Reality TV > Spielberg's 'The Lot' Huge Corporate Sell-Out
May 21, 2007
Via:
Every time Steven Spielberg does something that I really enjoy (say, Munich) he counters it with some moronic move that just repaints him in my mind as this huge corporate whore.
Case in point: Spielberg combines with Mark Burnett (of 'Survivor' fame) to create the first interesting reality show since 'Project: Greenlight' - 'The Lot'. The show follows pairs of filmmakers who are striving to be 'America's next great directors'. Each week, the teams are given a filmic challenge, and in classic reality competition fashion, those who do the worst get their flabby asses kicked to the curb. Sounds great. I love the idea of a 'Project Runway' for film nerds. Can't think of a reality show I'd rather watch then this.
But then Darryl Frank, head of Dreamwork TV, informed Yahoo TV that 'The Lot' created a new format for product integration. Not only can the sponsors of the show, Ford and Verizon, be shown in the reality portions of the show, but the challenges each filmmaker faces can revolve around the sponsor's products.
Frank says, "We think this is a unique opportunity for both of our key sponsors because we have the reality portion of the show -- the behind-the-scenes moments where the contestants can be seen using products -- but we go one step beyond that because we have scripted films each week where the brands can be integrated in a more organic and creative way."
Sigh. So the filmmakers are basically just going to learn right quick that if you can't sell your soul to the big corporations, Hollywood is a grim place. This doesnt' surprise me, it just pisses me off. I wish Spielberg could indulge his artistic side fully for one goddamn moment and make a show that actually attempts to give new filmmakers the idea that they can make original, exciting pieces outside of the boundaries of corporate America. But, maybe you can't do that anymore and Spielberg is just showing them the truth front and center.
Anyways the show will air on Tuesday nights this fall after 'American Idol'.
