Tuesday 31 July 2007
Summertime and the Blogging ain't Easy
Taking a break for a few weeks. Back when the new season starts.
Tuesday 17 July 2007
CBC strikes Gold!
Well, it did years ago when there wasn't so much competition. I found this site that offers synopsis of old Canadian TV shows. These sound interesting:
CHRYSLER FESTIVAL
CBC / 6x60m-e / 1956-57
Executive Producer: Stuart W. Griffiths
Variety series broadcast from Loew's Uptown Theatre in Toronto. Hosted by Elaine Grand and Hume Cronyn. Some big names appeared including the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Earth Kitt, Shirley Jones, Peter Sellers, Jose Greco, Dorothy Dandridge, Kaye Ballard and the Oscar Peterson Trio.
CHARLIE HAD ONE BUT HE DIDN'T LIKE IT SO HE GAVE IT TO US
CBC / x30m-e / 1966 (20 July - 12 October / Wednesday 11.40pm)
Producer: Terry Kyne
Eccentric sketch series starring Paul Soles and Barrie Baldaro with a different guest star each week.
(ed. A late night sketch comedy show with a different host each week? Crazy. No wonder it didn't last.)
THE COLLABORATORS
CBC / x60m-e / 1973-74 (16 December 73 - 1 December 74 / Sunday 9.00pm)
Creator: Richard Gilbert
Crime drama series. Cases of a group of forensic scientists heavily involved in solving crimes for the police.
With:- MICHAEL KANE as Detective Sergeant Jim Brewer / PAUL HARDING as Dr Charles Erickson / TOBY TARNOW as Liz Roman / DONALD PILON as Detective Sergeant Richard Tremblay (season 2) / LAWRENCE BENEDICT as Detective Quinn / LESLIE CARLSON as Detective Kaminski
(ed. Forensic scientists solving crimes? Ludicrous.)
COMING UP ROSIE
CBC / x30m-e / 1975-78 (15 September 75 - 28 March 78)
Writers: Barbara Evans, David Mayerovitch, Stuart Northey / Executive Producer: Don Elder / Producer/Director: Trevor Evans (seasons 1-2), Hedley Read (season 3)
Teen sitcom. Misadventures of Rosie Tucker, a film school graduate, who is determined to make a name for herself as a documentary film maker.
With:- ROSEMARY RADCLIFFE as Rosie Tucker / BARRIE BALDARO as Dudley Nightshade / DAN HENNESSEY as Ralph Oberding / FIONA REID as Mona Swicker / CATHERINE O'HARA as Myrna Wallbacker / JOHN CANDY as Wally Wypyzychwk / DAN ACKROYD as Parks Bickle / JOHN STOCKER as Dwayne Kramer
(Ed. I loved this show!)
DR ZONK AND THE ZUNKINS
CBC / 30x30m-e / 1974-75 (23 September 74 - 14 April 75/ Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays 4.30pm)
Producer: Don Elder / Director: Trevor Evans
Children's sketch series based around young Billy Meek and the contents of his imagination. Robin Eveson played Billy Meek and featured amongst the cast were a young John Candy, Gilda Radner, Bob McKenna, Rosemary Radcliffe, Fiona Reid and Dan Hennessey.
(ed. Never saw this but it sounds intriguing.)
QUENTIN DURGENS M.P.
CBC / x60m-e / 1966-71
Creator: George Robertson / Producer: David Gardner / Executive Producer: Ronald Weyman
Drama series. Rural MP Quentin Durgens juggles his constituency duties in the small town of Hampton County with his role as a back bencher in Ottawa. The show grew out of a six parter called Mr Member of Parliament that appeared as part of The Serial.
With:- GORDON PINSENT as Quentin Durgens / SUZANNE LEVESQUE as 'Toinette / OVILA LGAR as Letourneau
(ed.This was a good show.)
THE RAY STEVENS SHOW
CTV / 8x60m-e / 1970
Writers: Jack Hanrahan, Phil Hahn / Executive Producers: Allan Blye, Chris Beard, Murray Chercover
Sketch based comedy series starring American comedy singer (The Streak) as well as an up and coming Steve Martin, Mama Cass of Mama's and the Papa's, Lulu, Billy Van and Dick Curtis.
(ed. During the seventies alot of entertainers had a variety show on CBC, Noel Coward, Wolfman Jack, Ray Stevens, Rolf Harris. I think there were Canadian hosts too.)
WOJECK
CBC / 20x60m-e / 1967-68
Creator: Philip Hersch
Medical/crime drama series featuring the cases of crusading Toronto Chief Coroner Dr Steve Wojeck who tackled head on all manner of controversial subjects. Wojeck's wife was Marty, Arnold Bateman was the cop Wojeck often called upon. See also below for the TV Movie revival called Wojeck: Out of the Fire.
With:- JOHN VERNON as Dr Steve Wojack / PATRICK COLLINS as Marty Wojeck / TED FOLLOWS as Arnold Bateman / CARL BANAS as Sgt Byron James
(ed. Again with the crazy ideas, a coroner solving crime.
CHRYSLER FESTIVAL
CBC / 6x60m-e / 1956-57
Executive Producer: Stuart W. Griffiths
Variety series broadcast from Loew's Uptown Theatre in Toronto. Hosted by Elaine Grand and Hume Cronyn. Some big names appeared including the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Earth Kitt, Shirley Jones, Peter Sellers, Jose Greco, Dorothy Dandridge, Kaye Ballard and the Oscar Peterson Trio.
CHARLIE HAD ONE BUT HE DIDN'T LIKE IT SO HE GAVE IT TO US
CBC / x30m-e / 1966 (20 July - 12 October / Wednesday 11.40pm)
Producer: Terry Kyne
Eccentric sketch series starring Paul Soles and Barrie Baldaro with a different guest star each week.
(ed. A late night sketch comedy show with a different host each week? Crazy. No wonder it didn't last.)
THE COLLABORATORS
CBC / x60m-e / 1973-74 (16 December 73 - 1 December 74 / Sunday 9.00pm)
Creator: Richard Gilbert
Crime drama series. Cases of a group of forensic scientists heavily involved in solving crimes for the police.
With:- MICHAEL KANE as Detective Sergeant Jim Brewer / PAUL HARDING as Dr Charles Erickson / TOBY TARNOW as Liz Roman / DONALD PILON as Detective Sergeant Richard Tremblay (season 2) / LAWRENCE BENEDICT as Detective Quinn / LESLIE CARLSON as Detective Kaminski
(ed. Forensic scientists solving crimes? Ludicrous.)
COMING UP ROSIE
CBC / x30m-e / 1975-78 (15 September 75 - 28 March 78)
Writers: Barbara Evans, David Mayerovitch, Stuart Northey / Executive Producer: Don Elder / Producer/Director: Trevor Evans (seasons 1-2), Hedley Read (season 3)
Teen sitcom. Misadventures of Rosie Tucker, a film school graduate, who is determined to make a name for herself as a documentary film maker.
With:- ROSEMARY RADCLIFFE as Rosie Tucker / BARRIE BALDARO as Dudley Nightshade / DAN HENNESSEY as Ralph Oberding / FIONA REID as Mona Swicker / CATHERINE O'HARA as Myrna Wallbacker / JOHN CANDY as Wally Wypyzychwk / DAN ACKROYD as Parks Bickle / JOHN STOCKER as Dwayne Kramer
(Ed. I loved this show!)
DR ZONK AND THE ZUNKINS
CBC / 30x30m-e / 1974-75 (23 September 74 - 14 April 75/ Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays 4.30pm)
Producer: Don Elder / Director: Trevor Evans
Children's sketch series based around young Billy Meek and the contents of his imagination. Robin Eveson played Billy Meek and featured amongst the cast were a young John Candy, Gilda Radner, Bob McKenna, Rosemary Radcliffe, Fiona Reid and Dan Hennessey.
(ed. Never saw this but it sounds intriguing.)
QUENTIN DURGENS M.P.
CBC / x60m-e / 1966-71
Creator: George Robertson / Producer: David Gardner / Executive Producer: Ronald Weyman
Drama series. Rural MP Quentin Durgens juggles his constituency duties in the small town of Hampton County with his role as a back bencher in Ottawa. The show grew out of a six parter called Mr Member of Parliament that appeared as part of The Serial.
With:- GORDON PINSENT as Quentin Durgens / SUZANNE LEVESQUE as 'Toinette / OVILA LGAR as Letourneau
(ed.This was a good show.)
THE RAY STEVENS SHOW
CTV / 8x60m-e / 1970
Writers: Jack Hanrahan, Phil Hahn / Executive Producers: Allan Blye, Chris Beard, Murray Chercover
Sketch based comedy series starring American comedy singer (The Streak) as well as an up and coming Steve Martin, Mama Cass of Mama's and the Papa's, Lulu, Billy Van and Dick Curtis.
(ed. During the seventies alot of entertainers had a variety show on CBC, Noel Coward, Wolfman Jack, Ray Stevens, Rolf Harris. I think there were Canadian hosts too.)
WOJECK
CBC / 20x60m-e / 1967-68
Creator: Philip Hersch
Medical/crime drama series featuring the cases of crusading Toronto Chief Coroner Dr Steve Wojeck who tackled head on all manner of controversial subjects. Wojeck's wife was Marty, Arnold Bateman was the cop Wojeck often called upon. See also below for the TV Movie revival called Wojeck: Out of the Fire.
With:- JOHN VERNON as Dr Steve Wojack / PATRICK COLLINS as Marty Wojeck / TED FOLLOWS as Arnold Bateman / CARL BANAS as Sgt Byron James
(ed. Again with the crazy ideas, a coroner solving crime.
Sunday 15 July 2007
"Billable Hours". Why it will fail!
Okay, I just finished watched an episode of Billable Hours on Showcase. It has broken the following cardinal rules:
(1) There are no totally good people and totally bad people.
As a rep from CTV/Comedy told me not too long ago, a script must have a good guy and a bad guy. Seems pretty simple, people. I mean in real life we walk down the street and see black hats and white hats. Thank god we don't have to take the time to get to know people and their motives. But I just hate those grey hatted people. Pick a side! As an example, Corner Gas, the most sucessful Canadian comedy ever has it's memorable good guys, most of the town, and the "bad guys" who would be....um, well, there was that gov't guy, but then he turned out alright, and then, oh, the dog that bit...someone....
(2) They curse.
CTV played the Sopranos uncut. There was cursing and killing and nudity and nobody (really CRTC did not register one complaint) cared. In the states Janice Jackson's nipple ended her career and started an no-win war in the mid-east. So Billable Hours will not translate into the U.S. on ABC Family. The characters curse like real people. It's like Temple Street Productions and Showcase televsion didn't care about an improbable international sale to the U.S.
(3) They make unnecessary references to Canada
They actually don't hide being Canadian. They even make fun of "Alberta" which is a state like Texas, only colder.
So, a Canadian show that talks like real people, has characters like real people and is blatently Canadian.
I'm stuck for words. I have to think.
So here's what I think. (ed. you know who you're cable/internet provider is?)
I just watched a smart, funny show on TV. The characters were well drawn, the comedy subtle yet accessible, (ed. and funny!) the production values were terrific. (ed. they were really, multiple sets, beautiful details (ed. small things on desks, though periperal, spoke to the character)truly)).
One scene had a "little person" for lack of a politically correct term, but he was not singuled out, he was not the butt of a joke; he was another character that happened to work in the office. Seinfeld did that and I loved it.
Billable Hours is a well-acted, well-written, well-executed TV show. (ed. the visuals were great, there was one scene where the main characters were arguing while walking through an office, it looked very real)
I wish everyone involved success in California.
(1) There are no totally good people and totally bad people.
As a rep from CTV/Comedy told me not too long ago, a script must have a good guy and a bad guy. Seems pretty simple, people. I mean in real life we walk down the street and see black hats and white hats. Thank god we don't have to take the time to get to know people and their motives. But I just hate those grey hatted people. Pick a side! As an example, Corner Gas, the most sucessful Canadian comedy ever has it's memorable good guys, most of the town, and the "bad guys" who would be....um, well, there was that gov't guy, but then he turned out alright, and then, oh, the dog that bit...someone....
(2) They curse.
CTV played the Sopranos uncut. There was cursing and killing and nudity and nobody (really CRTC did not register one complaint) cared. In the states Janice Jackson's nipple ended her career and started an no-win war in the mid-east. So Billable Hours will not translate into the U.S. on ABC Family. The characters curse like real people. It's like Temple Street Productions and Showcase televsion didn't care about an improbable international sale to the U.S.
(3) They make unnecessary references to Canada
They actually don't hide being Canadian. They even make fun of "Alberta" which is a state like Texas, only colder.
So, a Canadian show that talks like real people, has characters like real people and is blatently Canadian.
I'm stuck for words. I have to think.
So here's what I think. (ed. you know who you're cable/internet provider is?)
I just watched a smart, funny show on TV. The characters were well drawn, the comedy subtle yet accessible, (ed. and funny!) the production values were terrific. (ed. they were really, multiple sets, beautiful details (ed. small things on desks, though periperal, spoke to the character)truly)).
One scene had a "little person" for lack of a politically correct term, but he was not singuled out, he was not the butt of a joke; he was another character that happened to work in the office. Seinfeld did that and I loved it.
Billable Hours is a well-acted, well-written, well-executed TV show. (ed. the visuals were great, there was one scene where the main characters were arguing while walking through an office, it looked very real)
I wish everyone involved success in California.
Wednesday 11 July 2007
X&Z on Definition? And They Say Canadian Game Shows Aren't Exciting!
If only the theme song was here:
And I remember this clip from The Frantics fondly:
The Simpsons in Canada:
Steve Martin in Toronto:
My DHX (Halifax Film Company) Stock is up to $1.54/share. My 1000 shares acquired at $1.40 is looking good.
And I remember this clip from The Frantics fondly:
The Simpsons in Canada:
Steve Martin in Toronto:
My DHX (Halifax Film Company) Stock is up to $1.54/share. My 1000 shares acquired at $1.40 is looking good.
Saturday 7 July 2007
Just Tidying Up.
Few more things before I get into what's been happening here:
- My DHX Stock is at $1.45. Up $.05 from acquisition price. (ed. You know, it's odd that there's no "cents" sign on a computer keyboard, isn't it?) I only have 1000 shares but I'm in a quandry as to hold tight or sell. After all, two weeks ago Charles Bishop, one of the founders of DHX, sold 250,000 shares. Would he know something I don't? Naw, I'm sure it was just a cash flow thing. I think I'll hang on especially with the news that Halifax Film (DHX) is doing a show for the CBC about spelling bees. Sounds like "ca-ching, bling, bling" is headed my way.
- A local comedy troupe (ed. or troop?) is making waves locally. Picnisface has had some of it's videos featured on Will Farrell's website so naturally as a Canadian, I am proud to now feature them and claim them as a national treasure; (ed. we haven't seen the video ourselves, but if an American says its good...)
But first!
Youtube. Apparently Women Parking is bigger than porn in Germany, judging by the number of videos posted on the topic.
Now Picnicface:
Not really my cup of tea but whatever makes the world go round.
- My DHX Stock is at $1.45. Up $.05 from acquisition price. (ed. You know, it's odd that there's no "cents" sign on a computer keyboard, isn't it?) I only have 1000 shares but I'm in a quandry as to hold tight or sell. After all, two weeks ago Charles Bishop, one of the founders of DHX, sold 250,000 shares. Would he know something I don't? Naw, I'm sure it was just a cash flow thing. I think I'll hang on especially with the news that Halifax Film (DHX) is doing a show for the CBC about spelling bees. Sounds like "ca-ching, bling, bling" is headed my way.
- A local comedy troupe (ed. or troop?) is making waves locally. Picnisface has had some of it's videos featured on Will Farrell's website so naturally as a Canadian, I am proud to now feature them and claim them as a national treasure; (ed. we haven't seen the video ourselves, but if an American says its good...)
But first!
Youtube. Apparently Women Parking is bigger than porn in Germany, judging by the number of videos posted on the topic.
Now Picnicface:
Not really my cup of tea but whatever makes the world go round.
Everybody Wang Chung Tonight.
Eh, not really.
I don't have much time but here's a few tidbits:
- While surfing I found this description on Winkopedia about the CBC/Halifax Film Company show Poko. This is verbatim;
"In August 28, 2008, Season 3 of Poko will be added 3 characters will be added and Poko got a bigger house for 3 more.
Troy He lives with Poko. He is newborn. He sleeps during the outside scene.
Lip Lock Lip Lock lives with Bibi. Lip Lock kisses. She is a cat. On the outside episode, Lip Lock chased Minus.
Sharon Sharon was Poko's new friend she is 9 years old. When Sharon says 'TAKE A BOW!' Poko, Bibi, Lambert, Lip Lock, Minus and Troy bowed. Sharon was sometimes shorten to Share which Poko called out Sharon.
Quiz will be planned to be on Season three of Poko on September 3, 2008."
Does the above sound like some sort of Eastern European satire? It's either briliantly satirical or fucking stupid.
- www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm/databases/easterneye/history.asp
This is the website for a history of film in Nova Scotia. An except follows;
"The second private motion picture company established in Nova Scotia was the less prolific but equally important Maritime Motion Picture Company (MMPC).
Canadian in its philosophy but less so in its practice. While most of the productions were filmed in Cape Breton and Atlantic Canada and told Canadian stories, the company imported most of its directors, casts, and crews from the United States. (WTF?) This practice was not uncommon across the country during these early years of film production when trained personnel were hard to come by.
A report to shareholders in 1922 stated,
It [the newly-released Sea Riders] has been well received wherever screened [and] the returns have been unexpectedly big ... outstanding evidence of the fact that the Canadian people will, if given the opportunity, support and give a preference to Made in Canada products.15"
So, we've been deceiving ourselves for a looongg time.
Anyway, Paris Hilton bumped Michael Moore from The Larry King Show. Ya know, if she hadn't invented a cure for cancer I would be a little miffed.
In local film news, there's a website that promises to entertain you with original content. Another website/blogger that promises to make television obsolite. If only. I've surfed it and found myself going, "yawn, okay, that's cute". I can't recommend it as a great way to spend an evening but it is local.
www.untv.ca
I don't have much time but here's a few tidbits:
- While surfing I found this description on Winkopedia about the CBC/Halifax Film Company show Poko. This is verbatim;
"In August 28, 2008, Season 3 of Poko will be added 3 characters will be added and Poko got a bigger house for 3 more.
Troy He lives with Poko. He is newborn. He sleeps during the outside scene.
Lip Lock Lip Lock lives with Bibi. Lip Lock kisses. She is a cat. On the outside episode, Lip Lock chased Minus.
Sharon Sharon was Poko's new friend she is 9 years old. When Sharon says 'TAKE A BOW!' Poko, Bibi, Lambert, Lip Lock, Minus and Troy bowed. Sharon was sometimes shorten to Share which Poko called out Sharon.
Quiz will be planned to be on Season three of Poko on September 3, 2008."
Does the above sound like some sort of Eastern European satire? It's either briliantly satirical or fucking stupid.
- www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm/databases/easterneye/history.asp
This is the website for a history of film in Nova Scotia. An except follows;
"The second private motion picture company established in Nova Scotia was the less prolific but equally important Maritime Motion Picture Company (MMPC).
Canadian in its philosophy but less so in its practice. While most of the productions were filmed in Cape Breton and Atlantic Canada and told Canadian stories, the company imported most of its directors, casts, and crews from the United States. (WTF?) This practice was not uncommon across the country during these early years of film production when trained personnel were hard to come by.
A report to shareholders in 1922 stated,
It [the newly-released Sea Riders] has been well received wherever screened [and] the returns have been unexpectedly big ... outstanding evidence of the fact that the Canadian people will, if given the opportunity, support and give a preference to Made in Canada products.15"
So, we've been deceiving ourselves for a looongg time.
Anyway, Paris Hilton bumped Michael Moore from The Larry King Show. Ya know, if she hadn't invented a cure for cancer I would be a little miffed.
In local film news, there's a website that promises to entertain you with original content. Another website/blogger that promises to make television obsolite. If only. I've surfed it and found myself going, "yawn, okay, that's cute". I can't recommend it as a great way to spend an evening but it is local.
www.untv.ca
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