Fox Schedule change

After baseball, Vanished will move to Fridays starting 10/27 and Justice moves to post-Prison Break slot on 10/23.

Keep an eye out for NBC schedule changes. Kidnapped is going down and is being added to the 'likely to be axed' list.

Link: the futon critic

Random Thoughts

Vanished -- there's some audience. still getting google hits on the dang show.

Invasion -- you people are insane. It's cancelled. Over. Finito. Move On, or start holding conventions a la 'Firefly'.

Studio 60 - Do I like this show? Can someone tell me if I like it? I'm so confused.

Heroes -- More Greg Grunberg, less of the 'Wonder Twins', thanks.

Men in Trees -- kill me now; I actually LOOK FORWARD to this show. It must be a sign of the apocalypse.

Knights of Prosperity - if it's bad enough to postpone the premiere AGAIN, can we just pretend it doesn't exist and move on to midseason?

Friday Night Lights - why didn't anyone watch it? You'll watch the umpteenth retread of CSI but you won't watch this? I hate you all.

Standoff - Memo to Tim Minear: I'm available to help on this or 'Drive'. Whatever you need, really.

Eureka seson finale - wait, the show was still on? it got renewed? Curse you lingering summer shows!!

Things no longer on my DVR Season Pass: Brothers & Sisters, 6 Degrees, Vanished, Kidnapped, Smith (done after last night -- just whatevery about it), Runaway.

Shows I stupidly forget to set season pass for: The Nine. Anyone got a screener??

Just found...

... this. It's a blog written by one of the junior writers on 'Standoff'. Keep an eye on it -- some interesting (and some pointless) stuff so far...

adding to the TV show blog list as I type...well, after I type this, actually.

If you watch Vanished backwards, it says 'Gale is dead'

Or at least that must be what people think -- I got a bunch of google hits from the following search terms 'gale harold vanished dead [or] fired'.

I didn't watch 'Vanished' tonight (or really any night since the pilot) but I gotta ask -- what's the deal? I don't think the guy's been fired (that would be news I'd ponder since I believe he was poorly cast to begin with).

Anyway, just another weird night in cyberspace...

In other fox news, Justice got three more scripts ordered. The limbs are still twitching.

EDIT: Highlight the invisible text below. I'm doing it this way to protect the few on the planet who are a) Vanished fans and b) still haven't seen tonight's episode.

Okay, so they did kill off Gale Harold. I may have to reconsider a show willing to kill off one of the leads. I wonder if it was a contract dispute, a creative decision or he quit/was fired? Either way, very interesting. BTW, Prison Break has gotten odd the last two weeks, hasn't it?

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

'Invasion' weirdness

For the last week or so, I've noticed a strange increase in comments on a post from May. It may have been one of the shortest blog posts ever -- the title was 'Conviction and Invasion cancelled'. The text -- 'According to Variety.' with obligatory link to the story.

Apparently there is either one very passionate person or several rabid Invasion fans who think people will see their adoration on a blog post on a little read blog which was posted four months ago.

I think they are finding it by googling 'Invasion cancelled' -- the post is the third search result.

Still, my plea to 'Invasion' fans is to cherish the forthcoming DVD set and move on. Besides, William Fichter has moved over to 'Prison Break' which makes me immensely happy.

Vanished

So, my quick review of the new Fox show? I hate it. I didn't think the script was great to start with, but the actors cast for this show raised my loathing to a new level.

I don't know why I dislike Rebecca Gayheart so much, but I do. And I understand she is supposed to be slightly unlikeable as a nosy reporter, but I don't just dislike her -- I HATE HER. I want her off my TV screen.

As with all new shows, I'll give it another week -- maybe the not a pilot episode will win me over, but the pilot sure didn't. I'm not sure I care about this season long mystery.

Prison Break -- my guilty pleasure. If Robin Tunney really is dead, I will do the Snoopy Dance. She was the WORST part of that show! Sadly, I doubt she is dead. I can dream though. I only caught the second half of the episode (stupid me forgot to program the DVR), so I'll have to go to the web to watch it in full on a fox website. I recommend Fox affiliate in Birmingham...just my personal preference, although the L.A. affiliate also has the episodes.

Besides, is anybody really ready for fall? We're all still watching Project Runway!

Across the River Styx

So I have returned to the land of the screenwriters!

Miss me?

I've been spending time with an interesting bunch of folks the last few weeks -- boy, have I done some incredible research for future screenplay or TV pilot. You all know of my unhealthy fascination with Taylor Hicks...

...yeah, I know. Sue me.

I went to Birmingham, Alabama last week to mix and mingle with other 'Soul Patrol' members and had a blast. In fact, I honed my podcasting skills by recording some podcasts while I was there. I think I'm finally ready to do those podcasts with my sister for Movieweb. Speaking of Movieweb, yeah, I've been off a couple of weeks, but I'm currently watching a lot of screeners I've been sent and am cranking out reviews as fast as possible. I should have a new column up tomorrow about the TV season premieres which are fast approaching! 'Prison Break' premieres next Monday!! I'm not ready for this yet -- I'm not caught up from last season yet!

So anyway, I've come down from my Taylor high (yes, I met the man) and am fired up to get refocused on writing. Finished my 'Medium' spec outline and am ready to crank out some pages. Am working on my pilot rewrite. Still not sure if I'm going to go to the Expo or Austin Film Festival (leaning toward Austin this year). And now that August is waning, it will be busy around this blog again.

Buckle in. Time to fly.

My Con Adventure

For the first time ever, I headed down to the San Diego ComiCon on Saturday. Though I missed a lot of morning events, I got to experience a lot in a day, and now feel I have the knowledge I need to make the most out of 2 or 3 days of the Con next year. A couple of tidbits that won't really make it into my Movieweb column:

Met Rene Echevarria, showrunner for 'Medium' and Brannon Braga. Somehow I managed to get posters from the NBC booth in the main hall which allowed me to get autographs from them after the TV Guide sponsored panel they both attended. They were both very nice and though I didn't get much time to talk to them, I was able to share that I was a 'spec monkey' (even mentioned to Rene that I am now writing a 'Medium' spec!)

Also met Frank Spotnitz who I interviewed for a couple of minutes -- some of those questions will appear in my article. He was also signing autographs in the main hall, but of course there was NO LINE. Handy tip for meeting writers -- find out where they are signing autographs.

Saw the 'Veronica Mars' panel, which rocked. I do think Rob Thomas has figured out a way to try to lure more viewers to the show. Next season will be split into 3 mysteries with no breaks between episodes for repeats during those blocs (a la the new 'Lost' paradigm, which has learned from 'Prison Break' and '24'). There will also be more focus on the 'mystery of the week' so new viewers don't feel lost if they should happen to tune in.

Did you know that 'Stargate: SG-1' has been on for 10 years?? Quite a fanbase too.

Snakes on a Plane is really gonna be HUGE. I thought so before, now I *know*. They were selling Comicon exclusive t-shirts for $20 and they were FLYING off the shelves. Imagine that, Transformers was giving t-shirts away (and they did run out), but people were paying for the priviledge of advertising Snakes on a Plane. New Line hit the jackpot on that one.

I need to have a stern talking to Disney about their presentations. Most were disappointed that there was no preview of the 3-D 'Nightmare Before Christmas'. Boo-hiss.

Highly recommend going to the Con. If you didn't think it was worth it already, let me emphasize what a learning experience it can be. My column should go up tonight/tomorrow with the rest of my day's experience.

Oh, I also have some exciting developments on the writing front. Nothing I can speak of yet, but keep your fingers crossed for me!

My new column is up!

Hey kids! It's been a busy week, but I do have something to show for it. My new column at Movieweb has gone live. I plan to update every other day for now, until I get a good schedule, then it will be a daily column. Those of you who read the blog regularly will notice me 'cribbing' from my blog posts for the column, but hey, whatever works.

Anyway, working on the rewrite of my pilot this week. I've also started a new treatment for a feature with another writer, and my spec class starts on Wednesday. I'm a busy writer with lots of irons in the fire.

But I promise not to abandon the blog. The redesign has slowed down, but is by no means dead. I beg a little patience.

By the way, I don't care what the critics say, I loved the heck out of 'Pirates' this weekend. What a fun movie! Kudos to Terry and Ted!

Emmy Nominations

There are some pretty egregious omissions - 'Battlestar Galactica's' campaign did not pan out, Hugh Laurie got snubbed for Peter Krause and Martin Sheen, the entire cast of 'Lost' gets snubbed (and the show itself isn't nominated!) All of the 'Desperate Housewives' get ignored this year too -- but whether this is an oversight or not is up for debate. Alfre Woodard, on the other hand, does get a nom for her stint on the show. 'How I Met Your Mother','Everybody Hates Chris' and 'The New Adventures of Old Christine' get overlooked for noms in the comedy category. So much for 'new blood'.

The good things: Gregory Itzin gets a nod for '24' (he's the guy who played the President -- well deserved, in my opinion). Jean Smart got a nomination for her role in '24' also, but I rather expected hers. Chandra Wilson, one of the best parts of 'Grey's Anatomy' gets recognized, and Kyra Sedgwick gets to go head to head with Geena Davis for the Emmy which should be interesting. I pick her as the upset of the night.

No James Gandolfini or Edie Falco. No Omar Epps (which is a crime really) for his supporting role on 'House'.

Now let's talk writing. David Shore won last year for 'House', but he is completely ignored this year. Lost does manage one writing nomination for 'The 23rd Psalm', the episode which details Mr. Eko's backstory (written by showrunners Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof). The ridiculous two part 'Grey's Anatomy' (written by creator Shonda Rhimes) aired after the Super Bowl gets a nomination along with 'Six Feet Under's' last episode, written by Alan Ball and an episode of the 'The Sopranos' written by Terence Winter. Krista Vernoff rounds out the nominations with the Grey's Anatomy episode 'Into You Like a Train.'

Comedy -- 'Entourage' episode 'Exodus' written by Doug Ellin is joined by the last episode of 'Arrested Development' (written by Chuck Tatham and Jim Vallely), the great 'Christmas Party' episode of 'The Office' (written by Michael Schur), the pilot of 'My Name is Earl' (written by Greg Garcia) and the 'Extras' episode featuring Kate Winslet (who is a riot sending up herself) which was written by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. Again, no 'Desperate Housewives', no 'How I Met Your Mother' -- but we do get 'Two and a Half Men' off the writing nominations (for better or worse, I don't know).

Full nomination list is available at Emmys.tv or the shortened list (without the writing or directing noms) is available at the link below.

More discussion later as I digest the list...feel free to post your comments of who got robbed, who is rightfully recognized.

Link: BREITBART.COM - List of Primetime Emmy Nominations

Thanks!

Great feedback everyone. I had no idea I had established a "brand" here, but I will definitely keep it. I'll also post a link to my new column when it is published -- should start this week (fingers crossed)!