'The Rockford Files' May Be Reshot & Retooled - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 05-12-2010, 10:02 PM

Rockford is not looking good in its current incarnation and may be reshot/redeveloped.

http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/

catlover79 · 05-13-2010, 12:11 AM

Why not scrap it altogether and just show the James Garner series again in primetime?

Marvo301 · 05-13-2010, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

Why not scrap it altogether and just show the James Garner series again in primetime?

MickeyMac · 05-13-2010, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

Why not scrap it altogether and just show the James Garner series again in primetime?

Because the major networs would rather show crap, that good programming.

Mr. Television · 05-13-2010, 07:11 PM

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment...bc_reboot.html

Vulture Exclusive: Details on What Went Wrong With NBC’s Rockford Files Reboot

NBC's planned reboot of the seventies private-eye classic series The Rockford Files, with mildly beloved rom-com prince Dermot Mulroney taking James Garner's iconic role, was one of the most hyped pilots of the fall. Many said it was a gimme to make the lineup: It's based on the iconic James Garner series, and was produced by Steve Carell and House executive producer David Shore. What could go wrong? Oh, wait, this could: A pilot so bad that it seemed like a crime. In fact, if it weren't for Carell and Shore's involvement, NBC would have written off the project days ago. Now, as the execs consider what to do, and with their upfront just four days away, this much is clear: If the show does make the fall schedule, it will be in a vastly different form from what was just shot.

What went wrong? NBC isn't talking, but two people familiar with the situation said Rockford turned out to be more rehash than reinvention. The insiders place most of the blame on pilot director Michael Watkins (a TV-drama veteran who has helmed episodes of everything from Quantum Leap to NYPD Blue to Justified), saying he severely weakened a solid script with lackluster, even listless direction.

"The pilot looked like it was shot in the seventies," said one person familiar with NBC's response, claiming everything from the lighting to the pacing looked dated — and not in a cool, retro way. "You didn't even know it was the current day until Jim pulled out his cell phone. It looked like Stephen J. Cannell directed it himself."

While much of the criticism of the Rockford pilot seems to center around the direction, there have been complaints about Mulroney's take on Rockford. Some people who've seen the pilot praise his work — "Dermot's adorable," said one viewer — while others suggest he simply didn't pop. One wag suggests (only half-jokingly) that NBC should start over from scratch and replace Mulroney with Lost star Josh Holloway. After all, he did acquit himself well as a cop in the "Sawyer and Miles: On the Case!" flash-sideways episodes this season.

Dawn Parouse, the Prison Break producer who was hired to take control of the day-to-day on the pilot just days before shooting began, apparently did her best to turn things around after seeing the disastrous first version. She personally supervised a marathon recutting session, working for nearly a week to get the pilot in better shape, one source said. But while the new cut played much better with NBC brass, it wasn't enough to convince them to give Rockford an early pickup. (They'd already given four other new dramas go-aheads.)

If NBC chooses to rework Rockford, it'll almost certainly be because of entertainment president Angela Bromstad. She made the reboot one of her top priorities shortly after she returned to the network last year, ordering a pilot script last July, far ahead of most orders. She's also good pals with Shore (while House airs on Fox, the show is produced by NBC's studio arm, overseen by Bromstad), and if she wants to keep Carell on The Office longer than season seven, when he's itching to leave, perhaps dumping his show isn't the best incentive. The combined weight of both of these men's involvement could be enough to convince NBC to give producers more time to investigate ways to make Rockford work.

catlover79 · 05-14-2010, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MickeyMac

Because the major networs would rather show crap, that good programming.

Plus, my idea actually makes sense.

Rezny@gmail.com · 05-14-2010, 01:15 AM

And one thing:Has the new crew (producer,director,writer,and Dermot Mulroney)ever SEEN the original version with James Garner?Probably not.If I were NBC,I'd just forget the reboot idea.

Marvo301 · 05-14-2010, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

Plus, my idea actually makes sense.

Which is exactly why it will never happen!

catlover79 · 05-14-2010, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrezny@usnetizen

And one thing:Has the new crew (producer,director,writer,and Dermot Mulroney)ever SEEN the original version with James Garner?Probably not.If I were NBC,I'd just forget the reboot idea.

I doubt it!!

TV Knowledge Fan · 05-15-2010, 12:16 AM

...from its ill-advised revivals of "THE BIONIC WOMAN" and "KNIGHT RIDER" a few years ago? What they really want, unfortunately, is the title and not the series as it originally was; the network figures the title alone will draw most people in {"Hey, it's on again!!"}, and then, try to "modernize" it for today's 18-34 year old "target" audience, most of whom never saw the original series. And that approach simply doesn't work. There is a foul odor of disaster awaiting anyone who tries to "rework" Rockford and company....again. Just because NBC/Universal got lucky with a completely different version of "BATTLESTAR GALACTICA" (for SciFi {"SyFy"}) doesn't mean the other "classic" series in their inventory they hope to exploit in "new and improved" versions will be just as successful. What next- a revival of "THE JACK BENNY PROGRAM", with Tracy Morgan as "Benny"?

catlover79 · 05-15-2010, 12:18 AM

Of course NBC hasn't learned anything!! They still have Jeff Zucker there - enough said!!!!!

KurtPikachu2001 · 10-30-2012, 10:58 AM

I heard David Shore was going to produce a new Rockford remake.

loaferman · 10-30-2012, 11:49 AM

When something is as iconic as James Garner as Rockford you can't remake it no matter how old it is. This is like having Gunsmoke without James Arness or Beverly Hillbillies without Irene Ryan and Buddy Ebsen (remember that awful movie?). Another example is the 3 Stooges movie, kids today don't remember the originals but even with something that old it didn't work. Mr. Garner is thankfully still alive but no longer able to play the role so it should be left as a classic.

05-12-2010, 10:02 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,108	'The Rockford Files' May Be Reshot & Retooled Rockford is not looking good in its current incarnation and may be reshot/redeveloped. http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

05-13-2010, 12:11 AM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	Why not scrap it altogether and just show the James Garner series again in primetime?
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

05-13-2010, 07:11 PM	#5
Mr. Television 22 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,127	http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment...bc_reboot.html Vulture Exclusive: Details on What Went Wrong With NBC’s Rockford Files Reboot NBC's planned reboot of the seventies private-eye classic series The Rockford Files, with mildly beloved rom-com prince Dermot Mulroney taking James Garner's iconic role, was one of the most hyped pilots of the fall. Many said it was a gimme to make the lineup: It's based on the iconic James Garner series, and was produced by Steve Carell and House executive producer David Shore. What could go wrong? Oh, wait, this could: A pilot so bad that it seemed like a crime. In fact, if it weren't for Carell and Shore's involvement, NBC would have written off the project days ago. Now, as the execs consider what to do, and with their upfront just four days away, this much is clear: If the show does make the fall schedule, it will be in a vastly different form from what was just shot. What went wrong? NBC isn't talking, but two people familiar with the situation said Rockford turned out to be more rehash than reinvention. The insiders place most of the blame on pilot director Michael Watkins (a TV-drama veteran who has helmed episodes of everything from Quantum Leap to NYPD Blue to Justified), saying he severely weakened a solid script with lackluster, even listless direction. "The pilot looked like it was shot in the seventies," said one person familiar with NBC's response, claiming everything from the lighting to the pacing looked dated — and not in a cool, retro way. "You didn't even know it was the current day until Jim pulled out his cell phone. It looked like Stephen J. Cannell directed it himself." While much of the criticism of the Rockford pilot seems to center around the direction, there have been complaints about Mulroney's take on Rockford. Some people who've seen the pilot praise his work — "Dermot's adorable," said one viewer — while others suggest he simply didn't pop. One wag suggests (only half-jokingly) that NBC should start over from scratch and replace Mulroney with Lost star Josh Holloway. After all, he did acquit himself well as a cop in the "Sawyer and Miles: On the Case!" flash-sideways episodes this season. Dawn Parouse, the Prison Break producer who was hired to take control of the day-to-day on the pilot just days before shooting began, apparently did her best to turn things around after seeing the disastrous first version. She personally supervised a marathon recutting session, working for nearly a week to get the pilot in better shape, one source said. But while the new cut played much better with NBC brass, it wasn't enough to convince them to give Rockford an early pickup. (They'd already given four other new dramas go-aheads.) If NBC chooses to rework Rockford, it'll almost certainly be because of entertainment president Angela Bromstad. She made the reboot one of her top priorities shortly after she returned to the network last year, ordering a pilot script last July, far ahead of most orders. She's also good pals with Shore (while House airs on Fox, the show is produced by NBC's studio arm, overseen by Bromstad), and if she wants to keep Carell on The Office longer than season seven, when he's itching to leave, perhaps dumping his show isn't the best incentive. The combined weight of both of these men's involvement could be enough to convince NBC to give producers more time to investigate ways to make Rockford work.
	__________________ Sonny

05-15-2010, 12:16 AM	#10
TV Knowledge Fan Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 29, 2006 Location: Long Branch, N.J. Posts: 2,577	Has NBC learned NOTHING... ...from its ill-advised revivals of "THE BIONIC WOMAN" and "KNIGHT RIDER" a few years ago? What they really want, unfortunately, is the title and not the series as it originally was; the network figures the title alone will draw most people in {"Hey, it's on again!!"}, and then, try to "modernize" it for today's 18-34 year old "target" audience, most of whom never saw the original series. And that approach simply doesn't work. There is a foul odor of disaster awaiting anyone who tries to "rework" Rockford and company....again. Just because NBC/Universal got lucky with a completely different version of "BATTLESTAR GALACTICA" (for SciFi {"SyFy"}) doesn't mean the other "classic" series in their inventory they hope to exploit in "new and improved" versions will be just as successful. What next- a revival of "THE JACK BENNY PROGRAM", with Tracy Morgan as "Benny"?

10-30-2012, 11:49 AM	#13
loaferman Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jun 23, 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 642	When something is as iconic as James Garner as Rockford you can't remake it no matter how old it is. This is like having Gunsmoke without James Arness or Beverly Hillbillies without Irene Ryan and Buddy Ebsen (remember that awful movie?). Another example is the 3 Stooges movie, kids today don't remember the originals but even with something that old it didn't work. Mr. Garner is thankfully still alive but no longer able to play the role so it should be left as a classic.
	__________________ “It was ‘Will and Grace,’ it was the social media. Literally. That’s what changed peoples’ attitudes. That’s why I was so certain that the vast majority of people would embrace and rapidly embrace” gay marriage, Biden said. “Think behind of all that, I bet you 85 percent of those changes, whether it’s in Hollywood or social media are a consequence of Jewish leaders in the industry. The influence is immense, the influence is immense." -Vice President Joe Biden May 2013

05-14-2010, 01:15 AM	#7
Rezny@gmail.com Member Senior Member Join Date: Jul 20, 2007 Location: Nebraska Posts: 2,675	And one thing:Has the new crew (producer,director,writer,and Dermot Mulroney)ever SEEN the original version with James Garner?Probably not.If I were NBC,I'd just forget the reboot idea.

05-15-2010, 12:18 AM	#11
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	Of course NBC hasn't learned anything!! They still have Jeff Zucker there - enough said!!!!!

10-30-2012, 10:58 AM	#12
KurtPikachu2001 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Aug 30, 2012 Location: South Carolina Posts: 140	I heard David Shore was going to produce a new Rockford remake.