CBS pilot: Three Rivers -- news and discussion - Part 2

[willing freshie]

MoonMad, who's Lynne???

Red

Overdamoon, Red.

[Josefismysire]

So does this mean that Chuck is a goner? Or are there still some shows undecided at NBC? I don't watch it myself but I noticed a lot of angry comments on that link. Takes me back to the bad old days I have to say...

A bit ..but there is no definitive answer on Chuck, yet, according to Twitter. TPTB are still weighing their options, I guess..and will probably wait until the 19th before announcing anything..

Chuck's fans are too..and I am holding out big for Jason's Body Politic on CW...

[darkstarrising]

If this has been answered somewhere else, somebody just point me in the right direction. I have aquestion: When TPTB sit down and watch pilot episodes, is what they're seeing a polished, finished product with the right bells and whistles (background music and the like), or is it a rougher version that would get polished if the series is picked up?

Just curious on my part.

[Josefismysire]

If this has been answered somewhere else, somebody just point me in the right direction. I have aquestion: When TPTB sit down and watch pilot episodes, is what they're seeing a polished, finished product with the right bells and whistles (background music and the like), or is it a rougher version that would get polished if the series is picked up?

Just curious on my part.

I'd like to know that as well, dsr. I remember seeing the original pilot for Moonlight and just about everything was changed before the first episode was shot..the whole cast (except for Alex) and even the way Mick looked and acted was different..

[Overdamoon]

Whoa. This is starting to make my head spin, and before I have a Linda Blair moment, I am going to take a step back and just wait for CBS to announce that they are picking up 3Rivers before I even begin to speculate about Alex doing another series.

No, it's not another series, just a backup plan if all else fails. This is hearsay, pure speculation so take it with a grain of salt.

There's a poster on MLD named "moonlight32" who has a friend who went back with Les M. during his bartending days. She's been posting tidbits about Alex that seemed reliable. She told us days or weeks in advance that CBS didn't approved any of Alex/Simon's pilots and we didn't want to believe it, which sadly turned out true. We speculated about a Plan B but TBUP showed so now, we call it Plan C. There were other things that she posted in advance that turned out eerily accurate also. Her friend's name is John.

Here's one that she wrote on April 8.

Checking in after my "fact-finding mission". First, it is my understanding that this movie has been in negotiaions for a while and yes, it is part of Plan B for Alex. It will be a big screen movie. If TR is not picked-up, then Alex has this movie. If TR is picked up, LM and CBS will work with Alex so that he can film TR and the movie also. The second part of Plan B or Plan C, if you prefer, is that Alex will still film this movie, but he would be added as a regular to a show already airing on CBS. At least, according to John L. that is the current plan. John L. also told me that rumor has it that August Rush may be re-released on the big screen, but that's still in the talking stages and he wasn't able to get a date or any other info on that.

Now, the down side. Sorry. Alex's co-star. Jennifer Lopez's last movies have not been big box office hits and there is some concern about that, but she landed the role. John L. thinks Alex would be better with a female co-star that's a box office draw, even though LM knows most of the people coming to see this movie, or so LM hopes will be female and will negate the lack of Jennifer Lopez's ability to draw a big box office in her last movies.

Finally, my information is "yes" Marc Anthony is a "jealous control freak" and will probably spend " a lot of time on the set".

Best I can do for now.

[MSJ_sunglasses]

If this has been answered somewhere else, somebody just point me in the right direction. I have aquestion: When TPTB sit down and watch pilot episodes, is what they're seeing a polished, finished product with the right bells and whistles (background music and the like), or is it a rougher version that would get polished if the series is picked up?

Just curious on my part.

I don't know the answer dsr, but when I saw the bits of FTP without music it seemed so completely different, with someone shouting out 'alarm', rather than hearing the actual alarm clock going off itself as we did in the final version You'd think they'd get the full works wouldn't ya?

[darkstarrising]

If this has been answered somewhere else, somebody just point me in the right direction. I have aquestion: When TPTB sit down and watch pilot episodes, is what they're seeing a polished, finished product with the right bells and whistles (background music and the like), or is it a rougher version that would get polished if the series is picked up?

Just curious on my part.

I'd like to know that as well, dsr. I remember seeing the original pilot for Moonlight and just about everything was changed before the first episode was shot..the whole cast (except for Alex) and even the way Mick looked and acted was different..

I don't know the answer dsr, but when I saw the bits of FTP without music it seemed so completely different, with someone shouting out 'alarm', rather than hearing the actual alarm clock going off itself as we did in the final version You'd think they'd get the full works wouldn't ya?

I've seen bits and pieces of the original pilot and yes, a lot changed - the cast, Mick's appearance, his apartment, Beth's apartment. But what I don't remember is whether it was really a finished product or not. It would seem that for a pilot presentation, you would want to put a polished diamond in front of the 'buyers', to impress them. But I could also see that maybe the pilot could still be a 'rough cut' that could be polished, should the buyer be interested. The only reason for this latter approach is to save money. If the show isn't picked up, you've minimized your lost investment.

[willing freshie]

Sorry ladies, but the Plan C conjecture just sounds like gossip to me and is backed by no evidence. Do I hope it's true? Sure I do. But sorry, I don't want to see Alex plopped into the middle of an existing drama. That NCIS opening sure didn't sound promising, especially given that it sounds like a techo-geek position. Not exactly how I picture Alex's talent being used to its full potential. Unless they can ditch Chris O'Donnell and replace him with Alex, I don't think I want to see him in this show at all. And as for placing him in an already running show, with CBS cutting back on expenses and shows possibly already trimming talent, how do you think it will be received when they add Alex to a show that's already seen cost cutting measures? I'm thinking there will be some (maybe a lot) of resentment.

It's still a surprise to me that NBC picked up 2 med dramas, especially one so freakishly expensive. Considering this is a network that is majorly struggling, you do have to wonder what's going through their heads in the programming dept. First Leno five nights a week in primetime and then a $4 mil an episode drama. What are they thinking???

It is sure making my head spin just trying to out-think the networks. Obviously, they don't think like us at all. With every net there have been decisions from our prospective.

I agree. I am focusing all my energy on praying for TR. He seemed to love that role and if he loves it, he will shine like crazy in it! I don't want our hearts or his to be broken again.


NONONONONO!

[Overdamoon]

Sorry ladies, but the Plan C conjecture just sounds like gossip to me and is backed by no evidence. Do I hope it's true? Sure I do. But sorry, I don't want to see Alex plopped into the middle of an existing drama. That NCIS opening sure didn't sound promising, especially given that it sounds like a techo-geek position. Not exactly how I picture Alex's talent being used to its full potential. Unless they can ditch Chris O'Donnell and replace him with Alex, I don't think I want to see him in this show at all. And as for placing him in an already running show, with CBS cutting back on expenses and shows possibly already trimming talent, how do you think it will be received when they add Alex to a show that's already seen cost cutting measures? I'm thinking there will be some (maybe a lot) of resentment.

It's still a surprise to me that NBC picked up 2 med dramas, especially one so freakishly expensive. Considering this is a network that is majorly struggling, you do have to wonder what's going through their heads in the programming dept. First Leno five nights a week in primetime and then a $4 mil an episode drama. What are they thinking???

Yeah, it could all be hogwash. But apparently there is a great concern from CBS's end should Alex's pilot not get picked up, US. Les doesn't want to deal with us again, with good reasons.

They can offer it to Alex but he doesn't have to accept. But at the very least, it would get them (CBS) out of the 1-year talent hold headache that the media keeps bringing up.

[VAsusieQ18]

If this has been answered somewhere else, somebody just point me in the right direction. I have aquestion: When TPTB sit down and watch pilot episodes, is what they're seeing a polished, finished product with the right bells and whistles (background music and the like), or is it a rougher version that would get polished if the series is picked up?

Just curious on my part.

I'd like to know that as well, dsr. I remember seeing the original pilot for Moonlight and just about everything was changed before the first episode was shot..the whole cast (except for Alex) and even the way Mick looked and acted was different..

I don't know the answer dsr, but when I saw the bits of FTP without music it seemed so completely different, with someone shouting out 'alarm', rather than hearing the actual alarm clock going off itself as we did in the final version You'd think they'd get the full works wouldn't ya?

I've seen bits and pieces of the original pilot and yes, a lot changed - the cast, Mick's appearance, his apartment, Beth's apartment. But what I don't remember is whether it was really a finished product or not. It would seem that for a pilot presentation, you would want to put a polished diamond in front of the 'buyers', to impress them. But I could also see that maybe the pilot could still be a 'rough cut' that could be polished, should the buyer be interested. The only reason for this latter approach is to save money. If the show isn't picked up, you've minimized your lost investment.

Twilight, as it was called before the name changed to Moonlight, was only about 20 minutes and just gave an idea of what the storyline would be about. No full pilot was shot, only the 20 minutes of tape. Last year, a few of the new shows used this 20-30 minute format to showcase their pilots. And while CBS may not have liked the chemistry between the characters, they must have liked the premise as they canned all the actors except Alex, recast, and re-shot the pilot. This time, they shot the entire pilot/first episode.

[wpgrace]

Sorry ladies, but the Plan C conjecture just sounds like gossip to me and is backed by no evidence. Do I hope it's true? Sure I do. But sorry, I don't want to see Alex plopped into the middle of an existing drama. That NCIS opening sure didn't sound promising, especially given that it sounds like a techo-geek position. Not exactly how I picture Alex's talent being used to its full potential. Unless they can ditch Chris O'Donnell and replace him with Alex, I don't think I want to see him in this show at all. And as for placing him in an already running show, with CBS cutting back on expenses and shows possibly already trimming talent, how do you think it will be received when they add Alex to a show that's already seen cost cutting measures? I'm thinking there will be some (maybe a lot) of resentment.

It's still a surprise to me that NBC picked up 2 med dramas, especially one so freakishly expensive. Considering this is a network that is majorly struggling, you do have to wonder what's going through their heads in the programming dept. First Leno five nights a week in primetime and then a $4 mil an episode drama. What are they thinking???

Yeah, it could all be hogwash. But apparently there is a great concern from CBS's end should Alex's pilot not get picked up, US. Les doesn't want to deal with us again, with good reasons.

They can offer it to Alex but he doesn't have to accept. But at the very least, it would get them (CBS) out of the 1-year talent hold headache that the media keeps bringing up.

I know absolutely nothing about network tv... but I cannot imagine a few hundred of US scared a corporate exec. I know many corporate execs (not in tv)... they're not even afraid of Mr. Obama... they are certainly not afraid of us. I WISH they would be... but we got no power here. Some of US may be mouthy, but these people have faced down far more serious protesters, protesting far more serious issues, than US.

If they do or don't pick up 3R, it will only have to do with Alex's talent, the strength of 3R as a show, and perhaps, on a purely positive side, the fact that he has fans, and thus a proven track record in attracting and expectations of attracting... even more fans. They will NOT take 3R cause they're afraid of US being upset.

[coco]

Couldn't agree more Grace.

It will have absolutely nothing to do with US whether this show gets picked up or Alex gets given another show as a back up. They will make their decision based on the pilot of TR and we all just have to hope it goes our way.

[willing freshie]

they are certainly not afraid of us. I WISH they would be... but we got no power here. .

Even when we were thousands on the boards for ML, they didn't care. Now I have browsed around a few ML sites and honestly, each site has its regulars and I recognize them because they post over and over. Even if you see many members listed on the sites, many haven't been on the sites in months.

We are a very small (but determined and active) fan base. If TR gets picked up, hopefully the fans who loved Alex but have moved on due to lack of activity from Alex, will come back.

But definitely we are powerless.

[allegrita]

Speculating is fun, and interesting, and pretty harmless--but I would caution everyone to not take ANY of this stuff too much to heart. We all have enough issues with our blood pressure, ulcers, psychiatrist bills...

And please, when you're dealing in speculation, it's important to label it as such. The stuff that got posted earlier about a possible "Plan C" for Alex was presented as if it was fact. We have no idea whether this is in the works or not. So please, even if you heard it from somebody who knows somebody who claims to be an old friend of somebody really important, it's still rumor and should be labeled as such.

Be kind to your friends. Don't give them heart attacks or aneurysms.

[Josefismysire]

Speculating is fun, and interesting, and pretty harmless--but I would caution everyone to not take ANY of this stuff too much to heart. We all have enough issues with our blood pressure, ulcers, psychiatrist bills...

And please, when you're dealing in speculation, it's important to label it as such. The stuff that got posted earlier about a possible "Plan C" for Alex was presented as if it was fact. We have no idea whether this is in the works or not. So please, even if you heard it from somebody who knows somebody who claims to be an old friend of somebody really important, it's still rumor and should be labeled as such.

Be kind to your friends. Don't give them heart attacks or aneurysms.

Think on the positive side, Alle. We know a reallllly goood doctor..works in Pittsburgh I think..heart specialist...nice bedside manner..