Justice holds steady

Good news! The Nielsens for Justice looked good this week. Taking it out of the 'likely to be axed' category. I for one am relieved.

Standoff is still not looking good, however...

The first casualties?

Reports that 'Happy Hour' may hit the dirt nap very soon (it's being put on early hiatus until November). Also, 'Justice' will air this week but the 10/4 episode is being yanked, replaced with a repeat of 'House'. No word on if/when 'Justice' will return.

Watch List coming...

The story so far...

We haven't even had a full week of the fall season, but already some trends are emerging:

1. People can find the CW. Last night 'Top Model's' premiere was up 10% over the previous year. Encouraging news for the CW that people will find them.

2. Fox isn't doing so hot. 'Vanished' numbers are blah, 'Justice' looks destined for cancellation, and 'Standoff' is losing too much of House's lead-in. Their two new sitcoms are underperforming.

3. CBS can do no wrong. 'Smith' premiered to great numbers, 'Jericho' looks encouraging, and 'The Class' premiered decently (but not spectacular). I'm kinda worried about 'Shark.' I hope people prove me wrong.

NBC and ABC future still looks murky. Too many shows left to premiere. It's gonna get interesting.

The new (and improved) TV Watch List!

Yes! It's coming!! Are you excited?? I know I am...

...this is the post I update constantly with premiere dates, cancellations, and what appears to be headed for full season pickups/renewals or are on the fence.

I learned a lot as I worked on the one last year, so I hope to improve on it this year. Suggestions in the comments.

I'll start updating the list actively on Monday next week.

Avast!

Arrrr, it be Talk Like A Pirate Day today!

I'm gonna watch Pirates of the Caribbean to commemorate.

When setbacks become leaps forward

Thanks to everyone who left a note or a link. I pledge to visit all the blogs which were suggested. Who knows, someday I may even update my blogroll. I know, don't go crazy all in one week, Shawna. I'll pace myself.

So, I had what seemed to be a setback this weekend. I had a draft of my pilot script, which I had given out to trusted advisor to read. The trusted advisor (okay, okay, it was my sister -- but she's brutal with notes!) felt there was something missing from this draft. I pitched her my potential changes for the next draft, which solved most of the problems but, we both came to the same realization.

I was telling the wrong story.

It's frustrating to get through a couple of drafts of something and know you aren't quite hitting the mark. It's even more frustrating when you realize you aren't hitting the mark because you aren't telling the right story. Basically I need to re-outline, re-tool and re-write. And this is no 'bump and adjust' rewrite. This is PAGE ONE REWRITE. The horror!

I know in my heart that this is what I have to do. And I know the script will be better for it. The pain comes when I think about the task ahead.

It's the good pain, the pain the helps us grow. I just wish I had a few painkillers around...

Did I mention...?

...That I missed you all? I did. I've taken such a break from blogs, I haven't read anybody, I mean, ANYBODY.

I'm looking forward to catching up. Feel free to post any exciting news or blatant advertisements for your blog in my comments. Compel me to visit you (of course you know I will anyway, but hey, I'm giving you free airtime here).

*sigh* It's good to be home.

Madness

Been writing a lot lately. Finished my Medium spec (amazingly), rewriting my pilot (again) to submit for Slamdance deadline TOMORROW, trying to catch up on all the new shows on TV and write columns for them.

My blog has been squeezed out of the mix.

Made the decision to go to Austin Film Festival Screenwriter's Conference this year rather than the Screenwriting Expo. I've been to the Expo three times, and my decision was made easier by being a '2nd Rounder' at Austin with my House spec. No, I wasn't a Semi-Finalist, much to my disappointment, but the 2nd Rounder status gets me a nice discount on the festival pass. I'll also get a chance to meet up with some people I've only known through this here Internet thing. It'll be nice to embarrass myself in front of them in person for a change.

So, that's the latest and greatest with me. Slowly but surely getting my head back in the game, and getting all my ducks in a row to start going out to agents. Getting closer every day.

So every day I'm not updating you here, is a day I'm working on the goal. Obviously today I'm a slacker.

Blog Crazy

NBC is not only going to stream its premieres online (with ads) but will also host blogs for ALL of its new Fall shows after their premieres. NBC is apparently very big on blogs.

Get the full list with dates from the link above or below.

Link: the futon critic