AMC has announced that their hugely popular zombie drama The Walking Dead will be returning for a fourth season. That was no surprise to the show’s millions of fans. What was a surprise, however, was the announcement that showrunner Glen Mazzara will be leaving the show after completion of post-production on season three. Creative differences between Mazzara and AMC were cited as the reason for the showrunner’s imminent departure. In a statement, AMC said the decision to part ways was amicable:

“AMC is grateful for his hard work. We are both proud of our shared success. Both parties acknowledge that there is a difference of opinion about where the show should go moving forward, and conclude that it is best to part ways.”

Mazzara’s departure is unexpected because “The Walking Dead” is AMC’s biggest hit, and the show has grown in popularity since Mazzara took over as showrunner (from series creator Frank Darabont) in the middle of season two. The show’s third season premiere had a record breaking 10.9 million viewers—and that number doesn’t even include the millions of viewers who recorded the show or watch the second broadcast later that evening. It was a 50 percent increase over the number of viewer for the show’s season two premiere. With the amazing success of season three, Walking Dead has become one of the biggest hits on television, and it’s the first basic cable show to lead the fall ratings among television’s most valued demographic—adults 18-49 year old.

In a statement about his departure, Mazzara thanked the show’s fans and said that it was time to move on:

“My time as showrunner on ‘The Walking Dead‘ has been an amazing experience, but after I finish season 3, it’s time to move on. I have told the stories I wanted to tell and connected with our fans on a level that I never imagined. It doesn’t get much better than that. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey.”

If you’re not one of the millions of fans who are hooked on The Walking Dead, you may be wondering what your missing. The show tells the story of survivors living in the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse. The show’s main character Rick Grimes, a former Sheriff’s deputy, wakes from a coma only to find that the world has been taken over by zombies. He then discovers that his wife and son are missing. He finds his wife, son and his best friend at a camp near the city of Atlanta; and they form a small group of survivors who struggle to find safe places to live away from the throngs of zombie walkers. The group must also deal with other human survivors who, in their fight for survival, can be as dangerous as the walkers.

While there hasn’t been an announcement regarding a new showrunner for season four, executive producer Robert Kirkman—author of the comic book series on which The Walking Dead is based—believes the future for the show looks bright:

“I am in full support of both AMC and Glen Mazzara in the decision they have come to and believe the parties came to this decision in the best interest of the future of the show…This show has always been the result of a wide range of extremely talented men and women working tirelessly to produce their best work collectively.  I believe the future is bright for ‘The Walking Dead.’ Thank you to the fans for your continued support.”

SOURCES:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Walking_Dead_(TV_series)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1520211/

http://www.mercurynews.com/entertainment/ci_22239677/walking-dead-showrunner-glen-mazzara-departs-after-difference

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-glen-mazzara-will-leave-amcs-the-walking-dead-after-season-3-20121221,0,3565940.story

Discovery Communications, the parent company of popular cable channels such as Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, has reached an agreement to buy SBS Nordic from German broadcaster ProSiebenSat. The SBS Nordic portfolio includes four networks each in Norway and Denmark, two networks each in Sweden and Finland, and SBS Nordic’s 19 radio stations.

The $1.7 billion deal, if approved by regulators, will be Discovery’s largest to date. The deal is a continuation of Discovery’s ongoing strategy of investing internationally. In a recent press release, Mark Hollinger, president and CEO of Discovery Networks International said:

“The acquisition of SBS Nordic is a continuation of Discovery’s more than 20-year strategy of investing internationally to build the most extensive global footprint in media, which now includes 153 networks in 217 countries and territories.”

The new deal will make Discovery the number one pay-tv programmer in Europe. David Zaslav, president and CEO of Discovery Communications, said that there is still potential to win over new subscribers in many international markets, where there is less competition for viewers and advertising dollars than there is in the U.S. market. For example, the Nordic region has an average of about 50 channels per country compared to the approximately 200 channels in the United States.

Discovery Communications is already the world’s largest nonfiction media company with more than 1.8 billion subscribers.  Because most of the company’s television shows are nonfiction—mostly documentaries and reality shows—they appeal to viewers from many different cultures. Discovery uses subtitles or voice-overs in a country’s native language, and often replaces a TV show’s host with a local personality. They also create new shows that are unique to a particular country.

The SBS Nordic news follows last week’s announcement that Discovery is negotiating to take a 20 percent stake in the French media group TF1′s Eurosport group. The deal has the potential to increase Discovery’s ownership to 100 percent within five years. There is also a deal with TF1 for 20 percent interest in four pay-tv channels in France. According to Mr. Zaslay, the deals are an important part of Discovery’s long-term growth strategy:

“Individually, and taken together, the acquisition of SBS Nordic, our pending strategic partnership with TF1 through the acquisition of a minority stake in Eurosport and the increase in our share repurchase program are all complementary to our long-term growth strategy of delivering sustained operating results, creating strong organic growth through investment in content, brands and talent, and returning capital to shareholders.”

These deals would also expand Discovery’s brand portfolio by adding different types of programing than they currently offer: general entertainment, scripted shows, and sports.

Discovery’s strategy of exporting its U.S. programs overseas and obtaining networks in emerging markets has been paying off. Their international markets are the company’s fastest growing, with revenues up 16 percent last year, compared to an 11 percent rise in revenues in the company’s domestic operations. Since 2007, Discovery’s international business has grown from10 percent ($250 million) to 35 percent (more than $700 million) of total revenue.

SOURCES

www.discoverycommunications.com.

http://realscreen.com/2012/12/14/discovery-to-buy-sbs-nordic-in-1-7bn-deal/#ixzz2FQ86rPWa

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-discovery-sbs-20121214,0,3555048.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+latimes%2Fmostviewed+(L.A.+Times+-+Most+Viewed+Stories)

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118063643

http://www.cnbc.com/id/100314658

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/capitalbusiness/for-discovery-communications-the-revenue-growth-lies-in-television-networks-overseas/2012/12/16/aa262d32-461e-11e2-8e70-e1993528222d_story.html

http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/12/14/discovery-strikes-2-deals-in-bid-for-international-growth/?ref=discoveryholdingcompany

Pittsburgh has been compared to a lot of cities: Portand, OR, for its lush green landscape; Venice, Italy for its bridges; and Hollywood? That’s right. Pittsburgh is making a name for itself on the big screen with its booming film-production scene.

CNN Money reports: “In the last three years alone, 24 movies have filmed in Western Pennsylvania, including ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ and ‘Promised Land,’ which stars Matt Damon and will be released next year. These films have infused the region’s economy with $300 million since 2009 and helped small businesses to thrive, according to Pittsburgh Film Office Director Dawn Keezer.”

The article attributes the success of Pittsburgh’s film draw on its alluring tax credit; a 25-percent credit goes to films that spend at least 60-percent of their total production budget in Pennsylvania.

Hollywood film crews are also drawn to Pittsburgh for its architectural variety, endless neighborhoods, and the skilled and inexpensive local unions. More than 50 major movies and films have been shot on location in the Pittsburgh area during the past decade, and Pittsburgh boasts film credits that include “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Silence of The Lambs” and “Hoffa.” Pittsburgh has come a long way from the days of boasting about being home to the filming of “Striking Distance” (starring Bruce Willis and Sarah Jessica Parker, 1993) and “Sudden Death” (starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, 1995).

The impact on the economy is phenomenal. Existing business are cashing in on catering to the large production staffs and opportunities for local studios to join in the act are flourishing. With the credibility of filmmaking in the region on the rise, maybe it’s time articles start comparing other cities to Pittsburgh.

I apologize for my unabashed Pittsburgh pride in advance (sort of), but yet another show is being shot here! The link below offers all the details, so I will provide the highlights.

The show, based on a book entitled Hemlock Grove by Charleroi native Brian McGreevy, will appear on Netflix early next year. The book caught the attention of LA producers, and thanks to some effective lobbying by McGreevy, filming is scheduled to start in our fair city in June.

Pittsburgh continues to attract projects with budgets big and small and to screens big and small as the Pittsburgh Film Office, 31st Street Studios, Paramount on Location, Knight Vision Studios and Carnegie Mellon University forge ahead to make Pittsburgh a player in the film and television industry.

Yeah Pittsburgh!

Source:  http://www.examiner.com/article/new-television-series-to-be-filmed-pittsburgh#ixzz1ssImHpUa

New Show Studios’ President was on hand when The Steeltown Film Factory presented “The Producer’s Pitch” this past weekend at Point Park University.

It was an opportunity to experience the film business from top industry pros and watch live as six of Pittsburgh’s most talented screenwriters pitched their short films to “Good Will Hunting” Producer Chris Moore, “Ice Age” Screenwriter Peter Ackerman and “Chappelle’s Show” Director Rusty Cundieff.

The up and coming screenwriters were vying to advance to the final round of the Film Factory project and win up to $30,000 to develop their short scripts into a movie.

Members of our New Show Studios production team were also on hand to document the event.

For More Information, Click Here!

The world lost a legend and an entertainment icon yesterday with the passing of Dick Clark at age 82.

A pioneer in music and television, his career was marked by professionalism and grace—a stand-up guy if ever there was such a thing.

We rang in the New Year with Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, stayed on the pulse of music and dance trends with American Bandstand and gathered as families as he hosted numerous game and variety shows that appealed to fans young and old.

A multiple Emmy winner, Hall of Fame inductee and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Clark’s career was celebrated by his peers with frequency. Referred to adoringly as “the world’s oldest teenager,” he navigated trends and fads with the greatest of ease and remained relevant and beloved in an industry in constant flux.

Clark oozed charisma, exemplified staying power and earned the respect and admiration of his peers and fans….He will truly be missed.

On a personal note, Stanley Moger (New Show Studios’ exclusive licensing agent & SFM Entertainment’s President), enjoyed a wonderful business and personal relationship with Clark for decades. Friends and colleagues, it is with great sadness that Moger says goodbye to his good friend.

Photo Source: Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

Hear that? Those are the winds of change in TV land. Things are changing at the major networks. Change is good; particularly when it means better programming options. It appears it is necessary, too, in order to compete with the amazing series that cable networks continue to churn out.

Here’s the change in a nutshell: Shows will run for weeks in succession; virtually uninterrupted, and then go on hiatus (following the cable model.)

FOX did it with “24” and ABC did it with “LOST.” You might be seeing WAY more of it in the very near future.

The link below gives some specifics. My take? I like it. The hype, the excitement, the anticipation of ‘my series’ coming back…there’s just something magical about it.

I recall the old days of Sex and the City and The Soprano’s when Sunday nights turned from horrible evenings with anticipation of busy workweeks to nights filled with my favorite fashionistas and mobsters. HBO kept my case of the impending “Monday’s” at bay.

We all have our faves… AMC’s Mad Men, Showtime’s Dexter, HBO’s Eastbound and Down, AMC’s Breaking Bad… why shouldn’t the formula work for the big 4 networks (NBC, ABC, CBS & FOX) just as well?

Until Next Time…

Source:  http://old.post-gazette.com/pg/12085/1219017-67.stm?cmpid=IPHONEAPP

Planning on spending the hazy, lazy days of summer with your remote in hand? I totally am. It’s the perfect time to catch up on the stuff you missed while you were forced to do homework with your kids or drive them to gymnastics (or maybe that was just me?).  lol

Luckily, it’s not all about the reruns…there’s new stuff, too!

I wrote, (a few weeks ago) about a new TBS comedy produced by Vince Vaughn that’s set in Pittsburgh. Well, it’s really happening! Sullivan & Son will premiere Thursday, July 19 at 10 p.m.

There’s a link below with all the details. The premise appears to be: You can go home again…take over your parents’ bar…and leave that promising career as a Manhattan corporate attorney behind to enhance your quality of life. I mean, I could have never made such a brave, serendipitous choice, but in a Vince Vaughn comedy… that kind of thing totally happens.

I am hopeful that when it happens, it is very funny. There is definitely that potential.

It could be so ‘money.’ And, if you love Vince Vaughn as much as I do, you will understand what I mean.

Source:  TV by the Numbers

You’ve seen him as Batman… he’s been “An American Psycho”… and now he’ll star in “Out of the Furnace,” which will begin filming in Braddock (a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) this spring.

Yes, it’s Christian Bale, returning to the ‘Burgh for a second time (he recently flew into town to shoot “The Dark Night Rises”) to star in the Scott Cooper-directed thriller about an ex-con looking for a fresh start who is haunted by the past.

The $45 million production will employ about 250 people in the Pittsburgh region and bring some much-needed help to the Braddock area.

Robert Duvall is rumored to be a part of the cast as well… and Leonardo DiCaprio is listed as the film’s producer.

Image Source: Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

Everybody‘s getting in the game these days. I am speaking of the original programming game, of course. Remember when Hulu and Netflix used to just deliver other people’s original programming?

Those days are long gone.

The article below details the new shows, which began airing recently. The shows themselves aren’t as much the story as the trend of original content and the emerging delivery channels.

I am rather ashamed to say I haven’t spent as much time with my remote in hand as of late as I might like. I am so behind with the bevy of content airing on networks and cable and now I have to keep up with original content on Hulu and Netflix?

I am not complaining, just saying that I haven’t even seen a single episode of Breaking Bad or Mad Men… Oh, the shame! And, with growing delivery channels offering original scripted programming on the horizon, I might never get up to speed.

Should I watch more and write less? If only someone would pay me to watch TV and movies… Wait a minute, they do!

Until Next Time…

SOURCE: http://www.usatoday.com/money/media/story/2012-02-10/netflix-hulu-lilyhammer-battleground-tv/53037230/1