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July 1998, Week 4

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Film and TV Studies Discussion List <[log in to unmask]>
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Fri, 24 Jul 1998 00:28:14 EDT
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Tasha,
Prof. Mike Sherer at U of Nebraska forwarded your request for documentaries
dealing with American TV in the 70's and 80's.
Here are several that I produced when at WTTW/Chicago for broadcast on PBS,
and as an independent producer in LosAngeles for commercial networks. For
most of these I was producer, writer, director and reporter.
What is it you're doing that you're looking for material like this?
 
1976 - You Should See What You're Missing! 60 minutes Respected Hollywood
writers and producers talk about what they could do were it not for the
censorship imposed by the commercial networks. Appearing are: Larry Gelbart
(MASH), Danny Arnold (Barney Miller), Abby Mann (Medical Story), Joseph
Wambaugh and Liam O'Brien (Police Story), Susan Harris (Fay, later Golden
Girls), David Rintels (MOWs including Gideon's Trumpet). Also Dick VanDyck's
exec producer talking about the one episode they shot but the network refused
to air (including clips), and a vp of Preview House, where the networks test
their shows.
 
1981 - "Making M*A*S*H" 90 minute PBS doc going behind the scenes of what
is arguably the best series ever on American TV. Narrated by Mary Tyler
Moore. Nominated for a national Emmy.
 
1988 "Inside Family Ties: Behind the Scenes of a Hit" - 70 minute PBS special
following the making of the first episode of Family Ties' sixth season (where
Courteney Cox was introduced as Alex Keaton's girlfriend -- her first big tv
break). This is a "process" show which gives viewers a step by step look at
how an episode is written, rehearsed and ultimately taped.
 
1991 "Memories of M*A*S*H" 43 minutes (without comercials) CBS The
M*A*S*H 20th anniversary special
 
1993 "Great Television Moments - What We Watched" The Museum of TV and
Radio Special 2 hours ABC (90 min without commercials) Looks at moments
on TV that were shared by a significant portion of the American public. Acts
deal with drama, comedy-variety, sitcom, MOW, music and news.
 
1995 "Television's Christmas Classics" 60 minutes CBS (43 minutes without
commercials) a clip show looking at how American television treats Christmas,
hosted by Marie Osmond. The only show TV Guide rated a "10" for more than a
year.
 
I began teaching last spring at Cal State University at Fullerton, and used
most of these in my Writing for Broadcasting class.
 
You can call me in LA at 818 238-0290.
If you're emailing, use my office email address:
[log in to unmask]
 
 
Michael Hirsh
 
----
Online resources for film/TV studies may be found at ScreenSite
http://www.tcf.ua.edu/screensite

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