Here's our update of what's happening around the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center, on NBC and around the television industry:
Not Much Happening
January continues to be a fairly quiet month here at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. As much as I would like to share new things with you, there just isn't anything happening at the moment. So, I'll give you a little update on NBC and other tv business that has crossed our desks recently.
New NBC/WKYC Programming Widget
We have added a brand new widget on the Director's Cut Blog that will give you a daily update on what's coming up on NBC in Prime time each night. Plus, the widget has links to several other online content provided by the network. Check it out on the right hand menu.
Some Superbowl Ads on WKYC to Air in 3D
Next weekend is the Superbowl. And some of the commercials will air in 3-D according to the Wall Street Journal. NBC has teamed up with DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. and PepsiCo's SoBe Lifewater to create a first-of-its kind, nationwide 'Monstrous' 3D event for Super Bowl XLIII as well as a special 3D episode of Chuck with special guest Jerome Bettis. The all 3D Super Bowl commercial event will mark the debut of DreamWorks Animation's premier 3D movie trailer for its upcoming film, "Monsters vs. Aliens," opening on March 27th. Also, General Electric is planning a "Wizard of Oz"-themed commercial to promote its smart-grid technologies in a 30-second spot. GE is the parent company of NBC. The Superbowl airs next Sunday, February 1st on NBC and WKYC.
The 3D glasses are being distributed by PepsiCo through the SoBe Lifewater brand (www.sobeworld.com). The glasses will be disseminated via 25,000 SoBe Lifewater retail displays in grocery, drug and other retail venues beginning in January and will be FREE to consumers. Should a display's supply of glasses run out, consumers can call 1-800-646-2904 in order to obtain a pair.
The "More You Know" Celebrates It's 20th Anniversary
NBC's award-winning "The More You Know" public service campaign celebrates its 20th anniversary by continuing to raise awareness of pressing social issues and inspiring viewers to take action. Over the past two decades, hundreds of stars have shown their commitment and creativity and this year is no exception with talent from The Office, 30 Rock, Law & Order: SVU, Heroes, My Name is Earl, Deal or No Deal, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Biggest Loser, Chuck, Law & Order, Medium, Lipstick Jungle, ER, NBC News, NBC Sports as well as USA, Sci, Fi, Bravo and Oxygen.
"Saturday Night Live" Welcomes Back Steve Martin January 31st
Steve Martin will make his SNL record 15th appearance as host when he returns after three years to Studio 8H on January 31st. Martin is joined by singer Jason Mraz, making his debut alongside the legendary performer.
Martin is one of the most diversified performers in the motion picture industry today—actor, comedian, author, playwright and producer. The 2007 recipient of the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor, Martin will return in the role of Inspector Clouseau in "The Pink Panther 2," which opens February 6th. He has a score of film roles to his credit and received critical praise in the 2006 film "Shopgirl" (which he adapted from his novella), as well as in the hits "Cheaper By The Dozen" and "Bringing Down the House." Martin has starred in several comedy classics; "The Jerk," "All of Me" "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" "Father of the Bride," "Parenthood" and "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." Martin scripted and starred in the hit acclaimed comedies "Three Amigos," "Roxanne," "L.A. Story" and "Bowfinger;" and the drama "Grand Canyon."
NBC to Show "Mercy"
According to the Hollywood Reporter, NBC has picked up the pilot called "Mercy," a drama that profiles the relationship among three nurses. We also hear that the network is working on securing an agreement for a new medical drama called "Trauma".
Actors union gives up strike vote plans
The Associated Press says this afternoon that the Screen Actors Guild has suspended plans for a strike authorization vote. A hardline faction within the union and the guild's president say the vote was likely to fall short of the 75 percent support needed to pass. The declaration represents an about-face and follows months of preparations for a strike vote that would have given the guild the power to shut down production of major studio movies and prime-time TV shows. The last contract expired in June.
