The Best Director

The fall season of 2004-2005 was a turbulent period for television. The old sitcom king "Friends" and the soap opera king "The City" and other series disappeared one after another. One of CBS's trump cards "Everybody Loves Raymond" came to an end, and there were also "The Big Bang Theory", "Desperate Housewives", "Grey's Anatomy", "House" and other dramas have suddenly become the new favorites of screen audiences...

The biggest winner is undoubtedly Flame Home Entertainment, as well as the beneficiaries.

For me, this is a mixed TV season with both sadness and joy. The ratings of "Joy", which I had high hopes for, were a mess. After the 24 episodes of the first season, it averaged 10.7 million viewers per episode, with a ratings of 4.2/12, ranking behind the 30th place of the year! And from the peak of 18.55 million viewers in the first episode, it started to fall without looking back. The 16th episode dropped to 10 million viewers. It started doing this every week from the 18th episode, and the lowest reached 7.5 million! What's even more chilling is that it follows the ace show, but viewers are switching channels, which means it's a piece of shit.

"We are really disappointed." Kevin Reilly, president of the entertainment department, once told the TV magazine "TV Series". He believes that everything has been done for "Joy" in terms of promotion, schedule, etc., and the current results are It's somewhat unacceptable. He even said: "We don't understand what the problem is. Multi-camera sitcoms have fallen behind? But "The Big Bang Theory" tells us that this is not the case. Maybe the plan of "Joy" is too hasty. , we all have a responsibility.”

According to statistics from Nielsen and other organizations, both old and new viewers don't buy into this show. Even die-hard fans of "Friends" who have been there for many years have given very low evaluations, saying that this series is boring and has boring laughs. It is best to wait for it as soon as possible. Finish.

It is not a fool. It has already announced that it will not book the entire season of "Joy", but will give the show half a season to make a last ditch effort. If it is not really reluctant to say goodbye to "Friends" 100%, this poor relative He should be kicked out immediately. On the other hand, it has something to do with the fact that several other new dramas such as "Proud Dad", "Hawaii", and "LAX" all performed poorly and ended up being slashed; the entertainment department executives really need to thank "The Big Bang Theory" Saved their transcript.

Perfectly taking over the banner of the king of TV sitcoms! The 24 episodes of the first season of "The Big Bang Theory" averaged 21.56 million viewers per episode, with a ratings of 13/24, ranking 6th in the year! It started broadcasting with 21.28 million viewers, and not one episode fell below 20 million. The 17th episode of "Animation Convention" even achieved a record high of 30.16 million viewers!

Although some TV film critics criticized it for "telling the same joke every week", this series captivated audiences around the world with its mature and confident attitude as soon as it was aired. It is both a CULT drama with a large number of hardcore fans and a A popular TV series that is loved by everyone, there is a popular saying: "The only reason why you don't watch "The Big Bang Theory" is if you don't have a TV." But there is also the Internet! "TBBT" not only set off a trend in North America, but also created a "geek trend" around the world. Hundreds of millions of TBBT fans are already looking forward to the second season.

The success of "The Big Bang Theory" is inseparable from the increasing role of electronic technology products in people's lives and the geekification of people around the world.

It would be even more inseparable from the hard work of the creative team and their vigorous publicity.

In any case, its current status can be seen from the fact that it has been fully booked for two seasons and 48 episodes this summer. The president, program manager, marketing manager and others have made no secret of their praise and reliance on it. Kai Vin Reilly praised: "It's not every year that a show as good as "The Big Bang Theory" comes out. It is a kind of 'period drama', and the next five or six years will belong to it. Very fortunately Once we get it, we must cherish this genius even more."

At least until 2007, TBBT fans don’t have to worry about not seeing Sheldon, Leonard and others. They can safely discuss the plot of the second season and how the relationship between Sheldon and his enemies will develop. ? Will he have a girlfriend? Can Leonard and Penny's romance survive? Howard says goodbye to being single? ...The second season's promotional video has a lot of highlights, one of which is "celebrity guest appearances." The star-studded first season included a lot of people including "Honorary Academician of the Academy of Sciences" Wang Yang, and now there are widespread rumors about SE2. There will be a "Firefly" episode, and it's very likely that Miraculous Yang will appear again.

But in the new season, the crew hopes to implement a plan to have guest appearances not only by film and television stars, but cartoonist Stan Lee, who loves guest appearances everywhere, has already agreed to the invitation; physicist Stephen Hawking responded that he is very interested, but he still needs to carefully consider whether to appear; Google The two founders Brin and Page, Apple founder Jobs and other Silicon Valley legends also need time to consider... Of course, "The Big Bang Theory" has just begun, and the producers are very confident that these people can meet Xie one after another. They met in Dayton.

The only thing that can hinder the weekly broadcast of "TBBT" is the ** strike. Seeing that the series is popular all over the world, and the flames are charging a sky-high price of 4.8 million per episode, the main creators and protagonists are inevitably unwilling to continue working with basic salaries, and After an actor becomes a popular star, even if his life remains luxurious, his daily expenses will naturally increase significantly. For example, he needs money to dress for events and ceremonies, and he also has a personal team such as a personal assistant and a personal makeup artist; another On the other hand, projects such as advertising endorsements, program announcements, and magazine appearances will also increase income.

Coupled with the fact that the agent is fanning the flames from the side, the creative and starring actors who have happily cooperated with Huo Yan all know that the kindness of acquaintance and business must be separated. After all, who doesn't want a better living standard? And no one knows whether it will still be as popular as it is now in a few years. Just look at "Joy"!

Flame Home Entertainment is probably the most generous boss in Hollywood. In the summer, they just smelled the crew's request for a salary increase, so they took the initiative to have detailed discussions with several leading actors. In fact, Jim Parsons and others have not said "no salary increase without a salary increase" for the time being. **" they thought hard, they understood that they were indeed popular because of "TBBT", where else could they go after leaving this series? They also like this series. The salary of US$60,000 per episode in the first season is already the best price for newcomers in new dramas. Flame treats them well.

Logically speaking, Jim Parsons and others do not want to get into trouble with the Flames. Kaley Tsoku even told the Flames that it would not be too late to renegotiate the contract in the third season. Flame Home Entertainment still offered the six leading actors a salary increase of RMB 80,000 per episode for the second season and RMB 100,000 per episode for the third season. This was a very reasonable and generous contract, and they naturally signed it without any excuse. I put my name down and participated in the filming of SE2 with a happy mood. There was no conflict between the employer and the employee.

However, the Flames Family Entertainment is not taken advantage of. It does good things to let others know. At least in terms of moral reputation, the Flames will still have the upper hand next time they negotiate a salary increase.

"I'm glad that this kind of thing has a happy ending.", "You can't find another company like this."... Both the media and the audience and fans agree that the Flames are very kind, and they can't see Warner's treatment of " The cast and crew of "Friends" should really be satisfied with the meanness first, and don't ruin "The Big Bang Theory".

The stars of "Prison Break" also received salary increases in the previous summer. The last season of "Prison Break" SE2 was not less exciting, firmly attracting the audience with its rigorous plot and exciting atmosphere. Although the ratings dropped in the middle, the overall After 24 episodes of the season, it still has a gratifying performance. It started with 23.5 million, and the 24th episode attracted 28.54 million. The average number of viewers was 23.04 million, and the ratings were 12/26 points. It continued to sit firmly at the fifth place of the year and remained a popular drama. The title of the set.

Entering the third season of "Prison Break", it lost its main creator. No matter how to retain him, Wang Yang no longer served as a producer and screenwriter, and his position became a consultant-style planning. Firstly, because he was too busy with other tasks, he wanted to devote his energy and time to the show. He focuses more on spending time with his family and film production; secondly, he has lost enthusiasm for "Prison Break". The story of "Prison Break" itself is over, and putting Michael Scofield in prison will just become a soap opera. Continue On the run, more opponents, a bigger conspiracy... these are all designed to prolong the series. If there were no contracts, crew livelihoods, Fire Home Entertainment's reputation, audience sentiment, etc., he would have ended the show where it should have ended, with Season 1.

But the crew can continue to maintain the suspense and tension of "Prison Break". There are TV channels willing to broadcast it and audiences like to watch it. Why not? I believe that as Michael Scofield and others set out again, "Prison Break" SE3, which has been booked for the entire season, will still be a monster on the screen.

"Desperate Housewives" was definitely the biggest surprise of the last TV season. Suddenly it took over the title of "City" soap opera king. Suddenly the unknown Mark Cherry became a gold medal TV producer. Suddenly With several popular celebrities, the word "desperate-ves" has become a cultural phenomenon and has appeared on various talk shows. In particular, Oprah Winfrey declared that she is a fan on the show; in April this year On the 30th, First Lady Laura Bush humorously said during a speech at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner: “Ladies and gentlemen, I am a desperate housewife.”

The "Wisteria Lane" trend has spread across the United States and even the world, and it's a super dark horse! It launched on the channel with 21.3 million viewers for its first episode, and the highest number for the 23rd episode was 30 million. It averaged 23.7 million viewers on SE1, with a ratings of 10.66/26. It was well received by critics and viewers, and dominated Sunday with the 4th place result of the year!

The first place was "American Idol" on Channel The fifth and sixth places...are occupied by three dramas under Flame Family Entertainment. It also has "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?" which ranks 19th with an average of 15.1 million viewers. ”, the undoubted winner.

This ferocious momentum has continued from ratings to award nominations. The flame logo can be seen everywhere on the nomination list of this year's 57th Emmy Awards. The three series received a total of 15 major nominations!

They are Best Drama Series, Best Actor (Wentworth Miller), Best Screenplay (EP04, Nick Santora) for "Prison Break"; Best Comedy Series for "The Big Bang Theory" Drama Series, Best Actor (Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki), Best Supporting Actor (Simon Helberg), Best Screenplay (EP17, Wang Yang, Bill Prady , Graham Linehan), Best Guest Actress (Natalie Portman, Rachel McAdams); Best Comedy Series, Best Actress in a Comedy Series (Desperate Housewives), Best Actress (Maria Thea Cross, Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman), Best Screenplay (EP01, Mark Cherry).

The biggest suspense at this year's Emmy Awards is who will win the trophy for Best Comedy Series. Is it the classic comedy "Everybody Loves Redmond" that has come to an end after 9 seasons? Or the big dark horse "Desperate Housewives", or the equally menacing "The Big Bang Theory"? The awards ceremony will be held on September 18th at the Shenandoah Theater in Los Angeles.

"I decided not to go. Yes, I have to start filming on Monday. I don't want to fly around... You know I have a phobia of flying now. Haha, if I win an award, just say I am very happy. Compared with He is even more handsome after winning the Nobel Prize, and more than 10 million people are watching...haha!"

Palo Alto was very quiet at night. On the sofa in the living room, Wang Yang and Bill Prady on the other side of the phone were joking about the upcoming TV event. He did not attend the Toronto International Film Festival, which opened on September 10th. Although Flame Films purchased a number of independent films this year, they all bought them back to expand their film and television library and directly engage in DVD business. There were no plans to release them, and the night after tomorrow Even the Emmy Awards ceremony, he is planning to miss.

It's not because of the disaster caused by Hurricane Katrina that there will be a fundraiser at the ceremony. The main reason is that Wang Yang is very dissatisfied with the nomination list of "Best Guest Actress in a Comedy" because Jessica's guest performance in that episode is obvious. Not inferior to Natalie and Rachel, but there was no nomination.

"Why don't you go?" Seeing him put down his mobile phone after saying goodbye, Jessica sitting next to him patted his thigh, doubts appeared on his pretty face, Wang Yang glanced at her pretending to be curious: "Why do you want to go?" Go? I said I wouldn’t go two months ago, and I haven’t forgotten it.” Jessica became a little anxious: “You should go, you have several nominations, and I want to see you accept the award! And there are two dramas The results are so good. If you attend, everyone will be happier." Wang Yang closed his eyes as if he was very tired and leaned weakly on the back of the sofa: "Yes, but I am too tired..."

Jessica looked at his face, and her heart was filled with warmth when she understood. She asked, "Hey, because of me?" When the nominations were announced in early July, he had had a quarrel, and she held her ear. Xiufa smiled nonchalantly and said, "Why are you angry? I did act just average."

"No!" Wang Yang opened his eyes, sat up straight, and said seriously: "In that episode, you all got close to perfect scores. This has nothing to do with your performance! You were not nominated because of the judges' bias." This is A solid image is at work. Many judges have not even watched all the EPs of the participating dramas when making their voting choices, or they have only glanced at them in a hurry. Their usual impression scores will affect the results. The guest appearance is well received. The responsibility for "Animation Convention" naturally falls on Natalie and Rachel.

"My dear, there are too many people who have performed well in guest performances. There are only 5 nominations in each session." Jessica explained to him softly. Although she was a little disappointed and frustrated at the time, she really didn't care now and said: "I still feel You should be nominated for Best Guest Actor."

"That's right! I have another reason not to go, that's great!" Wang Yang snapped his fingers and lay down comfortably on the sofa, resting his face on his hands, ignoring her shouts: "I'm not satisfied with this year's guest appearance. List, it’s normal not to go! And injuries, work... Needless to say, I really don’t want to go.” Jessica held him and leaned back on the sofa helplessly, tilting her shoulders and neck: “Okay, you If you don't go, we won't go. We'll watch TV at home." Wang Yang murmured as if he was about to fall asleep: "I don't even watch TV."

Jessica looked at the TV screen in front of her. She gently shook his body and revealed her feelings with a smile: "Really, I really don't mind. The award nomination is just a reward, and your support is a kind of reward." Commendation, my own feeling is also a commendation. I know that I performed well that time! It has a sense of presence, not like an insignificant beautiful vase, not standing there motionless to complete the performance... Yang, I know With my own abilities and problems, it’s difficult for me to get into the role. Maybe I can only play roles that are similar to my own situation." She shrugged: "But at least it shows that at some times, I am no worse than anyone else. This is the key! "

"Well..." Wang Yang had already looked at her intently, and suddenly felt that she had matured a lot recently. Is it because she was about to become a mother? He nodded and said with a smile: "You are right, let's watch TV then." Jessica cheered happily, reached for the remote control and turned the channels. Suddenly she remembered something and rolled her eyes: "Today is It's Friday, the ceremony is Sunday!" Wang Yang asked in confusion: "Isn't it Sunday now?" Maybe it was just an illusion.

September 18th came soon. The red carpet outside the Shenandoah Theater in Los Angeles was bright with stars, and gradually changed from lively to deserted. The Shenandoah Theater was packed with seats. Under the host of Ellen DeGeneres, the guests presented the awards. There were bursts of applause, laughter and thanks from the audience.

“Winning Best Comedy Series is!…”