Christopher Webster [Cathode Ray Mission 08.11.11] post apocalyptic zombies news scifi



The internet is currently a-flame with stories about Frank Darabont vs. AMC. The chatter follows Kim Masters’ new story in the Aug. 19 print edition of the Hollywood Reporter called "The Walking Dead: What Really Happened" in which she claims that Darabont was fired from the show following his Comic Con appearance to promote the show. Smooth move on AMC's part to wheel out their star for the promotional tour only to can him after. It's hard not to lose respect for the fledgling network after this one.

It has been announced at the Television Critics Association that Walking Dead's new showrunner will be Glen Mazzara, the guy behind the low-rated and critically hates TV adaptation of Crash.

From the article:
"There also have been no public comments from the cast, and a source with knowledge of the situation says AMC has been “terrorizing” them and their representatives to discourage them from speaking out on Darabont’s behalf. “They’re scared,” confirms another insider. “They’re on a zombie show. They are all really easy to kill off.”"

Brutal. And what's more:
"Despite the show’s success, AMC stuck to its original position on the second-season budget. When those involved with the show protested that the network was taking chances with its biggest hit, AMC’s head of original programming, Joel Stillerman, is said to have declared, “ Ratings have no bearing on this conversation.”

Thes how went into production on its second season in June. Sources say an early episode came in with footage that was not usable. The director had shot a successful first-season episode and was a mutually agreed-upon choice. Darabont was editing the episode in an effort to fix it but by then, an insider believes, AMC was looking for a pretext. “Joel thinks he is responsible for the success of shows on AMC, and not the creators,” this person says."


It's tempting to feel bad for Darabont, but the director of The Shawshank Redemption and The Mist is a big boy who is famous for fighting his own battles (Indiana Jones anyone?). If you want to feel bad for anyone feel bad for the cast of the show who now have some stooge working for the studio and not the show. And feel bad for the show itself whose creative direction is now at the hands of people who, I'm fairly certain, know little about how story is crafted.

You might also like

uncleB (11 years ago) Reply

Shame on AMC

donc48 (11 years ago) Reply

I just read the Hollywood Reporter article my first response was like everybody else. What screw with it, it looks like it’s was about money. You have a group of suits who see a hit product they can make cheaper with out realizing why the show worked in the first place. Happens in movies all the time, still hope it works out. Link to the article below.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/walking-dead-what-happened-fired-221449

Anonymous (11 years ago) Reply

morons...

Anonymous (11 years ago) Reply

AMC is also playing chicken with their original hit Mad Men, the long delay in getting the next season out in 2012! was because of arguments over money(what else) and creative control.

There is nothing more useless in the world than an network executive, they truly believe themselves to be god-like entities which can take over and do the jobs of everyone else on a show.

It doesn't really matter anyways, television is a dead medium with direct internet services and on demand video.
These suits won't have many places left to go and will be replaced(by other suits no doubt).

Umberto (11 years ago) Reply

Ridicoli questi della AMC... lasciarsi sfuggire un bravo regista come Darabont... che scemi!

Papaswamp (11 years ago) Reply

Wouldn't be surprised if another network is already working on a zompacalypse show to beat this one since it looks like it will go into the crapper. I'd have everything all written and a couple of actors lined up ready to shoot if WD actually comes out walking dead creativity wise.

nifepartie (11 years ago) Reply

I will not watch this show. the first season was not very good,the only reason it is popular is because it is the only zombie TV show, and zombies happen to be a popular topic these days. Its popularity has absolutely nothing to do with the story, i feel people will start to be burned out on this, and with the new joke of a "showrunner" i believe The Walking Dead will self terminate due to horrible writing, directing and screenplay. The second season will likely be the last season. i hope.

Aladdin Sarsippius (11 years ago) Reply

Can't wait for his latest "Magic Negro"
jailhouse flick. /sarc

Death to TWD on AMC.

Anonymous (11 years ago) Reply

AMC: Money Matters Here

Laura (11 years ago) Reply

The show is based on the comic by Robert Kirkman and from what I remember hearing, he was very involved in the tv show as well. I'm wondering if he's still heavily involved with the show now that new-guy-Glen in on board?

Leave a comment

Your Comment