KCRW's The Spin-Off: Producer Mark Burnett on Faith, Family and Facial Hair

On the latest edition of KCRW's The Spin-Off, it's another bonus episode: This time, from a recent panel (at Realscreen West) I conducted with "Survivor"/"The Voice"/"The Bible" producer Mark Burnett. We talked about the state of reality TV, his reaction to TLC's Duggars mess, and how his faith plays a large role in what he does:

The plan was to have his wife and producing partner, Roma Downey, join us as well, but Downey was stuck at home, sick with laryngitis, so Burnett and Schneider chatted, just the two of them.

Burnett has an empire's worth of shows. He helped change the reality game in 2000 with Survivor, and 15 years later, that show is still going, along with Celebrity Apprentice, Shark Tank and his reality singing contest The Voice, which will continue even as its competitor American Idol soon goes off the air.

Burnett and Downey also work on scripted projects and they're both very religious -- which explains why they did the shows The Bible for the History Channel and more recently, AD on NBC.
For Burnett, his Christian religion is a driving force in how he runs his business and picks projects to pursue. Schneider asks Burnett about all of this and more, but when they first sat down, he had to address something right away: Burnett had shaved his beard, a distinctive part of his look for the past few years. But recently, he just reached a point where he needed to make a change.

Listen below!

KCRW's THE SPIN-OFF: August Edition (Listen Now!)

It's the August edition of our monthly TV podcast on KCRW, The Spin-Off! This month, Joe and I are joined by Yahoo TV's Maggie Furlong. Here's what we discuss:

This summer saw lots of new, original programming in both cable and broadcast networks. Not all of it was great, but much of it has been renewed. Some new reality projects are taking interesting risks, but are networks willing to give the shows the marketing boost they need? And after resolving contract disputes for the show's main stars, The Big Bang Theory will be back, though no one ever really doubted its return.

Unlike in years before when summer was the time for reruns only, this summer offered a variety of new shows across lots of different networks. There was big hype surrounding programs like HBO’s The Leftovers, CBS’s Extant and FX’s The Strain. But the show that’s done really well? TNT’s The Last Ship, which counts Michael Bay as an executive producer. That show is one of several summer debuts that has been picked up for a second season.

And in the realm of reality TV, there’s been a lot of talk about all the nudity in shows like VH1’s Dating Naked, but the buzzy show of the moment is FYI’s Married at First Sight. Part of the appeal comes from the show’s docu-drama feel. Producers don’t appear to exploit the cast members like we might have seen in a version of this show 10 years ago. And ABC’s The Quest also feels like something new and adventurous, but with little marketing and a less-than-ideal time slot, did ABC bury a show that could have been a winner?

Plus, fans of The Big Bang Theory need not worry. The hugely successful CBS sitcom will be back with a new season in the fall, after only a brief hold-up during cast contract negotiations. The show’s three main stars will now make around a million dollars an episode and get a piece of the back-end from syndication. Given the continued popularity of the show — it still draws over 20 million viewers a week — there was never much doubt that CBS would find a way to resolve any contract disputes.

Finally, a quick round of Emmy predictions! Listen to find out who’s team Cranston and who’s team McConaughey (and even who’s team Woody Harrelson), which Spin-off guest is fine with Modern Family winning yet again, and which guests will riot if a different comedy doesn’t walk away with an award.

Listen by clicking below!

MIKE ON RADIO: Talking Rupert Murdoch on "The Business" and the TCA Press Tour on "Press Play"

On last week's episode of KCRW's The Business, Kim Masters and I once again discussed the top entertainment news stories of the week:

- Time Warner rebuffs Murdoch’s $80 billion offer...for now
- Restructuring at Fox post-Kevin Reilly
- Microsoft gives up on original programming

Listen below!



MEANWHILE, I was also on Press Play with Madeleine Brand last Monday discussing the headlines coming out of the Television Critics Association Press Tour, with an emphasis on Fox's new series "Utopia":

This fall, a new civilization will be born. And cameras will be rolling the whole time. The Fox network’s newest reality TV show is called “Utopia”, and the network says it’s a social experiment. We talk about that, plus the latest news coming out of the Television Critics Association press event.

Listen by clicking on the image below:

Best Birthday Gift Ever? A Cat Was Drawn For Me

Definitely one of the most unique birthday gifts I've ever received... my sister Ann recently asked the famed cat drawing entrepreneur Steve Gadlin to, yes, draw a cat for me. On his website, where Gadlin posts every cat creation he draws, he describes mine: "Ann Marie GIFTED a cat to Mike! She wanted a writer cat who lives in LA. He wears T-shirts with suit jackets and jeans, and loves to walk in the city."

Gadlin is behind I Want to Draw a Cat For You, which earned global attention after he went on ABC's Shark Tank -- and convinced Mark Cuban to invest and take a chunk of the company.

Here's what Venture Beat wrote in 2012:

“I wanted to create an experiment where I could do all the things people who create businesses do, and do it with just a widget,” Gadlin told VentureBeat. Initially, in early 2011, the site consisted of exactly two things: an embedded YouTube video, and a PayPal button. Clients watched the video, ordered a cat drawing, and paid $1o. Then Gadlin drew it on paper and snail-mailed it to each customer. Just about the very definition of small-time.

Here was his initial video:



And here's his visit on "Shark Tank:



That song will be stuck in your head for the rest of the day.

A Salute to Our New Duck Dynasty Overlords

I know, it's hard to believe, but Duck Dynasty is truly a phenomenon. After the ratings came in last week, I quickly grew this beard and replaced my Twitter icon.

The A&E reality comedy, which stars Louisiana-based duck call moguls the Robertson family, broke cable viewership records on Aug. 14 with its fourth season bow.

The one-hour premiere averaged 11.8 million viewers, making it the most-watched unscripted series telecast in cable history. The episode attracted 6.3 million adults 18-49, a new record for A&E, and the biggest rating in the demo for any regular program, broadcast or cable, since an episode of The Voice on April 15.

The show's success baffles many rivals, but A&E general manager/executive vice president Dave McKillop credits the Robertsons' authenticity. "They're self-made, they love each other, they do have rivalries and multi-generational tension, but what comes first to them is family," he says. "There's no fighting or yelling or cursing. Just lots of hijinks."

The Robertsons kept shooting season four even as their agents tussled with A&E over a new deal. The clan eventually secured $250,000 an episode, which actually seems like a bargain given the show's smash success. But the Robertsons are also cashing in via other means, such as merchandising. And Duck Dynasty has helped make their Duck Commander business even bigger.

A&E and Gurney Productions, which makes the show, also had to hammer out a new deal. But despite rumors of renegotiation strife, McKillop says deal making was "never contentious… Any time a negotiation is challenging. But it was never to a point where we lost faith in them. I will say that everyone's happy." Nothing like a ratings hit to bring people together.

License Plate of the Day: Frankenbyte Edition

Thanks to Franklin Avenue reader Becca, who sent this one in: "Saw this one today while heading west on Santa Monica. Reality show editor?" Sounds like a pretty good guess to me, especially since Santa Monica is crawling with reality TV companies.

Got a License Plate of the Day? Email it to us!

Mike's "Talk Soup" Audition, Circa 2000

In 2000, as Talk Soup searched for a new host (between Hal Sparks' and Aisha Tyler's tenures), guest hosts were being utilized as temporary fill-ins. Someone at the network thought it might be fun to have a reporter come in and host one evening. Variety was right next door, and I knew the head of E! PR well, so they asked me to audition.

But before I could ever guest host, E! found a new "Talk Soup" host and the idea was scrapped. My dream of a big break.. dashed. Oh well. The beginning of this tape is rough -- you miss the very beginning, which was garbled by a VCR a few years back; and then I step on a lame joke and pause way too long before continuing. But keep in mind much of this is improv, so I came up with these silly gags and comebacks on the spot. Here you go.

Is the Next Food Network Star in Los Angeles?

Food Network is coming to town to cast the 8th season of its hit "Food Network Star" franchise. The show's casting agents are looking for "passionate, charismatic individuals with major culinary chops" -- chefs, line cooks, home cooks, caterers and culinary enthusiasts.

Head to the Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel (2500 Hollywood Way, Burbank) on Friday, Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Go here for more info: http://foodnetworkstarcasting.com/.

Get Ready for California DMV: The TV Series

The place you love to hate is being turned into a TV show. Tru TV has ordered the series "California DMV: Field Offices" (working title) from Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldberg’s Katalyst production company.

"With unprecedented access to several offices and locations, California DMV: Field Offices will provide an eye-opening, behind-the-scenes look at hard-working personnel who deal with everything from issuing licenses and registering vehicles to maintaining accident records and investigating complaints," says Tru TV, which promises a "fast-paced, fun series."

Yes, now officially everything has been done in TV. Good night, folks!

(By the way, you may recall that my last experience with the DMV, in 2008, was pretty positive. Read: What's This? A Positive DMV Experience? from June 2008.)

Taking a Stab at 'Gene Simmons Family Jewels'

A few weeks ago I moderated a panel featuring the family behind A&E's hit reality docuseries "Gene Simmons Family Jewels." It's now the longest-running celebrity docuseries ever -- and this season, it's getting a bit more real.

As cameras started rolling for season six, the Simmons-Tweed kids have both left the house, and Shannon Tweed has hit the breaking point after 28 years of tolerating Gene Simmons' womanizing. Things have gotten tense between the two, and we talked about it on the panel. (Read about it here.)

Got Any Burning Questions for Gene Simmons and Family?

Got a question for Gene Simmons, Shannon Tweed or their offspring? I'll be moderating a panel tomorrow morning at the Factual Entertainment conference featuring the stars and producers of A&E's "Gene Simmons Family Jewels."

The show, which returns in June for season six, is now the longest-running celebrity docu-series on TV. More info on the panel:

Hear from the quintessential first family of reality about how their on-air lives intertwine with real family life. Bona fide celebrities before the debut of "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" in 2006, how have Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed's lives changed since they've been "under the microscope" of a reality series? Is there anything they would change if they were to do this all over again? And what advice can they give when it comes to creating a captivating docusoap? Gene Simmons, Shannon Tweed and their children, Nick and Sophie, promise an interesting, unusual and entertaining glimpse into their not-so-private lives and into the making of the longest running celebrity docuseries on television today.

Add your questions below!

Jamie Oliver Launches His Next Revolution in L.A.

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, whose battle against obesity was the basis of ABC's "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution," is taking his campaign here.

"Jamie's Kitchen," which he opened in Huntington, W. Va., as part of that first series, opens an outpost today in Westwood. The eatery and teaching kitchen will become home base for the latest edition of "Food Revolution," shot here.

More info:

Jamie’s Kitchen will provide a place for the community to come and learn to cook fresh food quickly and inexpensively. Jamie’s Kitchen will provide educational resources and information to help families and individuals combat the obesity epidemic by recapturing their kitchens.

Last year, Jamie hosted the Emmy-winning ABC docu-reality series, "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution," where he set up shop in Huntington, West Virginia, one of the unhealthiest areas in America. His goal was to help the people switch from fast and processed foods to fresh, both in the schools and at home. In additional to working directly in the schools, he opened the Huntington Kitchen to teach the community to cook. The Huntington Kitchen remains open today and has been the centerpiece of a revitalized downtown center.

His “Feed Me Better” campaign in the United Kingdom led the British government to add $1 billion into the school food budget and more recently, his “Food Revolution” campaign in the United States helped pass the “Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act” of 2010.

Jamie ‘s Kitchen
1038 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA, 90024

A&E's 'The Peacemaker' Looks at L.A.'s Gang Wars

Ice-T is the executive producer behind A&E's new series "The Peacemaker: L.A. Gang Wars," a look at the battle between rival gangs in South L.A.

"The Peacemaker" centers on gang mediator Malik Spellman as he looks to hammer out truces between bitter enemies. A&E picked up five half-hour episodes of the show, which premieres tonight -- Thursday, Dec. 16 -- at 10 p.m.

Here's more on Spellman via A&E:

A violence prevention counselor by day, Spellman is on a mission to bring peace to the troubled neighborhoods he’s lived in for 30 years. For the last two decades, he has dedicated his life to ending gang violence, putting it all on the line to mediate truces between adversaries sometimes separated by less than one city block.

It's not light holiday programming.

Wannabe L.A. "Idols," You've Got a Week to Prepare

You're already in Hollywood, dawg.

Now's that chance to finally make a fool of yourself by showcasing your unfortunate singing on "American Idol." Los Angeles has been added as an audition city; tryouts are next Wednesday, Sept. 22 at The Forum in Inglewood.

"This summer we have had an exceptional turnout – both in the number of people auditioning and the level of their talent," said 'American Idol' executive producer Ken Warwick. "Los Angeles has always delivered great talent, and so we feel it only fitting that we end our 10th season audition tour here in our home city."

Here are the details:

Wristbands will be distributed from approximately 7:00 AM on Tuesday, Sept. 21 until approximately 8:00 AM on Wednesday, Sept. 22. Auditioners will not be permitted to camp out. Once auditioners obtain their wristbands, they will be asked to return to The Forum by 5:00 AM on Wednesday, Sept 22.

Don't embarrass L.A. too much, OK?

Casting Call: Your Chance To Become the "Next Food Network Star"

Reality TV casting news: If you (a) think you can cook, and (b) think you're a natural TV personality (hey, that's two ego trips right there), then head on down this Tuesday to try out for the next edition of Food Network's "The Next Food Network Star."

The show is just what it sounds like: A reality competition to find a new Emeril. Or Paula Deen. (Shudder.)

A casting director writes in:

We have found some wonderful people from LA in previous seasons... We are looking for people who are full of life, passionate about cooking, and knowledgeable about food to meet us in person at our open casting call.

Here's where to go:

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010
10am-3pm
Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport
2500 Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505

Los Angeles Cameo: "Top Chef Masters" Visits Union Station's Old Fred Harvey Restaurant

We're a little late to this, since we just finally watched the "Top Chef Masters" finale last night... but it was pretty cool to see Union Station's old Fred Harvey restaurant -- where Maria and I had our wedding reception -- up on screen.

The room looked great on camera, and even chef Rick Moonen remarked at the beauty of Union Station.

The Fred Harvey made its cameo early in the episode, as the show's three finalists -- Susur Lee, Rick Moonen, Marcus Samuelsson -- sat down for breakfast before heading into competition.

A Chance for Your Kid to Test Out "America's Next Great Restaurant"

Here's a rare chance to bring your young kids to a food tasting and TV taping: NBC's upcoming "America's Next Great Restaurant" is looking for families with kids between the age of 4 and 12 for a shoot this Wednesday, June 9.

The show, which follows contestants as they compete for a chance to open their own restaurant, features celeb chefs Bobby Flay, Lorena Garcia and Curtis Stone, as well as Chipotle Mexican Restaurant co-CEO Steve Ells.

The folks behind the show aren't explaining what they're doing on Wednesday or why they need little kids... but if you're a fan of "Top Chef" (which, like "America's Next Great Restaurant," comes from production team Magical Elves), you can guess they're looking for kiddie reaction on a challenge that probably involves kids' menus.

If you're interested, drop an email with your name and phone number to ANGRaudience@gmail.com.

Lakers' Ron Artest gets real

The L.A. Lakers' Ron Artest in a reality show?

Why not -- every other pro athlete seems to be in one or shopping one.

The Los Angeles Lakers forward has sealed a deal with E1 Entertainment and Tijuana Ent. ("Obsessed") to produce and star in the project "They Call Me Crazy."

Project, which hasn't yet secured a network outlet, will follow Artest as he "makes amends for past transgressions and also helps develop aspiring artists through his hip-hop label."

“This show will allow me to share my experiences with others, and hopefully people can learn from the mistakes I've made," Artest said.

Read more at Variety's On the Air blog here.

JustJenn, meanwhile, argues that if anyone from the Lakers should get a reality show, it oughta be Lamar Odom -- and his candy obsession:

Food Network's Looking for L.A.'s Worst Cooks

How's your cooking? If you live in Los Angeles... and your cooking blows, then Food Network wants to meet you.

Food Network's "Worst Cooks in America" is casting its second season, and will be here this Saturday to find potential candidates.

The casting call takes place this Saturday, March 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel and Convention Center (2500 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank).

Here are the basics:

* This is the opportunity for someone to nominate their spouse, sibling, parent, best friend, or even co-worker who needs MAJOR help in the kitchen.
* We are seeking those with a genuine inability to cook, and major need to improve Nominees will work with the best chefs in the country and finally learn one of the most important life skills - how to cook.
* We’re looking for nominees with lots of charisma, personality that pops and a vast array of kitchen disaster stories

More info at the "Worst Cooks" casting website.

"Kate Plus Eight Minus Jon": The Aftermath

The Wrap's Joe Adalian, my former Variety colleague, asked a bunch of us on Tuesday for some (tongue-in-cheek) career advice for the Most Hated Dad In America, Jon Gosselin (who's just been axed from the now-retitled TLC series "Kate Plus Eight").

Here's what I sent him:

Attention, "The Biggest Loser" producers, it's spin-off time. Season one of "The Biggest Douche: Celebrity Edition" features Jon Gosselin, Tucker Max and Joe Francis as they struggle each week to shed as much douchiness as possible. In episode three, a tearful Jon is forced to set his Ed Hardy shirts on fire. Potential problem: Production is halted mid-way through when Francis is once again arrested and Gosselin's sister-in-law reveals her torrid affair with Jon to OK! Magazine. Producers pull the plug in disgust.

Sadly, I think this show would sell.

MEANWHILE, am I psychic, or what? Check out this June 18 tweet I wrote as a joke:

Jon and Kate Gosselin to make big announcement on their show Monday. My prediction -- Two new shows coming to TLC: "Kate Plus 8" and "Jon."

It came true, kinda.