the futon critic - the web's best primetime television resource: "ATHENS -- Josh Schwartz, the creator of THE O.C., brings us a new drama set in the New England community of Athens, where the rich outsiders and the local townies create a volatile environment where everything is possible in Athens, premiering on FOX." ____________________
The O.C.'s forecast calls for stormy weather ahead. Two men have sued the hit show's creator for $10 million, claiming he stole their idea for a sudsy SoCal series.
Erik Lindsay and Scott Donnelly filed suit Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court accusing Josh Schwartz of reneging on a verbal agreement made in June 2002 to develop a series called The Pointes.
(Is this how they do it in the Pointes, bitch?)
According to court documents, Schwartz was to be credited as executive producer while Lindsay and Donnelly would go down as co-creators, writers and producers.
But in a Julie-worthy maneuver, Schwartz allegedly turned around and pitched the series as his own about a teen from the wrong side of the tracks who goes to live in a ritzy beachfront community.
The rest of the story is well known: Fox snapped up the series and launched it last August. Cult-like fans and critical acclaim followed--the show just wrapped its freshman season with an average 9.6 million viewers.
A call to Schwartz's rep Thursday was not immediately returned. But Fox prez Gail Berman vouched for the writer-producer Thursday at the network's upfront presentation in New York. "I don't know why those writers are. I do know who pitched the idea to me. I know who has written the pilot and I know who has written every episode...so I'm quite sure Josh will prevail," Berman told E! Online's TV guru Kristin Veitch.
Renewing The O.C. for a second season was a no-brainer, but Fox went one further, ordering a companion series to the teen-friendly drama from the show's "creator" Schwartz.
On Thursday, the net announced it would introduce the new series in January, tentatively titled Athens. Set in a fictional New England college town, the show sets up a similar us-against-them dynamic, pitting the privileged who study and teach at the prestigious university against the local townies.
Matt LeBlanc's Mobfest, Adam Brody's Fan Quest--Sights and Sounds from the Fall Upfronts
And you'll never believe who drifted in from "Tahiti": Adam Brody. (Rachel Bilson also was in hand--literally--and looked stunning.) So, here's what happened. Brody, most likely seeking refuge from the gropey young women encircling him, came over to chat. But before he could finish a single thought, a young media buyer with a short blond 'do interrupted.
"Hi. Omigod. I love you," she opined. He said thanks. She said nothing. We stood there. She said nothing. He said thanks again. She stared. And finally, in a daze, she just walked away. "Okay, that was really awkward," he laughed. "She actually touched my stomach." ___
Dear Ted: Just who does Mischa Barton think she is, anyway? Don't you agree she's going a little overboard on the diva train? Michele V. Port St. Lucie, Florida
Dear Michele: No. (What else has she to do--pout?)
posted by Jen @ 6:55 AM |
Thursday, May 20, 2004
FINALLY!
We were experiencing a technical difficulty but it's been all fixed and I have all the news that I've found in the past two weeks all updated for you. It may run a little outta order but, in my excitement of posting it up for you, I just couldn't stop and fix that. Soooo...continue on for all the news. And, you may need to check the bottom to find another page because I seriously put up ALOT of info.
And, don’t fear, just because The O.C. is taking a vacation for the summer doesn’t mean that the workers at The O.C. Central are. We each have two shoulders to cry on until Season 2 starts. We will keep you as up-to-date as possible. Stay tuned!
posted by Jen @ 11:02 AM |
TVGuide.com Fox may also shift The O.C. to Thursdays at 8 pm opposite CBS's Survivor and NBC's Joey/Will & Grace combo. The network's logic here is pretty straightforward: Short of bringing Oliver back, this was simply the fastest way to kill the show. ____________________
Pics of Mischa are in the current Cosmopolitan magazine ____________________
FOX TROT: It's official: 24 will relocate to Mondays at 9 pm when it kicks off its fourth season in January '05. Kiefer and Co. will be paired with Athens, a college-set soap penned by O.C. creator Josh Schwartz. And as hinted Wednesday, The O.C. will shift to Thursdays in November, when it will lead into Tru Calling. Other highlights from Fox's three-tiered, year-round sked: A sketch comedy hosted by Kelsey Grammer bows in January; Arrested Development moves to 8:30 pm Sunday following The Simpsons; and Apprentice clone The Billionaire will occupy American Idol's Tuesday perch for the first half of the season. For analysis of the network's new schedules, read The Biz.
O.C. LAWSUIT!: Two writers are suing O.C. creator Josh Schwartz for $10 million, claiming that the idea for the Fox soap is theirs. According to USA Today, Scott Donnelly and Erik Lindsay allege that they had an agreement with Schwartz to develop a series called The Pointes. However, they claim the scribe went behind their backs and pitched The O.C. ____________________
Zap2It.com With "Friends" vanishing from the air, FOX thinks that young adults will follow "The O.C." to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Then again, eagle-eyed viewers will recall that FOX considered moving "The O.C." to Thursdays last fall, but thought better of it. "Tru Calling" will drop down an hour to the 9 p.m. slot. ____________________
TV Gal Shows Off Her Education (Thursday, May 20 07:12 AM) By Amy Amatangelo
It's a little known fact that I was an accounting major in college. It's a well known fact that it wasn't exactly my forte. There were many times when I wished I could have stapled a $10 bill to the test with a note that said, "If you use this money, the balance sheet balances. Thanks."
If only I could have majored in television viewing. I could have written essays on Joss Whedon's use of foreshadowing and David Kelley's misuse of repetitive themes. I would have taken classes on the complete works of Aaron Spelling and examined J.J. Abrams' hint encryptions. My academic days could be spent dissecting Aaron Sorkin's dialogue and taking multiple-choice quizzes on reality shows. Sample question: The end of civilization was indicated by: a) "Playing It Straight," b) "The Swan," c) "Forever Eden," d) "Fear Factor" or e) all of the above.
With this academic frame of mind, let's take a look at the lessons learned during the 2003-2004 television season:
• Listen Up Teens, We're Serious. Don't Have Premarital Sex: So Ephram slept with Madison on "Everwood" and she ended up pregnant. So did Brooke on "One Tree Hill" after she bedded Lucas, and Teresa on "The O.C." after she had a roll in the hay with resident bad boy Ryan (although Eddie could be the papa). Beth and J.J. on "American Dreams" also ended up with a child on the way. If I were Rory on "Gilmore Girls," I would be very, very worried. It's an interesting television trend that more teens on TV are having sex much earlier (we're so past the days of Donna and David), but the consequences remain the same.
• If You Really Want to Get a Guy to Confess His Love, Threaten to Move to Paris: Carrie Bradshaw started this trend on "Sex and the City" when her move to Paris caused Big (or should I call him John?) to finally realize that Carrie was "the one." Hearing about this, Rachel on "Friends" employed the same tactic to get wimpy Ross to realize what we've known for 10 seasons. Not wanting to be left out, Lana on "Smallville" thought this may be the perfect way to get Clark to finally confess his secret. Here, let me try it: Boston Rob, I'm moving to Paris. Going forward please refer to me as La Femme de Tele.
• If It's a Season Finale, Get Out of Town: Seth and Ryan left their beautiful -- but apparently not that big -- mansion on "The O.C." Lucas decided to follow Keith out of "One Tree Hill." Jack plans on following his wife to Chicago on "Without a Trace." Sam left Luka and her life behind on "ER." Danny was called up by the army on "Las Vegas" and Clark was called home by his birth father on "Smallville." Frasier followed his heart to Chicago on the series finale of "Frasier."
• Your Ex Always Comes Back -- Especially in November, February and May: Rory had to deal with both Dean and Jess this season on "Gilmore Girls" (kids, that's what happens when your pilots don't get picked up). Simon returned to Glen Oak to win Cecilia back on "7th Heaven." Sean returned and rekindled his romance with Eliot on "Scrubs." Donna found out what Casey had been up to on "That '70s Show." The entire season (but whoopee, not series) finale of "What I Like About You" revolved around Holly and Val dealing with their bevy of ex-boyfriends. Things didn't work out so well for Sherry Palmer when she returned to "24" and Ryan couldn't shake Teresa on "The O.C."
What did you learn this television season? Talk about it on the TV Gal message boards.
That's all for today. But I'll be back next week to wrap up May sweeps. I'll have my picks for the best and worst season finales, a preview of the third season finale of "24," thoughts on the "American Idol" finale (go Fantasia), and "The West Wing" (if moving to Paris doesn't work, try a life-threatening situation as a way to get a guy to confess his love). I also have my thoughts on the schedules the networks announced this week ("24" on Monday?, "The O.C." on Thursday?). Many of you have asked if I will still write my column in the summer. Darlings, of course I will. I'll be here all summer long to tell you about the new summer shows ("Summerland"), the returning shows (I can't wait for "Amazing Race") and for the third annual Amy Awards. Have questions, seen a familiar face, have an inside scoop or want to nominate a quote of the week? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com by clicking on my byline at the top of my column.
Lynsey Bartilson, Bret Harrison and David Gallagher WB Primetime 2004-2005 Upfront 5/18/2004
posted by Jen @ 10:51 AM |
The O.C. wants to wish you a great Memorial Day. How? On Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, FOX will air back-to-back reruns of The OC. At 8:00PM catch The Heartbreak, the Valentine's Day themed episode and after that stay tuned for an encore presentation of the season finale. ____________________
Mischa, Mischa, Mischa (www.msn.com) Someone should give Mischa Barton a copy of "How to Win Friends and Influence People," because lately, she's not having much luck doing either. The high-maintenance "O.C." honey, 18, and her PDA-loving boyfriend, rich kid Brandon Davis, are in the middle of a feud with celebrity-craving sisters Paris and Nicky Hilton, reports USA Today. It's unclear what caused the foursome to go all Hatfield and McCoy, but Davis grew up with the heiresses and during Paris' sex tape scandal he defended her, describing her as "family." These days, kind words for the "Simple Life" star are apparently harder to come by. "We've all known each other so long that I'm hoping everything will just blow over," Nicole Richie, Paris' reality show partner in crime, tells the paper. Perhaps Mischa can skim through the self-help book during her summer vacation, which she'll spend with Davis and her family in the South of France.
posted by Jen @ 10:48 AM |
Joey’s Seth ripoff ____________________
The Hollywood Reporter, revealed in an article that as of this time it is believed that ABC has passed on Gramercy Park (what does that mean for Samaire?) ____________________
thefutoncritic.com HAWAII -- Pictured: (l-r) Aya Sumika as Linh Dias, Sharif Atkins as John Decian, Michael Biehn as Max Harrison, Ivan Sergi as Danny Edwards, Eric Balfour as Christopher Gains, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa as Capt. Terry Harada Hawaii can seduce just about anyone...cops and criminals alike. Murder, drug-running and organized cartels filter through the unique island culture to represent just some of the big-city casework that this big island police force confronts. Where else would cops discover a smoldering torso at the base of an active volcano? The diverse group of cops and detectives may work against a breathtaking backdrop of jungles and seascapes, but they can never take a vacation from the tangle of local and international criminals who constantly cross their paths. It's never a typical crime scene and these are not TV's typical cops - which is exactly what makes "Hawaii" so alluring. Michael Biehn ("Terminator"), Sharif Atkins (NBC's "ER"), Ivan Sergei (NBC's "Crossing Jordan"), Eric Balfour ("Six Feet Under"), Aya Sumika and Cary Tagawa star. Jeff Eastin is the creator and executive producer. Daniel Sackheim ("The Lyons Den") directs. "Hawaii" is from NBC Universal Television.
posted by Jen @ 10:37 AM |
IMDB.com changed Adam’s b-day to December 15, 1979 ____________________
Amanda Righetti (Hailey) seems to have replaced Navi Rawat (Theresa) as a regular cast member of FOX's North Shore. It's unknown at this time what this means for their OC characters.
It's unlikely we will see Eddie again. Eric Balfour has said he is done with The OC.
Ryan fans may be in for a bit of a heartbreak; the brooder won't be in the spotlight as much next year. Season 2 will focus more on the Cohen and Cooper families.
There may be some change of scenery for the kids in the O.C. Schwartz hints new locations will be introduced, instead of just the poolhouse.
Though nothing is firm yet, Schwartz and his team of three writers, plus McG, are working on season two story lines. Schwartz jokes he'll be spending his summer in the online chatrooms looking "for inspiration."
As for next season, "we're going to introduce some new kids who will trouble the waters," said Schwartz, who added that Chris Carmack, whose character, Luke, is moving to Portland, Ore., could be back.
In other news, Summer's stepmonster may appear on the show next year. Plus, Linda Lavin is likely to return as Seth's Jewish nana for Chrismakkuh. ____________________
“You Sexy Thing” (tvguide.com) Browse through our photo galleries of The O.C.'s Rachel Bilson and That '70s Show's Mila Kunis at the same time. Click on the smaller pics below to compare these brunette beauties side-by-side, then cast your vote. (Rachel is already WAAAY in the lead) ____________________
Question: What is the song that played at the end of the season finale of The O.C.? It also was in one of the early episodes. It was played a lot on the radio right after September 11th also. Is it on the O.C. CD by any chance? Thanks! — Katie, Atlanta, Ga.
Televisionary: That was the late Jeff Buckley's version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," found on Buckley's album Grace, Katie. And since one version or another of that song is the correct answer to so many questions about so many shows, I'm beginning to believe there's an unspoken rule somewhere stating that it's required whenever a producer or writer needs to punch up a heavy moment. (Not that there's anything wrong with that — it's a beautiful song.)
And for all the other people who asked about songs on that episode, others included Alexi Murdoch's "Orange Sky," Orquestra del Playa's "Montserrat," Iron and Wine's "The Sea and the Rhythm," and Jem's version of Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed."
Question: Because it was on opposite Angel, I did not catch many episodes of The O.C. Will Fox, or even FX, rerun any of the shows this summer so that people who want to watch past episodes can watch and catch up with the stories? — Laura
Matt: Soaps don't tend to repeat particularly well, and Fox is loading up its summer schedule with new series, so if The O.C. is going to be repeated, it probably won't be on a regular basis — although it would make sense for Fox to bring selected episodes back as counter-programming during the Olympics in August. But at the moment, repeats are not on Fox's summer schedule. And more bad news: The next season of The O.C. may not premiere until after baseball, in late October or November.
Question: Is there a reason why we've had to go through teen-pregnancy overload this spring? I keep hearing the same debate over is she or isn't she and will she have an abortion or give birth. First it was Brooke's pretend pregnancy on One Tree Hill, then Theresa (who we all know doesn't look anything like a teenager) on The O.C. And now Madison (who I realize isn't a teen, although Ephram is) on Everwood. I acknowledge that teen pregnancy may be a pressing issue in our society, and it adds a twist to any storyline that writers might think will attract more viewers. However, I can't take much more. Are they trying to spark the second baby boom? Are there any more shows with upcoming teen pregnancies that I can avoid? — Kirbie
Matt: I sure hope we've seen the last of this tired storyline. Of the three shows you mention, only Everwood found a way to make it interesting, with Ephram's dad choosing not to tell his son, allowing the boy to hold onto a vestige of his innocent adolescence and go to Juilliard for the summer. This decision no doubt will have very serious and emotional consequences in the future, which is fine. But all of the boohooing on The O.C. just wore me out. Theresa is turning out to be a bigger drag on the show than Oliver ever was. In the larger view of things, I agree that while the consequences of teenage sex deserve to be confronted on these shows, the recent explosion of unexpected TV pregnancies merely reveals a poverty of imagination on the part of the producers.
Question: I'm a big fan of both The O.C. and One Tree Hill, and after reading your review, I was shocked. Although I enjoy The O.C.'s comic relief, I would never describe the acting as superior to that of the cast of One Tree Hill. How can someone call Benjamin McKenzie's mono-stare good acting? I've been telling people for weeks that One Tree Hill has been better than The O.C. because OTH focuses on character development, whereas The O.C. is more interested in throwing in big plot devices and completely ignoring the character-driven stories that are aching to be told. I'd rather see a story that deals with Haley's relationship with her father, or showing Julie Cooper as more than just an average gold digger. Every week, One Tree Hill establishes a new relationship and explores the characters' feelings. Who knew Dan actually had feelings under his jerk exterior? I was a huge fan of Dawson's Creek and I definitely consider One Tree Hill to be on par with that show. Dawson's Creek was at its best when it focused on characters' relationships instead of the psycho of the week. After the Oliver debacle, followed by the Theresa plot, which will not end, it's hard to stay interested in The O.C. I just think your assessment of The O.C. was way off, especially your comments about the acting. Adam Brody's comic relief can only take the show so far, and Mischa Barton's inability to shake her glazed-over look each time she wants to convey angst is getting really old, considering she's been through almost every trauma a girl can go through — and in just one season. It took Kelly Taylor years to go through what Marissa's been through in one season. — C.R.
Matt: After going through much of the mail from disgruntled One Tree Hill fans — hey, folks, I can't like everything — it seems to me that my mistake was in comparing the show to The O.C., with which it has little in common except that both are extremely derivative soaps (and The O.C. knows it). What I should have emphasized was a comparison to WB's best teen-oriented drama, Everwood, which has actually grown in its second season into a nuanced and reasonably compelling show of actual substance, with acting and writing that puts One Tree and, to an extent, the more mannered and stylized O.C. to shame. Yes, Mischa Barton is often cringe-inducing, but I think most everyone else in the cast (Adam Brody, Rachel Bilson, Peter Gallagher, especially) finds the right balance of irony and heightened emotion the genre calls for. One Tree Hill has improved since its hopelessly morose beginnings, but still strikes me as a mediocre attempt by WB to keep making the same sort of show over and over, this one less inspired than most.
Dear Ted: What is this obsession with Mischa Barton? I can't open a fashion magazine without seeing her dolled up in some designer frock. For my money, the gal who should be drowning in endorsements is Rachel Bilson. Your thoughts? - Gina, Seattle
Dear Gina: I think it's just because now that Paris Hilton is a thespian (with reported love handles, no less!), the "beautiful girl we love to hate" spot is open, and Mischa seems perf for the job. But don't worry, our own Kristin Veitch tells me Rachel will be coming into her starry own shortly, off camera and on. So, watch out, Ms. B. ____________________
LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - The WB's summer music show "Pepsi Smash" is offering up a wide-ranging lineup of acts this season, from bubbly popster Jessica Simpson to the eternally mopey Morrissey. Simpson, who may or may not be starring in her own ABC sitcom next week, is set to appear on at least two episodes of the show, which premieres Thursday, May 27. Lenny Kravitz, Black Eyed Peas, Hoobastank, Alanis Morrissette, "O.C." favorites Rooney, Joss Stone, Avril Lavigne and Kanye West are also among the other performers scheduled for the eight-week series.
In other Kryptonian news, Ain't It Cool News has a spy report from inside Warner Brothers with spoilers such as an allegation that "they are going with the scripts JJ Abrams wrote ... The movie will still be about Superman fighting his cousin Tyzor and the battle on Krypton." The report also alleges that a wide variety of lesser-knowns and unknowns, including Jake Gyllenhaal are being looked at for the title role; that Keira Knightley, Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, and Elisha Cuthbert were all contenders for the role of Lois Lane; that the role of Jimmy Olsen was between "some unknown actors along with Adam Brody, and Topher Grace;" Dennis Quaid was up for Jonathan Kent, Ben Kingsley for Jor-El, Sean Penn for a character named Katazor, that "Jim Carrey, Johnny Depp, Will Ferrell, and Robert Downey Jr." are all contenders to play Lex Luthor, and that McG is attached to direct.
SOURCE: Comic Book Resources ____________________
TVGuide.com Another Mother's Day has come and gone, but Mom is special all year round. We've hidden 10 TV moms behind tile walls, from easiest to hardest. See how many of their TV shows you can name. You start out with 100 points and lose five for each tile flipped, so make each click count. And remember, we're looking for the name of the TV show. Includes OC moms! ____________________
Go to YM.com for Samaire Armstrong fashion style ym.com > style > stuff we like > love that outfit ____________________
Summer vacation: Kelly Rowan: Perfect Man, The (2004) (filming) .... Tammie Augusta (Hilary Duff’s new movie) Adam Brody: Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2004) (filming) .... Hector Chris Carmack: Last Ride, The (2004) (TV) (post-production) .... Matthew Rondell ____________________
Did you know that actress Brittany Murphy can sing? She used to perform with a Los Angeles-based pop group called Blessed with Soul; the trio also included actor Eric Balfour. (Zap2It.com Trivia) ____________________
And so many of you wrote me about this one. Jay Kenneth Johnson was the guy trying to help Seth sell his boat on the season finale of "The O.C." TV Gal reader Linda was the first to let me know that he played Phillip Kiriakis on "Days of Our Lives."
posted by Jen @ 10:15 AM |
Totally Random: AE Live by Request 4/7/04 Blondie’s Stein was taking a call from someone in Orange County and he mentioned the show. He said he doesn’t watch but the caller called it fabulous and he said it’s cool. ____________________
Rachel & Adam in Teen Magazine ____________________
WB Adds 'The Mountain' to its Fall Molehill (Tuesday, May 11 03:33 PM) LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Showing confidence in its drama development slate and draining much of the tension from its upfront presentation, The WB has picked up its second hour-long pilot in a week. The network has ordered 13 episodes of "The Mountain" for the 2004-05 season. "The Mountain" joins "Jack & Bobby" on The WB's early pick-up roster. Set in the escapist mountain playground of Boundary Mountain, the series comes from executive producers McG ("The O.C."), Stephanie Savage ("The O.C."), Shaun Cassidy ("American Gothic") and director David Barrett ("Fastlane"). It's no surprise, given the number of "O.C." alums on the production team, that "The Mountain" has a similar multi-generational primetime soap vibe to FOX's recent drama hit. ____________________
A Gilmore Girl Gets Her Guy; Alias' Sydney Comes Face to Face with...Herself May 10, 2004
This week, a long-awaited romance blossoms on Gilmore Girls, while Alias takes a chilling twist in the season finale. Plus, Trish hints she might be the next Bachelorette, Smallville's Clark gets a visitor from home, and The O.C.'s Theresa may be headed for The Chino.
From Larrygirl: I hate Theresa. Please tell me she won't be back next season on The O.C. Sad news if you hate Mother Theresa, because the actress, Navi Rawat, had been cast on the new Fox show North Shore, but she's been pulled out of the project. Who will take her place? Amanda Righetti, the actress who plays Hailey Nichol, aka Kirsten's baby sister, Jimmy's main squeeze and Julie's primary nemesis. And that breaks my widdle heart, for I love her character so.
From seba_88: So, no hope of Hailey coming back? Not unless North Shore fails.
From beckygirl: Is it true they're doing an O.C. spinoff? They're hoping to, yes. Josh Schwartz (aka The O.C.'s creator, the youngest drama-series showrunner ever and quite possibly MFH) is in talks with Fox, but so far, no one knows any details. Personally, I have to wonder if Navi's departure from North Shore has anything to do with a possible spinoff, although "Welcome to the Chino, bitch!" somehow doesn't have the same ring to it. ____________________
'Mean Girl' Lohan Teaming Up With 'O.C.' Nice Guy Brody
Lindsay Lohan is in final negotiations to star in a film called "Love and Death at Terrington Prep" that would team the "Mean Girls" actress with "The O.C." co-star Adam Brody.
A source close to Lohan had no additional details about the movie, except that she'll shoot it in June, before "Herbie: Fully Loaded." Brody's rep was not available for comment.
Lohan has fielded several offers since the breakout success of "Freaky Friday," but the source said only "Terrington Prep" and "Herbie" are in shape to shoot. Others films in development include "Gossip Girl," "Keith" and "Dramarama" (see "Lindsay Lohan Relives High School Four Times"). "We're kinda seeing what goes on with that, so we'll see what happens," Lohan said recently of the latter film, about a drama student who moves from private to public school.
"Herbie: Fully Loaded" will be the fifth in a series of "Herbie" movies (although the first in 20 years) that launched with 1968's "The Love Bug." "Fully Loaded," which was written by the same team behind the big-screen version of "Starsky & Hutch," finds the classic white Volkswagen in the world of NASCAR racing.
Lohan is also in the process of writing and recording her debut album (see "Lindsay Bizkit? Lohan Solo Album Combines 'Hip-Hop And Rock' "). Brody, meanwhile, just wrapped the first season of "The O.C." as well as "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
"I have the smallest part in it," Brody joked recently. "I got press for it, but it's kind of a lie — I make two scenes."
For more Hollywood happenings, check out MTV's Movie House.
—Corey Moss
SOURCE: MTV ____________________
FOX ORDERS 'O.C.' CLONE
Then wait until next year.
Fox has asked the creator of the hit primetime soap, Josh Schwartz, to write a companion series.
Strictly speaking, it won't be a spin-off, according to reports, but something new with the same tone and action as "The O.C."
It will likely mirror the structure of "The O.C." - which mixes older characters and teen characters in parallel stories.
Fox ordered a sample script from Schwartz late last week. He will only write the pilot script.
If the network wants to go ahead with it, someone else have to take over the new series because writing and producing "The O.C." will continue to be his main job, he says.
The new series could be on the air as soon as next January, according to Variety, the trade paper.
"The O.C." was the biggest new series of the season for Fox.
The network - which was built on primetime soaps like "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "Melrose Place" - has been trying for several years to recapture the magic of a high-style serial.
By Sarah Hall Fox is basking in the success of The O.C.--and is looking to extend its moment in the sun.
Show creator Josh Schwartz is reportedly close to signing with the network to develop a companion series to the teen-friendly, beach-livin' drama, which just wrapped up its first season. According to Daily Variety, Schwartz will team up with O.C. producers, McG, Stephanie Savage and Bob DeLaurentiis to get the new series rolling.
Schwartz will write the pilot and serve as executive producer on the series, but will also retain his duties as writer and executive producer for The O.C.. Another helmer would be brought in to oversee the new show on a day-to-day basis.
While nothing is set in stone, Fox is expected to commit to the project with a potential premiere date targeted in January. Though those involved in the project have declined to give details, the new show is expected to use The O.C.'s model of blending the lives of young characters with their middle-aged counterparts. (And we're sure they'll be just as comely as the O.C.-ers.)
However, while The O.C. can be considered a Beverly Hills, 90210 for the next generation, the new series will apparently be more Melrose Place-esque--i.e., targeted at a slightly older demographic. Not that Fox's depiction of the tanned teens of Newport Beach had trouble reeling in the more mature set.
Using tried and true plot formulas such as star-crossed love and geek-turned-chic, the show quickly earned a loyal audience. The series debuted in summer 2003 to strong ratings, but really jump-started its popularity when it claimed its fall timeslot.
In its freshman season, The O.C. scored an average of 9.6 million viewers per week, according to Nielsen Media ratings, and consistently finished first or second in its timeslot. The series wrapped its first season with a drool-inciting cliffhanger for fans, who now will have to face the endless summer ahead before the show returns this fall. ____________________
MORE O.C.!: Welcome to The O.C. spinoff, bitch! Fox is in talks with O.C. creator Josh Schwartz to develop an hourlong companion to his freshman hit, Variety reports. Although details are being kept hush-hush, rumor has it the project may chronicle Seth's harrowing trek from Newport Beach to Santa Monica in that cardboard dinghy. ____________________
'The O.C.' season finale My pet peeve is a cliffhanger that we all know really holds no dramatic value. Benjamin McKenzie is not leaving the series, thereby making Ryan's melodramatic departure from Newport completely unbelievable. It's the television show that cried "shocking plot twist." The ending was a little ridiculous -- Marissa hitting the bottle, Seth running away, and Ryan running back home. All that was missing was an apocalypse. And now some questions:
1. Why do they put Mischa Barton is such terrible outfits? Is it punishment for not being able to act? (Which, by the way, I completely don't understand since I thought she was quite good on "Once & Again.")
2. What are they going to do about Marissa's sister Caitlin? Perhaps she can baby-sit Emma and Monica and Chandler's twins.
3. Is Teresa the female Oliver? Because she's becoming nearly as annoying. (I'm keeping my baby. I'm not keeping my baby. I'm with Eddie. I'm not with Eddie. And what's up with her being able to pick up catering gigs wherever she goes?)
4. How come Seth and Ryan had to share a room?
5. Before Ryan makes his inevitable return to Orange County, can he promise to burn all his black blouses?
Now don't worry, I still love the show. I'm merely hoping the gang takes the summer hiatus to regroup. What did you think of the season finale of "The O.C."?
Seth Cohen Quote of the Week "And for the record, the boat was named after you." A serious Seth telling Summer why his boat was named Summer Breeze. Remind anyone else of a certain boat called "True Love"?
You could win a high-style trip to L.A., CDs and DVDs from the hottest stars or a queen-size stash of Neutrogena® products. Click here for your chance to win!
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A gift pack stuffed with CDs and DVDs of Teen People® Magazine's 25 Hottest Stars.
A Neutrogena gift bag filled with the hottest Neutrogena products. ____________________
As per appearances on TRL, Conan O'Brien and Ryan Seacrest:
They are on a break right now. They start filming the 2nd season in June. Stay tuned for new spoilers around that time. ____________________
LOS ANGELES -- It may seem like perpetual summer on The O.C., but cast members Tuesday were looking forward to the real thing after a busy, buzzy first season.
"I'm just going to relax and not set my alarm. It's so awesome," said Adam Brody, who joined fellow cast members at Hollywood's Falcon club for a party celebrating the Fox hit's debut season. Castmates Benjamin McKenzie and Mischa Barton, who play on- again, off-again couple Ryan and Marissa, will go in opposite directions on the summer break. McKenzie will visit China, and Barton plans a trip to Europe.
Although production is done, the soap (9 p.m. ET/PT Wednesdays), which is a big hit with young viewers, has two more episodes. They culminate with a wedding between Julie Cooper (Melinda Clarke) and Caleb (Alan Dale) in the finale May 5.
--------------- Source: USA Today Byline: Bill Keveney Edition: FINAL Section: LIFE Column: PEOPLE
posted by Jen @ 6:43 AM |
Rachel Bilson 3rd Annual Tribeca Film Festival - "Stateside" Screening 5/8/2004 ____________________
What a difference a year makes. Before Fox's The O.C. debuted last summer, Benjamin McKenzie, Mischa Barton, Adam Brody and Rachel Bilson were relative unknowns. Nearly a year and a monster hit later, the telegenic foursome are impossible to miss. Ben, 25, who portrays simmering fish-out-of-Chino, Calif., Ryan, says he was recently recognized at church--by a 70-year-old female fan! Mischa, 18, who plays rich-chick-with-a-soul Marissa, has him beat. "I was in the Sistine Chapel," she gasps, recalling a fan who approached while she gazed up at Michelangelo's ceiling. Why are people so smitten with this cast of newcomers? Rachel, 22, who plays party girl Summer, believes it's because "we have such a good variation of characters--no two of us are alike." All four agree that one reason for their wish-they-were-my-friends chemistry is that they genuinely like each other; they even hit movies and sing karaoke together after work. "It's not a stretch for us to play friends on a show," remarks Adam, 24, who's irresistible as Seth. Meanwhile, as their careers skyrocket, each remains close to family and old friends. As Ben says, laughing, star power really hasn't changed him. "I still take out the trash!" --Jon Regardie ~~~ Picture flipbook
The O.C. Big surprise: The O.C will be back for a second season. America's most photogenic beach bums will be back for more. In other O.C. news, Adam Brody’s slated to appear in an upcoming film with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Meanwhile, Mischa and her stylist have been banned from posh LA clothing store, Fred Segal, for slamming its selection in an interview. And Rachel Bilson is rallying behind the Rock The Vote campaign, encouraging young Americans to get involved in the electoral process.
Question: It is my belief that your review of the WB's new show One Tree Hill was horrible. A lot of teenagers watch that show. You cannot judge a show based upon the way people your age view it. The average middle-aged person was not meant to view and enjoy this show. This show was meant for a high-school and college crowd. Comparing One Tree Hill to The O.C. is preposterous. The O.C. is meant to be viewed by a socially elite crowd, whereas One Tree Hill appeals to the majority of teens today. This is why your review was a complete tragedy to the television world. — Princess
Matt: A tragedy? Now who's taking things too seriously? I won't apologize for attempting to criticize a show targeted to a younger demographic than I currently belong to. I've enjoyed many WB shows aimed at that network's target audience, including Felicity (the gold standard), the early years of Dawson's Creek, Everwood and so on. And while The O.C. may depict a socially elite crowd, its appeal goes way beyond that, to anyone who can appreciate an ironic, affectionate and generally well-acted sendup of the soap-opera form while hewing to many of its conventions. To me, One Tree Hill is almost a parody of WB teen-angst drama, way too full of itself. And yet by WB's standards it's doing just fine and has been picked up for next season. So where's the tragedy, beyond the show's own poverty of ideas? ____________________
Monica asks "Why didn't the Cohen's house burn down like your spoilers said it would on The.O.C.?" Remember most spoilers are released weeks before episodes air and even before/during the episodes shoot. It is normal that script changes are done before/during shooting and that scenes end up on the editing room floor. ____________________
Clever dialogue and plots pull the 'O.C.' above teen-soap status By Charlie McCollum Knight Ridder News Service
Last summer, when "The O.C." made its debut, it looked like a well-made prime-time teen soap that could become something of a guilty pleasure with time. But this Wednesday (8 p.m., KSTU Channel 13), the drama about life among the rich, troubled and oversexed of Orange County will end its first season as much more than that. The series didn't really hit its stride until its 10th or 11th episode, but "The O.C." has evolved over 10 months into the best new show on network TV. And that's with all due respect to "Arrested Development" and "Joan of Arcadia," two very good freshman series. In my household, there was a sea change last week when we opted for "The O.C." over "The West Wing." Sure, we taped "West Wing," but choosing the life in Newport Beach over life at the White House was a serious shift in viewing priorities. Some of the reasons: * With Aaron Sorkin gone from "West Wing," Amy Sherman-Palladino's "Gilmore Girls" in decline and Josh Whedon's "Angel" on the way out, there's no better writer on network TV now than "O.C." creator Josh Schwartz. He manages to combine Sorkin's rapid-fire patter, Sherman-Palladino's gift for the throwaway line and Whedon's sly pop culture references without copying any of them. * The series has created memorable characters in a short period. That includes Seth Cohen (Adam Brody), the sexy geek; Summer Roberts (Rachel Bilson), the vulnerable Valley Girl; and Julie Cooper (Melinda Clarke), the wickedest TV witch since Alexis Carrington's glory days in the early 1980s. * Unlike other teen soaps, the adults are not relegated to the fringes. (Remember how quickly Mom and Dad Walsh became irrelevant on "90210"?) Instead, their actions drive the story lines and complicate the kids' lives, not the other way around. And, at least in the case of Sandy and Kirsten Cohen (Peter Gallagher, Kelly Rowan), the adults are likable and smart. * No show is more willing to mock itself and the conventions of its own genre. The best ongoing gag is "The Valley," the teen soap that the "O.C." characters watch religiously and that seems an awful lot like . . . well, "The O.C." The March episode where the gang met their doppelgangers from "The Valley" was a hoot. Last week's watery catfight between Julie and Hailey Nichol (Amanda Righetti), Kirsten's sister, was a clever homage to "Dynasty." * None of the characters is as one-dimensional as he or she may have first seemed. Summer, for example, started out as a vacuous, self-absorbed teen queen, only to morph into a rather complex young woman. * And finally, the acting is good -- or certainly better than you would expect. Benjamin McKenzie is flat-out cool as Ryan Atwood, the sensitive rebel from Chino, and Bilson, Clarke, Rowan and Gallagher are fine. (OK, Mischa Barton can be pretty flat as Ryan's main squeeze, Marissa Cooper, but you can't have everything.) The real find of the series, though, is Brody, who steals the show week after week with his deft performance as Seth. For its finale tomorrow, "The O.C." goes to that staple of all things soap opera: the Big Wedding. Julie and Caleb Nichol (Alan Dale), Kirsten and Hailey's scheming dad, get hitched -- we think -- but there are sure to be lots of other complications as well. Sounds juicy, and we're so there. ____________________
There are the fans of "Friends" who refuse to refer to Joey as Matt LeBlanc and insist that the "Rachel" will never go out of style. Even though "Friends" is actually filmed in a studio in Los Angeles, television viewers start to think after a decade that everyone in New York City is not only attractive, but they also have enormous apartments with bank accounts to match.
Because the closest many people of small-town USA will get to big cities is by watching shows such as "Friends," "Sex and the City" and "The O.C.," viewers often develop a skewed view of fashion in the big cities. Moving from some place like College Station to Los Angeles will call for a few wardrobe adjustments, and looking to some of the new television stars could give the virgin to the big city some wardrobe inspiration.
Lauren Bishop of The Cincinnati Enquirer cited "The O.C." as one of the possible shows that can fill the style void that "Friends" will leave.
"Many say Marissa (Mischa Barton) on the 90210-esque soap is a huge fashion influence. She usually sports tiny tops, ruffled mini skirts and flats and has a penchant for Marc by Marc Jacobs and BCBG," Bishop said. "Brooding Ryan Atwood (Benjamin McKenzie) wears a T-shirt, jeans and an ever-present wrist cuff; Seth Cohen (Adam Brody) is a part skater boy, part prep."
The trend in short skirts becoming passe in the office began several years ago on "Ally McBeal," as the female lawyers often wore them around the office. Every woman on "The Apprentice" did her best to impress Donald Trump, and wearing short skirts with their suits was definitely close to the top of the list, firing a debate around the length of a skirt in the workplace.
What works on television does not always work in the real world, so directly imitating the fashions seen on television without making them more appropriate could be risky.
Michael J. Casey, A&M graduate, currently lives in New York City and said the biggest problem his company has when bringing A&M graduates to New York City for interviews is that many do not "look the part."
"My wardrobe went from jeans and T-shirts to Hermes ties and Turnbull and Asser shirts when I moved to New York," Casey said. "My advice is spend the money on a nice suit by going to Saks or Neiman Marcus and having it tailored well because it makes a lot of difference. If you cannot afford that, go to Saks Off Fifth or Neiman Marcus Last Call and buy something traditional and safe...two-button, single-breasted, dark colors."
As Aggies, our love for tradition is endless, and for some, no matter where they go, College Station fashions are never left behind. A&M graduate Bryan Liley, who works for CBS in New York City, said his wardrobe has not changed since college.
"Working in television production, my wardrobe has not had to change and that is why I got into the business," Liley said. "The only thing that is different is I need a tuxedo a couple of times a year, and not for a wedding."
