Sept 2008:April 06 2 9/3/08 9:58 AM Page 8
September 2008
September 2008 The Quest for Identity
Written by Matthew Muhl
Identity, according to Mr. Webster, is “the sense of self, providing sameness and continuity in personality over time and...” Sorry, I just couldn’t finish that pompous opener; it was beginning to make even me nauseous. The truth is identity can’t be defined so definitively, as it’s ©(ABC/BOB D'AMICO)
Cast: (from left to right) Melissa McCarthy, Kevin Dunn, Jean Smart, Christina Applegate, Barry Watson, Jennifer Esposito, and Tim Russ
Creator/Executive Producer wrongs, all the while refurbishing her own Donald Todd livelihood.
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER The rarity of such personal, almost CONTAINING A MINIMUM OF 10% existential, themes like identity and POST-COMSUMER RECYCLED CONTENT ANSWER memory being explored for both its dramatic and comedic attributes on network television could only properly be really all just in our own heads. The way we shooting its sophomore season, set to explained by the show’s creator, Donald behave, the way we act, the way we think; it’s premiere October 6 at 9:30 PM. After Todd, television writer for over 20 years. all based on what we personally believe to waking up from an amnesia-inducing car Taking a cue from such inspirations as To place ads in this publication… be right or wrong. accident, Samantha begins discovering the unconventional workings of David Milch and Hugh Wilson, the principal thesis please call Marsha, Client Services Consider the title character in the new about her morally dubious past, and takes at 818-655.5099 of Samantha Who?, Todd contends, “is American Gladiators ABC series, Samantha Who?, which is now the unprecedented opportunity to right old cont’d. on page 6 8 Sept 2008:April 06 2 9/3/08 9:58 AM Page 2
September 2008 September 2008
Production 39th Annual NAACP Image Schedule Award Nominations CSI:NY (CBS Productions/CBS) Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series Carla’s Café Commissary ...... 5692 ET/ The Insider Tia Mowry – The Game (CBS Television Distribution/CBS) Car Wash ...... 5042 Outstanding Supporting Actress in a The Cleaner Comedy Series Client Services ...... 5099 (CBS Productions/A&E) Wendy Raquel Robinson – The Game Emergency Line ...... 5555 Gary Unmarried (ABC Studios/CBS) Grip Dept ...... 5711 Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series The Sarah Silverman Program Hill Harper – CSI: NY Hair Salon ...... 6000 (Central Productions/Comedy Central) Surviving Suburbia Internet Access ...... 5218 (Surviving Suburbia LLC/CW) Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series Sara Finney-Johnson Joe’s Gym ...... 5099 Roommates (Prodco Inc./ABC Family The Game: The Big Chill Lighting ...... 5349 Samantha Who? 39th Annual NAACP Image Notary ...... 5837 (ABC Studios/ABC) Big Brother 10 Award Winner Parking Signs ...... 5670 (Our House Productions/CBS) Paint Dept...... 5396 / 5858 Little Britain USA Actor in a Drama Series (Turville Productions/HBO) Hill Harper – CSI: NY Recycling ...... The Game Stage and DVD ...... 5661 (CBS Paramount Network TV/CW) 60th Emmy Award The Bill Engvall Show Nominations Office Recycling ...... 5966 (Very Funny Productions/TBS) Rita Rocks Universal Waste Recycling . . . .5396 (Rita Rocks Productions LLC/ Lifetime) Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Safety Hotline ...... 6078 Moment of Truth 3 Christina Applegate – Samantha Who? (Light Sleeper Entertainment/ FOX) Sign Shop ...... 5395 Outstanding Supporting Actress in a America’s Got Talent 3 Comedy Series (Marathon Productions/NBC) Special Effects ...... 5671 Jean Smart - Samantha Who? According to Jim Supply Station ...... 5001 (ABC Studios/ABC) Outstanding Guest Actress in a Take 5 Coffee ...... 5979 Hole in the Wall Comedy Series (Blue Orbit Productions/FOX) Sarah Silverman – Monk Million Dollar Password 2 (Triple Threat Productions/CBS) Outstanding Cinematography for a Greek Half-Hour Series (Zeta Beta Productions/ABC Family) George Mooradian - According to Jim “The Chaperone” QUESTION Outstanding Stunt Coordination Norman Howell - CSI:NY What current reality “Playing with Matches” sports program was originally filmed at Outstanding Special Class – Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment CBS Studio Center Sarah Silverman Program Nugget Attention all CBS & Production Drivers: Please obey from 1991 to 1996? all RED LIGHTS near the stages by stopping and ANSWER on page 8 shutting off your engine until the red light turns off. Outstanding Original Music And Lyrics Sarah Silverman, Writer/Composer Safety is everyone’s responsibility! CALENDAR Jimmy Kimmel Live September Song: “I’m F***ing Matt Damon” On Film & TV Studio Lots, Private Gym, CBS Employee Discounts Please observe the speed limit (8mph), stop signs and pedestrian crossings. The Studio has the HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH Open Call, a religious fellowship FREE Consultation! (323) 493-9455 contractual right to refuse entrance to any repeat Sept. 15–Oct. 15) violator of our Safety Rules. Studio Security strictly organization for professionals in the enforces this policy. 9/1 Labor Day entertainment industry, has selected Project: 9/6 Peacock Foundation Fundraiser at CBS Hollywood Cares as its Charity of the Year for The Security Department would like to remind Studio Center 2008. Past recipients of this honor have included everyone that the Safety Hotline is anonymous and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Family Theater, confidential. If you observe an unsafe situation, 9/6 West Valley Police Department Since 1990, PRO TRAINER Will Thompson a Medical Exercise please report it by calling extension 6078. There is Memorial Ride at CBS Studio Center and the San Damiano Foundation. Each year Specialist - Master Trainer - Sports Nutrition Consultant and Certified also a safety suggestion box located at Carla’s Café. 9/14 Ovarian Cancer Coalition Annual Open Call, which welcomes people of all faiths Fitness Expert has been Dedicated to Giving You the Best because You 3K/5K Race at CBS Studio Center to its numerous events, donates a percentage Deserve the Best! Will provides safe and Successful Personal Training Have a safe and wonderful experience at CBS of funds collected at the door to a deserving William Thompson, M.E.S. for Athletes, Actors, Models, Entertainers, Executives and Anybody Studio Center! 9/20 Huntington’s Disease Annual 5K Race Medical Exercise Specialist at CBS Studio Center charity. who wants a Better Body! Open Call brings together creative and CBS NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTING EDITOR 9/21 60th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards business professionals who seek to develop a TRAINING SERVICES INCLUDE: Weight & Fat Loss, Body Marsha Gorodkin 9/22 Autumn Begins relationship between spirituality and their Sculpting & Building, Strength & Conditioning, Core Training, STAFF WRITER - Matthew Muhl 9/23 23rd Annual Imagen Awards vocation in the world of entertainment. A large Orthopedic & Cardiovascular Post-Rehab, Speed Power & Agility DESIGN - Elizabeth Gulick 9/30 Rosh Hashanah, 1st day number of Open Call members presently serve Training, Flexibility Training, Boxing FUNdamentals and more… LAYOUT - Ashley Soukup as volunteers at Project: Hollywood Cares. 2 7 Sept 2008:April 06 2 9/3/08 9:58 AM Page 6
September 2008 September 2008 Samantha Who?... Sitcoms: The Big Situation Comedy Theory Continued from Page 1 James Sater: The Man Who Would Be King
Written by Matthew Muhl creator Norman Lear took pride in the fact that all the laughter in All in the Family was genuine and never canned. This is an unabashed love letter to CBS In fact, All in the Family, one of television’s sitcoms, written in school textbook form. I’ve most controversial shows at the time, boasts never written for a textbook before, but I’m the longest sustained audience laughter in man enough to admit to chicken scratching sitcom history; the kiss between Archie Bunker more than my fair share of love letters, so and guest star Sammy Davis, Jr.. The laughter hopefully it should even out. apparently went on for so long that it had to be For the last few years, it seems there’s significantly edited for network broadcast, as ©(ABC/BOB D'AMICO) been a stigma deep within the television star Carroll O’Connor still had one final line Christina Applegate viewership which unfairly implies that to dispense following the infamous kiss. traditional sitcoms are suddenly not funny or Now, if you’ve ever witnessed a sitcom as a examining Samantha’s inward struggle socially relevant anymore. So why, after live audience member firsthand, you’ll know between nature vs. nurture, and how this decades of prosperous sitcoms like CBS’ The that a spontaneous moment like that is can, in fact, translate to many viewers in both Honeymooners (1955) and Everybody Loves nothing out of the ordinary. an entertaining and pervasive way.” Raymond (1996), is the twenty-first century I was fortunate enough to view the pilot Can, and does, according to the show’s perception of this particular genre (like the taping for the multi-camera Back to You (which successful first season, which has quickly promising new freshman series The Big Bang co-stars vets Patricia Heaton and Fred positioned Samantha Who? as one of the Theory) that they are suddenly considered old Willard), and found the atmosphere during alphabet’s flagship programs. In addition to hat, and not worth a darn? the production to be intimate and being his most successful television venture, “They put in a laugh track because they educational, both as an audience member and Todd cites Samantha Who? as his most don’t think I can tell what’s funny or not,” as a former college television director. difficult, due in no small part to the weight concludes the average viewer, usually followed Watching similar characteristics of a seasoned of writing for a character that lacks a by an exclamation mark. Let’s examine this director like James Burrows (the way he paced The Sater Structure is named after Jim and his brother, Jack. cohesive home base. narrow minded consensus, shall we? back and forth in deep concentration during “In the first season, she was basically a Now, the criticism above makes allusions takes, the way he huddled up with the cast and Written by Matthew Muhl old school friend. After his discharge in He was, in fact, a rich man, and his newborn,” Todd continues, “but now, she’s specifically to the Laugh Track, which is a crew to perform alternate jokes for a different like a directionless kid right out of college, separate track with the artificial sound of audience reaction) proved to be a visceral 1968, Jim wisely chose the latter in 1972. greatest riches took the form of his two actively taking on more independent audience laughter added in post-production. experience in and of itself. One possesses the ability to do all Her name is Vicki, his wife of 36 years. beautiful children, daughter Janet Lee and changes and decisions.” Laugh tracks are, by this description, the In the end, the sheer excitement of things. Some do most things, most only do In May of 1969, at the age of 22, Jim son James Dennis, II; these riches And while he’s mostly keeping mum devil’s handiwork, because the technique knowing that my own natural laughter is some. James Dennis Sater, who lost his began his invaluable career with CBS. He generated new generations, taking the about these future decisions, Todd hints that simply doesn’t do shows proper justice, and, cemented in the series (without the assistance valiant battle against liver cancer this past led the renaissance life of a dutiful form of his equally-beautiful grandchildren, many of them will delve into that of both her instead, feature canned laughter that often of “Applause” signs, I might add) only further February at the age of 61, fits into the employee, striking stages and delivering to granddaughter Madeline and grandson career and of her living arrangements. sounds entirely out of context with the ensuing supports a theory of mine that traditional former category. offices, eventually heading the Camera, Andrew. For a man who appreciated the art Todd also credits a substantial portion scenes. sitcoms are really the closest thing that our Jim began his life in December of 1946 Sound, Editorial and Security departments. of gardening, these riches represented the of the show’s success to its idealistic main Some of the earliest CBS examples to society has to modern theater for the masses. A as the youngest of four boys. He attended Fifteen years later, Jim became apples of his eye. character, played with vim and vigor by employ the laugh track (before audiences televised play is still a play. St. Charles grammar school as a young lad, the Director of Production Services, a These apples, in the form of his family, television and film veteran Christina became privy to the notion that is) are The One more quick, related experience and Applegate. He believes the thesp’s greatest Andy Griffith Show (1960) and The Many Loves of I’ll let y’all go. and Notre Dame high school as a young title he would hold for nearly twenty-five have set up the James Dennis Sater strength is her ability to play comedy, yet Dobie Gillis (1959). In 2007, as a Page stationed at the only man. Upon his graduation in 1964, Jim years. This loyal tenure is no surprise to Memorial Fund at St. Jude’s Hospital, the retain the natural dramatic aspects of Admittedly, both these shows remain hotel in Beverly Hills (you know the one) to went on to San Fernando Valley State anyone, as Jim always considered the Studio place in which Jim often found refuge and Samantha, which helps in bringing the deliriously enjoyable despite the obvious assist a CBS press conference unveiling the College (currently known as, California as his second home and the folks he worked spiritual guidance towards the end of his fictional identity to life. presence of synthetic laughter, but there’s new fall season lineup, I was able to personally State University of Northridge) until being with as his extended family. life here. One of his wishes was to find a Hence, while both identity and memory really no true substitute for the Live Studio thank Chuck Lorre, show runner for the drafted in 1967. He often humorously Back to one doing most things; cure for cancer, and his family continues to remain copasetic bedfellows in Samantha Audience, which is just as organic as it sounds; aforementioned The Big Bang Theory, for two referred to his year-long stint in Vietnam as camping, fishing and playing golf with good honor Jim's very wish. Who?, Todd sees the nominal Samantha a living, breathing (and most importantly, things; keeping the traditional sitcom alive, his "graduation trip.” friends were some of Jim’s joys in life. He And lo, as one possesses the ability to continuing to define herself against her own laughing) group of humans reacting to the and for writing the theme song to a favorite Many things can happen within four also enjoyed the art of gardening and was do all things, it’s clear that Jim (or stable environment, and, with the added ensuing scenes right before their very senses. old cartoon show. years. One could merely spend that allotted proud of demonstrating this art in his “Jimbo”, as many of his friends warmly support of her idiosyncratic friends and Some of the earliest CBS examples of this Believe me, if you knew which cartoon family, she just may one day find her home approach to audience participation are I Love show it was he wrote the theme song to, you’d time as president of the United States of backyard. Jim has said that if he had a dollar dubbed him) was one who seized base (which, according to Mr. Webster, means Lucy (1951) and All in the Family (1970). thank him, too — it’s better than any of my America, or, one could reunite with, court for every piece of foliage that he planted, he opportunities all around him, making him “home” - now there’s a definite definition). Throughout the latter’s eight-year run, series love letters, that’s for sure. with, and join in holy matrimony with an would be rich man. a king of most things. 6 3 Sept 2008:April 06 2 9/3/08 9:59 AM Page 4
September 2008 September 2008
Recent CBS Staff Trina Nazliyan, Director of Accounting Appointments & Trina was born in St. Petersburg (formerly Promotions Leningrad) Russia and moved to San Diego in Joshua Choi, 1994. She then moved Patrick Kiernan Director of Information to Los Angeles to Payroll & Facilities Billing Technology attend USC as an Joshua came to CBS in English major and after only one year, had March 2000 as a a change of heart and transferred to CSUN network administrator. to study Accounting. After earning her BS In his new position in Accountancy, Trina worked for Cast and he will be responsible Crew Payroll LLC and Hearthstone Real for Telecommunications Estate Investment. Her 19 month old son, (Telco) and Management Information Roman, keeps her busy and doesn’t leave Systems (MIS) and will report directly to much time for hobbies but whenever George Gunagan Vice President and General Manager, possible, Trina enjoys reading and going Paint Department Joseph Soukup. out for Sushi. Robert (“Bob) Hoover Karla Karanza, Gerard Oropeza, Paint Department Director of Financial Senior Financial Analyst Planning Gerard joined CBS in Brian Lovell Born and raised in December 2004 as a Pittsburgh, PA (Go financial analyst. He Operations Steelers!), Karla attended holds a B.S. in Business Robert Morris College Administration, with an Gregory (“Perry) Martinez for her undergrad in option in finance from Operations finance and graduated Cal State University with an MBA from Carnegie Mellon in 1996 Los Angeles and is currently taking and then went to work at Intel in Santa supplemental advanced accounting courses Clara, CA. She left high tech in 2001 after at the alma mater. Special Congratulations! the big downturn and came out to L.A. in 2002 specifically to work in entertainment. Jose Ramos, Karla worked at Fox Broadcasting for a Director of Production Deanna Jetton while and then at E! Entertainment for the Services announces the past four years, before finding her way here Jose’s career with the engagement of her to CBS. She spent a lot of her spare time Studio began over eight daughter Shellie running a theater company in North years ago as Director of Jetton to Steve Hollywood up until last year, and has Financial Planning. In Kaplan with the recently taken up writing television and his new position Jose movies to keep herself out of trouble. will be responsible for wedding to take the lighting, grip, video and sound place Oct. 4, 2008 Alex Mouton, departments. For Jose, the icing on the cake is Mailroom Supervisor that he still reports directly to Vice President Michael Klausman, Alex has been with the and General Manager, Joseph Soukup. President of CBS CBS Studio Center Studio Center, and mailroom since July wife Beckie on the 2007. In his new position birth of your he will primarily be grandson Jonas responsible for the training and supervision of James Michael delivery personnel, and will directly assist 6-10-2008 Born to with all aspects of the daily mailroom Marsha Gorodkin Amy and Derrek operation. Client Services Ransford 4 5 Sept 2008:April 06 2 9/3/08 9:59 AM Page 4
September 2008 September 2008
Recent CBS Staff Trina Nazliyan, Director of Accounting Appointments & Trina was born in St. Petersburg (formerly Promotions Leningrad) Russia and moved to San Diego in Joshua Choi, 1994. She then moved Patrick Kiernan Director of Information to Los Angeles to Payroll & Facilities Billing Technology attend USC as an Joshua came to CBS in English major and after only one year, had March 2000 as a a change of heart and transferred to CSUN network administrator. to study Accounting. After earning her BS In his new position in Accountancy, Trina worked for Cast and he will be responsible Crew Payroll LLC and Hearthstone Real for Telecommunications Estate Investment. Her 19 month old son, (Telco) and Management Information Roman, keeps her busy and doesn’t leave Systems (MIS) and will report directly to much time for hobbies but whenever George Gunagan Vice President and General Manager, possible, Trina enjoys reading and going Paint Department Joseph Soukup. out for Sushi. Robert (“Bob) Hoover Karla Karanza, Gerard Oropeza, Paint Department Director of Financial Senior Financial Analyst Planning Gerard joined CBS in Brian Lovell Born and raised in December 2004 as a Pittsburgh, PA (Go financial analyst. He Operations Steelers!), Karla attended holds a B.S. in Business Robert Morris College Administration, with an Gregory (“Perry) Martinez for her undergrad in option in finance from Operations finance and graduated Cal State University with an MBA from Carnegie Mellon in 1996 Los Angeles and is currently taking and then went to work at Intel in Santa supplemental advanced accounting courses Clara, CA. She left high tech in 2001 after at the alma mater. Special Congratulations! the big downturn and came out to L.A. in 2002 specifically to work in entertainment. Jose Ramos, Karla worked at Fox Broadcasting for a Director of Production Deanna Jetton while and then at E! Entertainment for the Services announces the past four years, before finding her way here Jose’s career with the engagement of her to CBS. She spent a lot of her spare time Studio began over eight daughter Shellie running a theater company in North years ago as Director of Jetton to Steve Hollywood up until last year, and has Financial Planning. In Kaplan with the recently taken up writing television and his new position Jose movies to keep herself out of trouble. will be responsible for wedding to take the lighting, grip, video and sound place Oct. 4, 2008 Alex Mouton, departments. For Jose, the icing on the cake is Mailroom Supervisor that he still reports directly to Vice President Michael Klausman, Alex has been with the and General Manager, Joseph Soukup. President of CBS CBS Studio Center Studio Center, and mailroom since July wife Beckie on the 2007. In his new position birth of your he will primarily be grandson Jonas responsible for the training and supervision of James Michael delivery personnel, and will directly assist 6-10-2008 Born to with all aspects of the daily mailroom Marsha Gorodkin Amy and Derrek operation. Client Services Ransford 4 5 Sept 2008:April 06 2 9/3/08 9:58 AM Page 6
September 2008 September 2008 Samantha Who?... Sitcoms: The Big Situation Comedy Theory Continued from Page 1 James Sater: The Man Who Would Be King
Written by Matthew Muhl creator Norman Lear took pride in the fact that all the laughter in All in the Family was genuine and never canned. This is an unabashed love letter to CBS In fact, All in the Family, one of television’s sitcoms, written in school textbook form. I’ve most controversial shows at the time, boasts never written for a textbook before, but I’m the longest sustained audience laughter in man enough to admit to chicken scratching sitcom history; the kiss between Archie Bunker more than my fair share of love letters, so and guest star Sammy Davis, Jr.. The laughter hopefully it should even out. apparently went on for so long that it had to be For the last few years, it seems there’s significantly edited for network broadcast, as ©(ABC/BOB D'AMICO) been a stigma deep within the television star Carroll O’Connor still had one final line Christina Applegate viewership which unfairly implies that to dispense following the infamous kiss. traditional sitcoms are suddenly not funny or Now, if you’ve ever witnessed a sitcom as a examining Samantha’s inward struggle socially relevant anymore. So why, after live audience member firsthand, you’ll know between nature vs. nurture, and how this decades of prosperous sitcoms like CBS’ The that a spontaneous moment like that is can, in fact, translate to many viewers in both Honeymooners (1955) and Everybody Loves nothing out of the ordinary. an entertaining and pervasive way.” Raymond (1996), is the twenty-first century I was fortunate enough to view the pilot Can, and does, according to the show’s perception of this particular genre (like the taping for the multi-camera Back to You (which successful first season, which has quickly promising new freshman series The Big Bang co-stars vets Patricia Heaton and Fred positioned Samantha Who? as one of the Theory) that they are suddenly considered old Willard), and found the atmosphere during alphabet’s flagship programs. In addition to hat, and not worth a darn? the production to be intimate and being his most successful television venture, “They put in a laugh track because they educational, both as an audience member and Todd cites Samantha Who? as his most don’t think I can tell what’s funny or not,” as a former college television director. difficult, due in no small part to the weight concludes the average viewer, usually followed Watching similar characteristics of a seasoned of writing for a character that lacks a by an exclamation mark. Let’s examine this director like James Burrows (the way he paced The Sater Structure is named after Jim and his brother, Jack. cohesive home base. narrow minded consensus, shall we? back and forth in deep concentration during “In the first season, she was basically a Now, the criticism above makes allusions takes, the way he huddled up with the cast and Written by Matthew Muhl old school friend. After his discharge in He was, in fact, a rich man, and his newborn,” Todd continues, “but now, she’s specifically to the Laugh Track, which is a crew to perform alternate jokes for a different like a directionless kid right out of college, separate track with the artificial sound of audience reaction) proved to be a visceral 1968, Jim wisely chose the latter in 1972. greatest riches took the form of his two actively taking on more independent audience laughter added in post-production. experience in and of itself. One possesses the ability to do all Her name is Vicki, his wife of 36 years. beautiful children, daughter Janet Lee and changes and decisions.” Laugh tracks are, by this description, the In the end, the sheer excitement of things. Some do most things, most only do In May of 1969, at the age of 22, Jim son James Dennis, II; these riches And while he’s mostly keeping mum devil’s handiwork, because the technique knowing that my own natural laughter is some. James Dennis Sater, who lost his began his invaluable career with CBS. He generated new generations, taking the about these future decisions, Todd hints that simply doesn’t do shows proper justice, and, cemented in the series (without the assistance valiant battle against liver cancer this past led the renaissance life of a dutiful form of his equally-beautiful grandchildren, many of them will delve into that of both her instead, feature canned laughter that often of “Applause” signs, I might add) only further February at the age of 61, fits into the employee, striking stages and delivering to granddaughter Madeline and grandson career and of her living arrangements. sounds entirely out of context with the ensuing supports a theory of mine that traditional former category. offices, eventually heading the Camera, Andrew. For a man who appreciated the art Todd also credits a substantial portion scenes. sitcoms are really the closest thing that our Jim began his life in December of 1946 Sound, Editorial and Security departments. of gardening, these riches represented the of the show’s success to its idealistic main Some of the earliest CBS examples to society has to modern theater for the masses. A as the youngest of four boys. He attended Fifteen years later, Jim became apples of his eye. character, played with vim and vigor by employ the laugh track (before audiences televised play is still a play. St. Charles grammar school as a young lad, the Director of Production Services, a These apples, in the form of his family, television and film veteran Christina became privy to the notion that is) are The One more quick, related experience and Applegate. He believes the thesp’s greatest Andy Griffith Show (1960) and The Many Loves of I’ll let y’all go. and Notre Dame high school as a young title he would hold for nearly twenty-five have set up the James Dennis Sater strength is her ability to play comedy, yet Dobie Gillis (1959). In 2007, as a Page stationed at the only man. Upon his graduation in 1964, Jim years. This loyal tenure is no surprise to Memorial Fund at St. Jude’s Hospital, the retain the natural dramatic aspects of Admittedly, both these shows remain hotel in Beverly Hills (you know the one) to went on to San Fernando Valley State anyone, as Jim always considered the Studio place in which Jim often found refuge and Samantha, which helps in bringing the deliriously enjoyable despite the obvious assist a CBS press conference unveiling the College (currently known as, California as his second home and the folks he worked spiritual guidance towards the end of his fictional identity to life. presence of synthetic laughter, but there’s new fall season lineup, I was able to personally State University of Northridge) until being with as his extended family. life here. One of his wishes was to find a Hence, while both identity and memory really no true substitute for the Live Studio thank Chuck Lorre, show runner for the drafted in 1967. He often humorously Back to one doing most things; cure for cancer, and his family continues to remain copasetic bedfellows in Samantha Audience, which is just as organic as it sounds; aforementioned The Big Bang Theory, for two referred to his year-long stint in Vietnam as camping, fishing and playing golf with good honor Jim's very wish. Who?, Todd sees the nominal Samantha a living, breathing (and most importantly, things; keeping the traditional sitcom alive, his "graduation trip.” friends were some of Jim’s joys in life. He And lo, as one possesses the ability to continuing to define herself against her own laughing) group of humans reacting to the and for writing the theme song to a favorite Many things can happen within four also enjoyed the art of gardening and was do all things, it’s clear that Jim (or stable environment, and, with the added ensuing scenes right before their very senses. old cartoon show. years. One could merely spend that allotted proud of demonstrating this art in his “Jimbo”, as many of his friends warmly support of her idiosyncratic friends and Some of the earliest CBS examples of this Believe me, if you knew which cartoon family, she just may one day find her home approach to audience participation are I Love show it was he wrote the theme song to, you’d time as president of the United States of backyard. Jim has said that if he had a dollar dubbed him) was one who seized base (which, according to Mr. Webster, means Lucy (1951) and All in the Family (1970). thank him, too — it’s better than any of my America, or, one could reunite with, court for every piece of foliage that he planted, he opportunities all around him, making him “home” - now there’s a definite definition). Throughout the latter’s eight-year run, series love letters, that’s for sure. with, and join in holy matrimony with an would be rich man. a king of most things. 6 3 Sept 2008:April 06 2 9/3/08 9:58 AM Page 2
September 2008 September 2008
Production 39th Annual NAACP Image Schedule Award Nominations CSI:NY (CBS Productions/CBS) Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series Carla’s Café Commissary ...... 5692 ET/ The Insider Tia Mowry – The Game (CBS Television Distribution/CBS) Car Wash ...... 5042 Outstanding Supporting Actress in a The Cleaner Comedy Series Client Services ...... 5099 (CBS Productions/A&E) Wendy Raquel Robinson – The Game Emergency Line ...... 5555 Gary Unmarried (ABC Studios/CBS) Grip Dept ...... 5711 Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series The Sarah Silverman Program Hill Harper – CSI: NY Hair Salon ...... 6000 (Central Productions/Comedy Central) Surviving Suburbia Internet Access ...... 5218 (Surviving Suburbia LLC/CW) Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series Sara Finney-Johnson Joe’s Gym ...... 5099 Roommates (Prodco Inc./ABC Family The Game: The Big Chill Lighting ...... 5349 Samantha Who? 39th Annual NAACP Image Notary ...... 5837 (ABC Studios/ABC) Big Brother 10 Award Winner Parking Signs ...... 5670 (Our House Productions/CBS) Paint Dept...... 5396 / 5858 Little Britain USA Actor in a Drama Series (Turville Productions/HBO) Hill Harper – CSI: NY Recycling ...... The Game Stage and DVD ...... 5661 (CBS Paramount Network TV/CW) 60th Emmy Award The Bill Engvall Show Nominations Office Recycling ...... 5966 (Very Funny Productions/TBS) Rita Rocks Universal Waste Recycling . . . .5396 (Rita Rocks Productions LLC/ Lifetime) Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Safety Hotline ...... 6078 Moment of Truth 3 Christina Applegate – Samantha Who? (Light Sleeper Entertainment/ FOX) Sign Shop ...... 5395 Outstanding Supporting Actress in a America’s Got Talent 3 Comedy Series (Marathon Productions/NBC) Special Effects ...... 5671 Jean Smart - Samantha Who? According to Jim Supply Station ...... 5001 (ABC Studios/ABC) Outstanding Guest Actress in a Take 5 Coffee ...... 5979 Hole in the Wall Comedy Series (Blue Orbit Productions/FOX) Sarah Silverman – Monk Million Dollar Password 2 (Triple Threat Productions/CBS) Outstanding Cinematography for a Greek Half-Hour Series (Zeta Beta Productions/ABC Family) George Mooradian - According to Jim “The Chaperone” QUESTION Outstanding Stunt Coordination Norman Howell - CSI:NY What current reality “Playing with Matches” sports program was originally filmed at Outstanding Special Class – Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment CBS Studio Center Sarah Silverman Program Nugget Attention all CBS & Production Drivers: Please obey from 1991 to 1996? all RED LIGHTS near the stages by stopping and ANSWER on page 8 shutting off your engine until the red light turns off. Outstanding Original Music And Lyrics Sarah Silverman, Writer/Composer Safety is everyone’s responsibility! CALENDAR Jimmy Kimmel Live September Song: “I’m F***ing Matt Damon” On Film & TV Studio Lots, Private Gym, CBS Employee Discounts Please observe the speed limit (8mph), stop signs and pedestrian crossings. The Studio has the HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH Open Call, a religious fellowship FREE Consultation! (323) 493-9455 contractual right to refuse entrance to any repeat Sept. 15–Oct. 15) violator of our Safety Rules. Studio Security strictly organization for professionals in the enforces this policy. 9/1 Labor Day entertainment industry, has selected Project: 9/6 Peacock Foundation Fundraiser at CBS Hollywood Cares as its Charity of the Year for The Security Department would like to remind Studio Center 2008. Past recipients of this honor have included everyone that the Safety Hotline is anonymous and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Family Theater, confidential. If you observe an unsafe situation, 9/6 West Valley Police Department Since 1990, PRO TRAINER Will Thompson a Medical Exercise please report it by calling extension 6078. There is Memorial Ride at CBS Studio Center and the San Damiano Foundation. Each year Specialist - Master Trainer - Sports Nutrition Consultant and Certified also a safety suggestion box located at Carla’s Café. 9/14 Ovarian Cancer Coalition Annual Open Call, which welcomes people of all faiths Fitness Expert has been Dedicated to Giving You the Best because You 3K/5K Race at CBS Studio Center to its numerous events, donates a percentage Deserve the Best! Will provides safe and Successful Personal Training Have a safe and wonderful experience at CBS of funds collected at the door to a deserving William Thompson, M.E.S. for Athletes, Actors, Models, Entertainers, Executives and Anybody Studio Center! 9/20 Huntington’s Disease Annual 5K Race Medical Exercise Specialist at CBS Studio Center charity. who wants a Better Body! Open Call brings together creative and CBS NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTING EDITOR 9/21 60th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards business professionals who seek to develop a TRAINING SERVICES INCLUDE: Weight & Fat Loss, Body Marsha Gorodkin 9/22 Autumn Begins relationship between spirituality and their Sculpting & Building, Strength & Conditioning, Core Training, STAFF WRITER - Matthew Muhl 9/23 23rd Annual Imagen Awards vocation in the world of entertainment. A large Orthopedic & Cardiovascular Post-Rehab, Speed Power & Agility DESIGN - Elizabeth Gulick 9/30 Rosh Hashanah, 1st day number of Open Call members presently serve Training, Flexibility Training, Boxing FUNdamentals and more… LAYOUT - Ashley Soukup as volunteers at Project: Hollywood Cares. 2 7 Sept 2008:April 06 2 9/3/08 9:58 AM Page 8
September 2008
September 2008 The Quest for Identity
Written by Matthew Muhl
Identity, according to Mr. Webster, is “the sense of self, providing sameness and continuity in personality over time and...” Sorry, I just couldn’t finish that pompous opener; it was beginning to make even me nauseous. The truth is identity can’t be defined so definitively, as it’s ©(ABC/BOB D'AMICO)
Cast: (from left to right) Melissa McCarthy, Kevin Dunn, Jean Smart, Christina Applegate, Barry Watson, Jennifer Esposito, and Tim Russ
Creator/Executive Producer wrongs, all the while refurbishing her own Donald Todd livelihood.
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER The rarity of such personal, almost CONTAINING A MINIMUM OF 10% existential, themes like identity and POST-COMSUMER RECYCLED CONTENT ANSWER memory being explored for both its dramatic and comedic attributes on network television could only properly be really all just in our own heads. The way we shooting its sophomore season, set to explained by the show’s creator, Donald behave, the way we act, the way we think; it’s premiere October 6 at 9:30 PM. After Todd, television writer for over 20 years. all based on what we personally believe to waking up from an amnesia-inducing car Taking a cue from such inspirations as To place ads in this publication… be right or wrong. accident, Samantha begins discovering the unconventional workings of David Milch and Hugh Wilson, the principal thesis please call Marsha, Client Services Consider the title character in the new about her morally dubious past, and takes at 818-655.5099 of Samantha Who?, Todd contends, “is American Gladiators ABC series, Samantha Who?, which is now the unprecedented opportunity to right old cont’d. on page 6 8