Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of 'Mork & Mindy' -- COMING SOON ...

[Pavan]

Peacock stokes 'Strokes'
Inside look at 'Mork,' 'Shirley,' 'Bewitched' also planned


Whatchoo talkin' about, NBC?

As part of its "Behind the Camera" franchise, Peacock is developing a two-hour look at the drama surrounding the hit '80s NBC sitcom, "Diff'rent Strokes." Greg Pincus is writing a script for the project, which is one of several TV tales in the works at NBC.

NBC is also in early development on telepics focusing on the behind-the-scenes drama of ABC hits "Mork & Mindy," "Laverne & Shirley" and "Bewitched." NBC has previously produced telepics on ABC hits "Three's Company" and "Charlie's Angels."

"The franchise has performed quite well for us," said NBC longform topper Jeff Gaspin, who also heads alternative programming at NBC and is prexy of Bravo. Most recent "Charlie's Angel" pic was just so-so in raw numbers, "but when we got in the upscale demos for 'Angels,' it was off the chart," Gaspin added.

Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges have signed on as consultants on the "Diff'rent Strokes" telefilm, which Gaspin said will tread cautiously when dealing with many of the tragic events surrounding the sitcom -- including the death of star Dana Plato.

"If you get it right, this is a cautionary tale about kids in Hollywood," he said. "We need to do it in a non-exploitative manner."

[robyrob]

Originally posted by pavanbadal
NBC is also in early development on telepics focusing on the behind-the-scenes drama of ABC hits "Mork & Mindy," "Laverne & Shirley" and "Bewitched." NBC has previously produced telepics on ABC hits "Three's Company" and "Charlie's Angels."

be nice if these eventually made it onto DVD season sets as bonus features....

[TVFactFan]

Originally posted by pavanbadal
Peacock stokes 'Strokes'
Inside look at 'Mork,' 'Shirley,' 'Bewitched' also planned


Whatchoo talkin' about, NBC?

As part of its "Behind the Camera" franchise, Peacock is developing a two-hour look at the drama surrounding the hit '80s NBC sitcom, "Diff'rent Strokes." Greg Pincus is writing a script for the project, which is one of several TV tales in the works at NBC.

NBC is also in early development on telepics focusing on the behind-the-scenes drama of ABC hits "Mork & Mindy," "Laverne & Shirley" and "Bewitched." NBC has previously produced telepics on ABC hits "Three's Company" and "Charlie's Angels."

"The franchise has performed quite well for us," said NBC longform topper Jeff Gaspin, who also heads alternative programming at NBC and is prexy of Bravo. Most recent "Charlie's Angel" pic was just so-so in raw numbers, "but when we got in the upscale demos for 'Angels,' it was off the chart," Gaspin added.

Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges have signed on as consultants on the "Diff'rent Strokes" telefilm, which Gaspin said will tread cautiously when dealing with many of the tragic events surrounding the sitcom -- including the death of star Dana Plato.

"If you get it right, this is a cautionary tale about kids in Hollywood," he said. "We need to do it in a non-exploitative manner."

Why would NBC do a behind the scenes story on a ABC show? I'm not interested

[robyrob]

Originally posted by TVShow Analyzer
Why would NBC do a behind the scenes story on a ABC show? I'm not interested

Originally posted by pavanbadal
"The franchise has performed quite well for us," said NBC longform topper Jeff Gaspin, who also heads alternative programming at NBC and is prexy of Bravo. Most recent "Charlie's Angel" pic was just so-so in raw numbers, "but when we got in the upscale demos for 'Angels,' it was off the chart," Gaspin added.

its all about money man.

[Screenwriter]

What the funniest thing about it is, is that they're going to be doing a Behind the Camera story on Mork & Mindy and Laverne & Shirley but they're not going to be doing a Behind the Camera story about Happy Days which spun off the two shows.

[Pavan]

NBC BRINGS BACK MORK FROM ORK IN NEW "BEHIND THE CAMERA" MOVIE CELEBRATING POPULAR 1970S SERIES "MORK & MINDY"

Principal Photography Has Wrapped on "Behind The Camera: The Unauthorized Story of "Mork & Mindy", Based on Series That Launched Career of Robin Williams

BURBANK -- February 28, 2005 -- NBC once again offers viewers a peek behind the entertainment curtain as it re-visits the 1970s classic comedy "Mork & Mindy" in a new movie, "Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of 'Mork & Mindy'" -- based on the beloved series that launched the career of the Award-winning actor and beloved comedian Robin Williams.

The movie provides an entertaining and hard-hitting behind the scenes look at the classic comedy series that launched the career of Robin Williams. Newcomer Chris Diamantopolous (NBC's "American Dreams") will portray Williams, whose role as the winsome alien visitor, "Mork," captured the hearts of millions of American viewers. Williams began his career as a young, rising comedian who was cast as an alien on an episode of "Happy Days" which unexpectedly became a huge ratings success and catapulted him into overnight television stardom.

Erinn Hayes ("Significant Others") also stars as Pam Dawber, a young actress who became instantly recognized for her role as "Mindy," the likeable human who "Mork" boarded with on the sitcom. And Daniel Roebuck (who starred as Jay Leno in "The Late Shift") plays legendary television sitcom producer Garry Marshall.

The movie exposes the cast's tumultuous four years of creative infighting, personal problems, network interference as well as depicts Williams' painful struggle to cope with his newfound fame and overnight success.

"Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of 'Mork & Mindy'" is executive-produced by Matt Dorff (NBC's "Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of 'Charlie's Angels'") and Jim Head ("A Christmas Wedding") and produced by Once Upon a Time Films. Neil Fearnley ("Inside the Osmonds") directs from writer, David Misch, whose first writing job was on "Mork & Mindy."

[Screenwriter]

Again, what the funniest thing about this is, is that they're going to be doing a Behind the Camera story on Mork & Mindy and Laverne & Shirley but they're not going to be doing a Behind the Camera story about Happy Days which spun off the two shows.

Where are the biographical television stories of Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley?

[Clown Boy]

Originally Posted by pavanbadal

NBC BRINGS BACK MORK FROM ORK IN NEW "BEHIND THE CAMERA" MOVIE CELEBRATING POPULAR 1970S SERIES "MORK & MINDY"

Principal Photography Has Wrapped on "Behind The Camera: The Unauthorized Story of "Mork & Mindy", Based on Series That Launched Career of Robin Williams

BURBANK -- February 28, 2005 -- NBC once again offers viewers a peek behind the entertainment curtain as it re-visits the 1970s classic comedy "Mork & Mindy" in a new movie, "Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of 'Mork & Mindy'" -- based on the beloved series that launched the career of the Award-winning actor and beloved comedian Robin Williams.

The movie provides an entertaining and hard-hitting behind the scenes look at the classic comedy series that launched the career of Robin Williams. Newcomer Chris Diamantopolous (NBC's "American Dreams") will portray Williams, whose role as the winsome alien visitor, "Mork," captured the hearts of millions of American viewers. Williams began his career as a young, rising comedian who was cast as an alien on an episode of "Happy Days" which unexpectedly became a huge ratings success and catapulted him into overnight television stardom.

Erinn Hayes ("Significant Others") also stars as Pam Dawber, a young actress who became instantly recognized for her role as "Mindy," the likeable human who "Mork" boarded with on the sitcom. And Daniel Roebuck (who starred as Jay Leno in "The Late Shift") plays legendary television sitcom producer Garry Marshall.

The movie exposes the cast's tumultuous four years of creative infighting, personal problems, network interference as well as depicts Williams' painful struggle to cope with his newfound fame and overnight success.

"Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of 'Mork & Mindy'" is executive-produced by Matt Dorff (NBC's "Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of 'Charlie's Angels'") and Jim Head ("A Christmas Wedding") and produced by Once Upon a Time Films. Neil Fearnley ("Inside the Osmonds") directs from writer, David Misch, whose first writing job was on "Mork & Mindy."

I have just finished working on production of the show here in Canada. I watched the pre-finals tape and it is a very well done show. even without production I couldn't help but watch. Chris Diamantopoulos does, in my opinion a BANG UP job of Robin Williams. Almost looks exactly like him but the characterization is a perfect centre shot. Really this is more about Robin and his start then about the show.. Though the show is the frame work. All the dialogue between producers and network execs it there.. but it's really about Robin Williams. There is even a stunning look into the end of John Belushi's life and his friendship with Robin. Really good. It a very caring and neutral perspective on the time of Robin's life and those around him. I really enjoyed working on it and I love the finished Project. Can't wait to get my hands on the next ones.

HONK HONK

Clown

[Screenwriter]

Originally Posted by Clown Boy

I have just finished working on production of the show here in Canada. I watched the pre-finals tape and it is a very well done show. even without production I couldn't help but watch. Chris Diamantopoulos does, in my opinion a BANG UP job of Robin Williams. Almost looks exactly like him but the characterization is a perfect centre shot. Really this is more about Robin and his start then about the show.. Though the show is the frame work. All the dialogue between producers and network execs it there.. but it's really about Robin Williams. There is even a stunning look into the end of John Belushi's life and his friendship with Robin. Really good. It a very caring and neutral perspective on the time of Robin's life and those around him. I really enjoyed working on it and I love the finished Project. Can't wait to get my hands on the next ones.

HONK HONK

Clown

Sounds like you thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope we do too.

[Screenwriter]

In exactly two weeks the movie airs. They need to start releasing the Behind the Camera DVD movies. They really do. It's such a shame that they probably won't.

[Scoobiedoo30]

I know I will be watching The Mork and Mindy Special when it airs on NBC,

[Pavan]

The telefilm will air Monday, April 4 from 9 to 11 p.m. et/pt.

[TMC]

http://haphazard-stuff.blogspot.com/...-story-of.html

Television producer Garry Marshall (Daniel Roebuck) is creating ratings hit after hit. Then in 1978 he gets the idea of putting an alien character on his show Happy Days. Everyone thinks the idea is crazy, even the young actor hired for the role - a young up-and-coming comic by the name of Robin Williams (Chris Diamantopoulos).

But Williams' unique comedic talents help make the character Mork from a Ork a hit and a new spin-off show is designed around him and actress Pam Dawber (Erinn Hayes). Mork and Mindy is born, but it won't be just funny handshakes and spaceships shaped like eggs. Behind the scenes the show is dealing with out of touch executives and censors who are pulling their hair out. And Williams' escalating drug use begins to jeopordize his career, his marriage and his life.

This is another one of those cheap docudramas about classic 1970's TV shows that were popping up all the time on NBC about ten years ago. The Unauthorized Stories of Three's Company, Diff'rent Strokes, Charlies Angels - I don't know why they stopped making them. There are plenty of old beloved shows they could focus on and have unknown actors play these famous ones while they were in the midst of creating these popular shows. Throw in a few badly written behind the scenes drama, the shows rise in popularity and their eventual downfall and boom you got a TV movie.

Maybe there was some dicey waters going on with the rights to reenacting these shows and portraying the persons involved. Perhaps, the potential lawsuits and bad blood wasn't worth the aggravation and they gave up with them. Or maybe they just realized these docudramas weren't the biggest ratings hits that the network wanted and they came off as pretty cheap, shoddy and tabloid-y.

Here we get the story of Mork & Mindy. Or really more like the rise of Robin Williams. The bizarre comedy sitcom and the goings-on of its creation takes a backseat to the animated wild Williams going from an unknown street performer to a television star. This fast rise to fame helps fuel his ongoing cocaine addiction and his extra-martial affairs that would push his wife away.

For a 'docudrama' and a movie titled 'The Unauthorized Story of Mork & Mindy' there's really not a lot of drama to be found here about that actual show.

During the production of the show we see there are problems with the network censors who are frustrated by the rapid fire improvising Williams and the dumb corporate big-wigs changing the shows timeslots and offering their own suggestions to Marshall, but that's it. And this is told so matter-of-factly that there's no real drama when the show is adversely affected by these network changes.

It goes something like this - Mork & Mindy is number one in the ratings, the shadowy bad network suits call Marshall and say - "There's too much focus on Mork", "We have to do a cast change", "We're going to change timeslots", "The show needs more sex", "Trust us". Marshall is upset, does the required changes and the show begins to bottom out in the ratings.

There's really not much more to it than that. In fact, these executive suggestion scenes are so comically overdone and clichéd it rivals all the jokes Diamontopoulos does as Williams. Like, I love when the anonymous execs go, "Yeeeeaaaah.....the show is a hit.....but....we want to make it better". The pauses and delivery are hysterical. When the show finally gets the ax they can care less. They might as well have made them wear Darth Vader helmets.

The cast doesn't have much to do. Roebuck does an ok impression of Marshall. Erinn as Dawber is not surprisingly underwritten and the script never makes her much of a character in all this. The spotlight is really on Diamontopoulos who does a pretty impressive Williams impression throughout the movie. He sounds like him, moves like him, has the same zany energy we associated with him. But even in the quieter scenes Diamontopoulos manages to give a fine performance as Williams.

But all of Williams story is basically a very standard by the numbers Hollywood rise to fame and jeopardizing it all with drugs. After all the drama he experiences it's not until pal John Belushi dies of a drug overdose that the realization hits he's gotta clean himself up. They want to give the story a happy ending, so even when Mork is canceled we see Williams will be fine.

It's a pretty forgettable movie and fans of Mork & Mindy won't learn anything new about the show that they couldn't pull up in wikipedia - minus the bad presentation. The only real draw is to check out Diamontopoulous' performance. But I don't even think that's worth sitting through the whole movie. Maybe just watch a few clips of him channeling a young Williams and that will be the best you get from this docudrama.

I would have preferred to see a 'making of movie' about Popeye. When Marshall asks about how Robin is when he returns from filming that a writer says, "I heard the Popeye set was like a Roman orgy. Drugs, booze sex...". I bet that would have been a more interesting docudrama to see.

[king of comedy]

I remembed those. Will they come DVD soon? I wished they done the same to Welcome Back Kotter.

[Chocolate Moose]

These types of things spoil the magic. Yes, I read the biographies and watch the documentaries, and I'm always sorry I did.