:55:30 -0800

Letterman, Ferguson to Return — With Writers
David Letterman's production company, Worldwide Pants, has made a deal with the striking Writers Guild of America that will allow Late Show with David Letterman and Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson to resume production with their writers next week. Letterman and Ferguson will return to the air Jan. 2, the same date Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien, and Jimmy Kimmel are returning. However, Leno, O'Brien, and Kimmel won't have their writers.