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12-14-2005, 06:55 AM
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#1
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I am Groot!
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 27,662
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Arrested Development to Showtime?
I found this message from one of AD's producers on another board, with no citation of its original source:
Quote:
Showtime may book 'Arrested'
Mitch Hurwitz
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Will the pay TV environs of Showtime be a friendlier place for the Emmy-winning comedy "Arrested Development"? Word around town this week is that Showtime is in talks with "Arrested" producers 20th Century Fox TV and Imagine TV about picking up the comedy from creator/executive producer Mitch Hurwitz. Sources stressed that the talks are still exploratory and that it would be a big financial commitment on Showtime's part to pick up the show in its current form with a large ensemble cast that includes Jason Bateman, Jeffrey Tambor, Portia de Rossi, Jessica Walter and Will Arnett. "Arrested" was an instant hit with critics following its debut on Fox in late 2003, but the show never could pull in much of a crowd during its run on Fox Broadcasting Co., even after it won the Emmy for best comedy series in 2004. Last month, Fox threw in the towel, cutting its episode order for "Arrested's" third season from its initial 22-episode ticket to 13 (HR 11/11). Reps for Showtime, 20th and Imagine declined comment late Tuesday. (Nellie Andreeva)
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__________________
“I trust the Doctor.”
“You think he knows what he's doing?”
“I wouldn't go that far.”
Last edited by Rob Helmerichs : 12-14-2005 at 07:13 AM.
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12-14-2005, 07:25 AM
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#2
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Broncos Faithful
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Morganton, North Carolina
Posts: 5,352
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This would be the best Christmas present ever! I hope this is what Santa brings us for Christmas!!
Showtime would get themselves many new subscribers to help pay for that production cost...
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"It's all ball bearings nowadays" -Irwin Fletcher
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12-14-2005, 07:51 AM
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#3
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Got Basenji?
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Morrisville, NC
Posts: 9,603
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I would re subscibe to Showtime for this if I was not a sub already.
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XBox Live -- SheriffTruman
Do you work in the Raleigh, Durham, RTP Cary or Morrisville area and find that you are hungry in the middle of the day on Wednesdays?
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12-14-2005, 07:56 AM
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#4
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Smelly Pirate Hooker
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 1,129
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Chapper1
This would be the best Christmas present ever! I hope this is what Santa brings us for Christmas!!
Showtime would get themselves many new subscribers to help pay for that production cost...
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I'm a big fan of the show, it's my favorite, and I want to be an optimist, but no, no they wouldn't (get many new subscribers.)
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"Fetal stem cells? Aren’t those controversial?"
"In your time, yes! Nowadays? Shut up!”
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12-14-2005, 08:09 AM
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 757
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I would subscribe to Showtime to see AD.
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12-14-2005, 08:12 AM
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#6
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Go Pats
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Ashland, MA
Posts: 35,479
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That would be awesome! Lets go showtime!
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12-14-2005, 08:18 AM
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#7
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Willing Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Falls Church, VA
Posts: 757
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I'd be a new subscriber if this went down. No doubt.
__________________
You can make up statistics to back up any point you want to. 87% of people know that.
beep
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12-14-2005, 08:18 AM
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#8
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CamParDad
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: West Texas
Posts: 1,079
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I will subscribe to Showtime to watch AD.
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cessante causa cessat et effectus
When the cause ceases, so does the effect
----
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2 - HR21-700
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12-14-2005, 08:18 AM
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#9
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Well aren't you
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Fredericksburg, VA
Posts: 6,949
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I would poop myself if this happened.
and totally pickup showtime 
wonder if the lack of censor beeps would detract from the comedy. Like when Buster goes off about his mother in season one and Michael, Job, and Lindsey are shocked by how explicit he is.  I guess they could just include the beeps
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12-14-2005, 08:19 AM
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#10
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Peekols
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Greenville SC
Posts: 27,769
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same here
I cancelled showtime when they cancelled "Dead Like Me" I'll be back if they bring AD there.
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It's a sociological cornucopia of silliness.
Gamertag: GGwallen
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12-14-2005, 08:25 AM
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#12
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Give em Hell, Devils
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Arizona
Posts: 33,318
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I won't subscribe to Showtime if they pick up AD, but I'll be thrilled and will anxiously await the release of the Showtime eps on DVD.
__________________
"You don't own a TV? What's all your furniture pointed at?" Joey Tribbiani
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12-14-2005, 08:34 AM
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#13
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I blue myself!
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 22,836
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by mrpantstm
I would poop myself if this happened.
and totally pickup showtime
wonder if the lack of censor beeps would detract from the comedy. Like when Buster goes off about his mother in season one and Michael, Job, and Lindsey are shocked by how explicit he is. I guess they could just include the beeps |
I've wondered this as well. I don't think it's as funny to hear the words, as it is to hear the beep.
__________________
Tim
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12-14-2005, 08:52 AM
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#14
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I am Groot!
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 27,662
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by doom1701
I've wondered this as well. I don't think it's as funny to hear the words, as it is to hear the beep.
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I doubt they would take out the bleeps. They aren't there to mask dirty language; they are there as a joke in their own right.
__________________
“I trust the Doctor.”
“You think he knows what he's doing?”
“I wouldn't go that far.”
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12-14-2005, 08:57 AM
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#15
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Got Basenji?
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Morrisville, NC
Posts: 9,603
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__________________
XBox Live -- SheriffTruman
Do you work in the Raleigh, Durham, RTP Cary or Morrisville area and find that you are hungry in the middle of the day on Wednesdays?
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12-14-2005, 09:11 AM
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#16
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: North Dakota
Posts: 13,270
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No question about it. I'd subscribe to Showtime for this.
However, I'd like to see the show remain intact. Meaning, the beeps and commercial breaks.
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12-14-2005, 10:15 AM
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#17
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 10,845
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Pair this with Weeds for a great comedy block on SHO!
I hope, hope, hope this is true. But I also hope they keep the show intact (with bleeps).
__________________
--Chris
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12-14-2005, 10:26 AM
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#18
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Shrewsbury, MA
Posts: 391
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Stories like this... and interest from other networks should clue Fox in that it might need to find a way to keep it.
Fact is, the show IS expensive, and it will never draw great ratings... but networks spend alot of money each year on bad shows which lose money... why not just consider this a "loss leader"? It's a show that brings the network universal acclaim from critics... and engenders tons of good will.
Regardless, though, I haven't subscribed to Showtime in years, but I'll be right back in there if they grabbed AD.
__________________
Sig free .... and Roy
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12-14-2005, 10:49 AM
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#19
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No Pop Culture Here.
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Newhall, CA (previously nuked in 24)
Posts: 720
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Four things I found noteworthy in the Variety piece:
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Originally Posted by Variety
ABC, meanwhile, is also looking to make its mark in comedy, having already established itself as the home of TV's most buzzworthy dramas ("Lost," "Desperate Housewives," "Grey's Anatomy"). Net has high hopes for upcoming laffers, such as "Emily's Reason's Why Not," "Crumbs" and "Sons and Daughters," as well as a sophomore contender, "Jake in Progress."
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ABC as a network is DESPERATE (pun intended) for a hit comedy, and at least one with a built-in audience, and may be really interested.
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Originally Posted by Variety
On the other hand, "Arrested" is a winner in the DVD market, and more episodes mean more DVD sales. Skein could also take off if given mass exposure on a cablercabler such as Showtime -- particularly now that the feeveefeevee cabler is part of Leslie Moonves' CBS Corp. family.
Moonves certainly knows something about making lemons out of lemonade. One of his first acts upon taking over CBS was picking up a show from NBC called "JAG." Skein ran for nearly a decade on the Eye and spawned the successful spinoff "NCIS."
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All of a sudden, either Showtime or CBS (which isn't mentioned, but is a possibility) could be interested since Les Moonves oversees both CBS and Showtime and has proven track record of reviving JAG among other fading shows from another network.
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Originally Posted by Variety
Studio has already deficited millions in order to produce the show, which costs about $1. 6 million per half-hour to produce. It's believed 20th deficits about $400,000 per episode.
Even if ABC or Showtime stepped up with the same license fee Fox now forks over for the show, 20th execs will have to decide whether it's worth it to sink more money into a show that isn't a proven ratings winner. That's one reason the studio might push for at least a 22-episode (or greater) commitment from a net.
Studio needs 36 episodes to get "Arrested" to the magic number of 88 episodes required for syndication. But even if it gets to syndication, there's no guarantee of a rich payday in the off-netoff-net market.
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Episodes are expensive, which is the main reason FOX downgraded its season order without ratings. Should the show switch networks, it's a win-win situation, most likely requiring 22 or more episodes per season (good for the fans) and helps to get to syndication (good for the networks) and added replay value and even helps along with DVD sales (good for everyone).
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Originally Posted by Variety
Since Fox has yet to officially cop to canceling "Arrested," 20th can't formally make any deals with another net. There are other barriers to setting the show up elsewhere, however.
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Since the show is "unofficially" cancelled, no word can be made as of yet on any moving of networks. EVERYTHING is conjecture and idle rumors until that time.
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12-14-2005, 10:54 AM
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#20
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Broncos Faithful
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Morganton, North Carolina
Posts: 5,352
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If Fox would consider this a loss leader, they more than make up for it from shows like American Idol, 24, House. I don't really care who pickes it up, as long as someone does. And I will follow it anywhere.
So far, there are seven people here who would pick up new subscriptions to Showtime. It may sound strange, but the AD watchers are a very loyal bunch...
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"It's all ball bearings nowadays" -Irwin Fletcher
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12-14-2005, 11:05 AM
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#21
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Rembrandt Q Einstein
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Vegas
Posts: 331
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Make it eight. I'd definitely subcribe to Showtime if AD went there.
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"If you want something in this life, you have to work for it. Now quiet, they're about to announce the lottery numbers."
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12-14-2005, 11:07 AM
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#22
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Wasting time here
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Randolph, New Jersey
Posts: 1,443
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From the article.....
why must they use the word 'skein' so often, and what the heck does it mean?!
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'The strong can take from the weak, but the smart take from the strong.'
"The two most common elements in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity."
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12-14-2005, 12:20 PM
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#23
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Alone in the dark
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Park Hills, KY
Posts: 3,708
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I'd subscribe to Showtime to get AD. Wouldn't have a second thought about it.
Tony
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"Works on Contingency - No Money Down"?
That's a misprint. It should read,
"Works on Contingency? No! Money Down."
-Lionel Hutz
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12-14-2005, 12:22 PM
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#24
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 81
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by kiljoy
I'd subscribe to Showtime to get AD. Wouldn't have a second thought about it.
Tony
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As would I! No doubt about it.
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12-14-2005, 01:29 PM
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#25
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TV MA SLV
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: NoHo, CA USA
Posts: 14,432
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I'd probably subscribe. I'm curious why AD is so expensive, 1.5 million for a 1/2 hour show seems pricey.
I know it's not a typical 3 camera studio show, but that seems expensive to me.
-smak-
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12-14-2005, 01:35 PM
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#26
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No Pop Culture Here.
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Newhall, CA (previously nuked in 24)
Posts: 720
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skein refers to the show, entertainment industry speak
Since I just changed from cinemax to showtime, I'd be watching as well!
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12-14-2005, 01:38 PM
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#27
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,395
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Agh! I've always firmly said I will NEVER pay for Showtime, HBO, or other pay networks. But AD would be the straw that breaks the bamel's back. Yeah, I'd subscribe for AD... Or maybe I'd wait for the DVD's. No, I couldn't wait that long and miss all the discussion on the boards! Agh! Dilemmas, dilemmas...
Count me as 1/2 of an extra subscription - I can't make up my mind!
I am absolutely delighted there's interest from other networks! Can't say I'm surprised, to tell the truth...
And yes, keep the bleeps.
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12-14-2005, 01:46 PM
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#28
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Broncos Faithful
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Morganton, North Carolina
Posts: 5,352
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by smak
I'd probably subscribe. I'm curious why AD is so expensive, 1.5 million for a 1/2 hour show seems pricey.
I know it's not a typical 3 camera studio show, but that seems expensive to me.
-smak-
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Since they keep referencing the size of the cast, I am assuming that it is the salaries for each actor that makes the show so expensive...
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"It's all ball bearings nowadays" -Irwin Fletcher
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12-14-2005, 02:11 PM
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#29
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I am Groot!
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 27,662
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Chapper1
Since they keep referencing the size of the cast, I am assuming that it is the salaries for each actor that makes the show so expensive...
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And they have a number of fairly high-profile cast-members, who I assume draw salaries somewhat above scale...
__________________
“I trust the Doctor.”
“You think he knows what he's doing?”
“I wouldn't go that far.”
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12-14-2005, 02:19 PM
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#30
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Broncos Faithful
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Morganton, North Carolina
Posts: 5,352
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Rob Helmerichs
And they have a number of fairly high-profile cast-members, who I assume draw salaries somewhat above scale...
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I am sure Jeffrey Tambor draws a good chunk of it. But the show wouldn't be the same if some of the characters were missing...
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