Summer 2008 TCA Tour - July 8-22, 2008

[Pavan]

Cable portion is July 8-11. See our preview for cable:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/20...july-8-11.html

Broadcast is from July 12-22, I believe, pending the SAG strike.

[Pavan]

Broadcast dates:

July 12-13 – PBS
July 14 – Fox
July 15 – Fox/TCA
July 16-17 – ABC
July 18 – CBS
July 19 – CBS/CW/Showtime partial day/TCA Awards
July 20 – NBC/TCA (possible set visits)
July 21 – NBC
July 22 – TCA Day set

[Pavan]

July 8 - Cable Day 1 news:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/20...ble-day-1.html

[icecream]

I hope Hallmark gives Cheers the 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM slots.

[Pavan]

July 9 - Cable Day 2 news:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/20...ble-day-2.html

[Pavan]

July 10 - Cable Day 3 news:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/20...mmer-2008.html

zzzzzzzzzzzz

[Pavan]

July 11 - Cable Day 4 news:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/20...k-at-nite.html

[Pavan]

Detailed broadcast schedule:

TCA Summer Press Tour: Broadcast Schedule



SATURDAY, JULY 12

PBS
8:30 a.m.-9 a.m.: Buffet breakfast

9 a.m.: “THE ELECTRIC COMPANY”
“The Electric Company” of the 70's made literacy funny and hip for kids by channeling the pop culture of its time. The all new “Electric Company will reinvent the popular show for today's 6 to 9 year-olds. In addition to a national broadcast and a richly interactive online environment, Sesame Workshop and PBS Kids will implement community-based outreach activities. “The Electric Company” platforms focus initially on TV, outreach, and broadband, but will extend over time to include books and other print materials, portable media, hand-held and console games. Airdate: January 2009.
Panelists: Josh Segarra, cast member; Chris Sullivan, cast member; Ricky Smith, cast member; Karen Fowler, executive producer; Willie Reale, head writer; Scott Cameron, education & research; additional talent TBD.

10 a.m.: PBS Executive Session
Paula Kerger, president and CEO

11 a.m: “ON THE RECORD: THE SOUNTRACK OF OUR LIVES”
“On the Record: The Soundtrack of Our Lives” tells the story of how the most universal mass medium of the 20th century marked the emergence of pop culture worldwide; how the competition between the urban middle class and the rural working class came to define popular music and in so doing, made possible the breakthrough of minority cultures into mainstream consciousness. Sir George Martin, legendary producer of the Beatles, will host. Two-time Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey narrates. “On the Record” will feature artists from all genres of music including pop, jazz, classical, R&B, folk, rock and country. Told as a narrative tapestry weaving the words of today's living legends with memorable musical moments, landmark cultural events and inspiring inventions/innovations, ON RECORD will consist of new interviews with top music icons and legends, historic archival performances and exclusive, never-before-seen footage. Airdate: Fall 2010.
Panelists: Sir George Martin, creative executive, talent; Maxim Langstaff, series producer and writer; Philip Quartararo, executive producer.

12:30 p.m.-1 p.m.: Buffet lunch.

1 p.m.: “AMERICAN MASTERS--YOU MUST REMEMBER THIS: THE WARNER BROS. STORY”
In 1923, four brothers from Youngstown, Ohio, officially incorporated their new motion picture company, which would eventually grow into a media empire. Through rare archival footage, as well as a host of new material, award-winning filmmaker and Time magazine Senior Film Critic Richard Schickel celebrates 85 years of the legacy and evolution of Warner Bros., from the silent movies and the development of sound to the advent of television and the onset of new technologies right through the broadening and diversification of media companies today. This documentary is interwoven with clips from hundreds of films and illustrates how much of the studio's work has mirrored the values, mores and attitudes of the times. It's an entertaining and engaging roadmap to the colorful history of Hollywood and filmed entertainment. Airdate: September 23 – 25, 2008.
Panelist: Richard Schickel, director, writer, producer and filmmaker, Time magazine senior film critic (TBD); Susan Lacy, creator and executive producer; additional talent TBD.

2:30 p.m.: INDEPENDENT LENS
“STRANDED: THE ANDES PLANE CRASH SURVIVORS”
When their plane crashed in the Andean Cordillera in October 1972, a group of young men beat the odds, surviving for 72 days in the mountains before their rescue. Thirty years later, the survivors tell their stories in this extraordinary testament to the human condition and the importance of solidarity in extreme conditions. Airdate: TBD.
Panelists: Gonzalo Arijon, director; additional talent TBD.

“CHICAGO 10”
"Chicago 10" is a stylized, innovative approach that gives contemporary history a forced perspective. Writer and director Brett Morgen (“The Kid Stays In The Picture”) boldly mixes original animation with extraordinary archival footage to explore the buildup to and unraveling of the infamous conspiracy trial of the Chicago Seven. Set to the music of revolution then and now, “Chicago 10” is a parable of hope, courage, and challenge as it portrays the struggle of young Americans attempting to confront an oppressive and armed government's their own. Airdate: TBD.
Panelists: Brett Morgen, producer and director; Lois Vossen, series producer; additional talent TBD.

3:30 p.m.: INDEPENDENT LENS’ "DINNER WITH THE PRESIDENT: A NATION’S JOURNEY,” informal refreshments break.
Sabiha Sumar and Sachithanandam Sathananthan sit down with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to address his ideas of a democratized society in their country. The directors engage Musharraf in conversation about his political past and vision for the future and ask the bold question--how does an army general plan to establish democracy in Pakistan? Airdate: October 28
Panelist: Sabiha Sumar, director.

4 p.m.: “THE FORGETTING: A PORTRAIT OF ALZHEIMER'S” and “THE FUTURE OF ALZHEIMER'S”
When the Primetime Emmy Award-winning documentary “The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer’s” was originally broadcast in 2004, more than 10 million people tuned in. Since then, there have been significant advances in Alzheimer's research, but over one million more Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Actor David Hyde Pierce returns to PBS to host a new half-hour panel discussion to follow “The Forgetting” national rebroadcast. Pierce, who has experienced Alzheimer's first-hand through the illness of his grandfather and his father, moderates a panel of medical experts and scientists who discuss the latest developments in the fight against Alzheimer's disease and what it means for you and your loved ones. Also to be featured on the panel is Richard Bozanich, former managing editor of Variety and early stage Alzheimer's patient. Airdate: August 3, 2008.
Panelists: David Hyde Pierce, actor, Alzheimer's champion; Richard Bozanich, former managing editor, Variety, early stage Alzheimer's patient; Dr. Steven DeKosky, neurologist; Dr. Rudy Tanzi, neurologist; Naomi S. Boak, senior executive producer.

5:15 p.m.: THE JIM HENSON COMPANY
Offsite evening event. Buses depart for The Jim Henson Company studios.

6 p.m.: SID THE SCIENCE KID
The Jim Henson Company, creators of the Muppets and so many other beloved characters continues its strong tradition of quality entertainment for children. This fun and engaging animated science-readiness series embraces and celebrates the curiosity of its preschool viewers and encourages them to explore the opportunities for discovering the foundations of science in the world around them, from melting popsicles to household germs. Airdate: September 2008.
Featuring: Lisa Henson, Co-CEO, The Jim Henson Company; Halle Stanford, senior vice president of Children's Television, The Jim Henson Company; additional talent TBD.
Note: This is an offsite evening event at The Jim Henson Company lot on La Brea Ave.

SUNDAY, JULY 13

PBS

9 a.m.: NOVA
“BIBLE’S BURIED SECRETS”
This two-hour special breaks exciting new ground in investigating the origins of the ancient Israelites, the evolution of their belief in one God and the creation of the Bible. For the first time more than a century of literary detective work and decades of archaeological excavation in the Holy Land will challenge viewers with provocative new insights including that most Israelites worshiped pagan gods and many believed that God had a wife, who was venerated as an idol. A story of science, history, and faith, "Bible's Buried Secrets" will leave a lasting impact on viewers and become the definitive documentary on the Bible for generations to come. Airdate: November 18.
Panelists: Tom Cahill, author, "The Gifts of the Jews"; Eilat Mazar, senior fellow at the Shalem Center's Institute for the Archaeology of the Jewish People and scholar at the Institute of Archaeology at the Hebrew University; William G. Dever, archaeologist specializing in the history of Israel and the Near East in Biblical times; Paula S. Apsell, senior executive producer; Gary Glassman, producer.
"PARALLEL UNIVERSE”
Airdate: October 21.
Description and panel TBD.

10:45 a.m.: MASTERPIECE CONTEMPORARY
“THE LAST ENEMY”
In a world of surveillance cameras, wire-tapping, metal detectors and electronic "paper trails," can anyone truly hide? What might the emergence of a security-obsessed society mean for human relationships? “Masterpiece Contemporary” looks at the transformative powers of technology in “The Last Enemy,” a fast-paced, five-part thriller starring Benedict Cumberbatch (“To the Ends of the Earth”) and Anamaria Marinca (“Four Months, Three Weeks, Two Days”), scripted by Peter Berry (“Prime Suspect 6”). Airdate: October 5.
Panelists: Peter Berry, writer; Rebecca Eaton, series executive producer; additional talent TBD.
“GOD ON TRIAL”
Suffering at the hands of the Nazis during World War II, Auschwitz concentration camp prisoners put God on trial, asking "Has He broken the covenant to protect His chosen people?" In this riveting 90-minute drama, members of a cell blockhouse hear evidence to determine whether God is to blame for terrible acts against humanity. The stellar cast includes Sir Antony Sher (“Primo”), Dominic Cooper (“Sense and Sensibility” and “Mamma Mia”), Stellan Skarsgard (“Good Will Hunting”), Rupert Graves (“The Forsyte Saga”), and Stephen Dillane (“John Adams”). Airdate: November 9.
Panelists: Dominic Cooper, actor, "Mamma Mia"; Mark Redhead, executive producer, "Bloody Sunday"; Rebecca Eaton, series executive producer; additional talent TBD.

12 p.m.: “GREAT PERFORMANCES: KING LEAR”
William Shakespeare's unrelenting tragedy King Lear is widely considered to be one of the playwright's most enduring and haunting works for the stage. Directed by Sir Trevor Nunn, the production also marks Sir Ian McKellen's return to the Royal Shakespeare Company after a 17-year hiatus. Airdate: TBD.
Panelists: Sir Ian McKellen, actor, via satellite: David Horn, series producer.

1 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Buffet lunch.

1:30 p.m.: FRONTLINE
“THE CHOICE”
In the 20 years since “The Choice” first aired, the political and media landscapes have changed dramatically. News cycles are now hours and minutes rather than days or weeks. Elections are more partisan, more expensive, and more bitterly contested than ever before. While other news outlets focus on the political maneuverings of the presidential campaign, Frontline offers in-depth biographies of the presidential candidates to understand where they come from, how their politics were shaped, what they have done, and how they might lead. Producer Michael Kirk interviews the candidates' families, their friends, and those likely to form the new administration to provide unique insights into the candidates and to help voters make their own choice on Election Day. Airdate: October 14, with an encore broadcast November 3.
“HEAT”
For years, big business—from oil and coal companies to electric utilities to car manufacturers —have resisted change to environmental policy and stifled the debate over climate change in America and around the globe. Now, facing rising pressure from governments, green groups and investors alike, big business is reshaping its approach to the environment, fundamentally transforming how and where we get our energy. Now in this election season, with talk tough about cutting CO2 emissions coming from the campaign trail, “Frontline” producer Martin Smith investigates what some businesses are doing to fend off new regulations and how others are repositioning themselves to prosper in a radically changed world. Airdate: October 21.
Panelists: David Fanning, executive producer; Martin Smith, producer, "Heat"; Michael Kirk, " The Choice."

2:45 p.m.: THE FEBRUARY 2009 DIGITAL TRANSITION
Panelists: John F. Wilson, PBS senior vice president; additional panelists TBD.

3:45 p.m.: TBD

4:45 p.m.: “NATURE: AMERICAN EAGLE"
Everything about them is big. Their wings can span eight feet. Their nests weigh up to a ton. They can fly with a deer fawn in their talons. Unique to North America, the bald eagle is the continent's most recognizable aerial predator, with a shocking white head, electric yellow beak, and penetrating eyes. Photographed by Emmy-winning cinematographer Neil Rettig, "American Eagle" will tell the story of a year in the lives of these majestic raptors on a breathtaking stretch of the Mississippi. The latest in camera technologies will give viewers unprecedented high-definition access into the nests – and into the skies – with these majestic birds. Airdate: November 16.
Panelists: Neil Rettig, filmmaker; Fred Kaufman, executive producer; Eagle with two handlers.

5:45 p.m.: “WIDE ANGLE” Cocktail Reception
Airdate: July3-September 11, 2008.
Panelists: Aaron Brown, anchor; Stephen Segaller, vice president of national programs, Thirteen/WNET New York.

6:30 p.m.: “MAKE 'EM LAUGH: THE FUNNY BUSINESS OF AMERICA,” onsite evening event.
Comedy tells us a lot about who we are as Americans. Every shift of political power, wave of immigration, technological advancement, and social revolution – every aspect of our changing culture – has been reflected and refracted through a comic lens. Now the creative team behind the award-winning series “Broadway: The American Musical” brings an equally ambitious look at the history of American comedy to PBS. “Make ‘Em Laugh’ is a landmark six-part series that will chronicle the funniest moments in American entertainment, from the pratfalls that entertained immigrants in the early 1900s to the most biting satire and stand-up today, to illuminate how comedy has been a mirror of our changing society. Among those interviewed: Sid Caesar, George Carlin, Dick Gregory, Carl Reiner, Joan Rivers, Shelley Berman, the Smothers Brothers, Jonathan Winters, Mort Sahl, Steve Martin, Jason Alexander, Phyllis Diller, Cheech Marin, Bill Maher, Lily Tomlin, Lorne Michaels, and a Who's Who of other groundbreaking comic minds. Airdate: January 2009.
Panelists: Michael Kantor, producer/director/writer; David Horn, executive producer; additional talent TBD.

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MONDAY, JULY 14

FOX PRESS TOUR

8:30 a.m.-9:15 a.m.: “PRISON BREAK”-fast (themed).
9:15 a.m.-10 a.m.: “SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE”
10 a.m.-10:45 a.m.: Executive Session
10:45 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: “FRINGE”
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Writing break.
1 p.m.-2 p.m.: Lunch.
2 p.m.-2:45 p.m.: FOX NEWS
2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: “DO NOT DISTURB”
3:30 p.m.-4:15 p.m.: “TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES”
4:15 p.m.-4:45 p.m.: “24” and PREQUEL, coffee break.
4:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.: “SECRET MILLIONAIRE”
5:30 p.m.-5:45 p.m.: Sunday sundae break.
5:45 p.m.-6:30 p.m.: Animated producers panel.
7 p.m.-11 p.m.: All Star Party, Santa Monica Pier.


TUESDAY, JULY 15

FX PRESS TOUR

Breakfast
9 a.m.-9:20 a.m.: Executive Session
9:20 a.m.-9:50 a.m.: “IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA”
10 a.m.-10:30 a.m.: “DAMAGES”
10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.: “SONS OF ANARCHY”
11:10 a.m.: “THE SHIELD”
Afternoon
Lunch session for syndicated “BONNIE HUNT SHOW.”
“MAD MEN” set visit.
Evening
The Championship Gaming Series (CGS) World Championship Kickoff Event for media will be held Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. The CGS is the first global professional video gaming league where head-to-head competition is televised live and in HD on DIRECTV's 101 Network. Cocktails and dinner will be served. Special Guest DJ: Nemesis Jackson featuring Macy Gray. Media will have the opportunity to test their skills against the world's top gamers on stage in the show's live TV environment.
Shuttle transportation provided from Beverly Hilton to Barker Hangar (first shuttle leaves at 7 p.m.). Valet parking provided for those driving to the event.

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 16

DISNEY-ABC TV GROUP 2008 SUMMER PRESS TOUR

Morning interviews, Ballroom.

9 a.m.: ABC Executive Session
Stephen McPherson, President, ABC Entertainment.
9:45 a.m.: Break/writing time.
10:45 a.m.: "ELI STONE"
Panelists: Actors Jonny Lee Miller, Victor Garber, Natasha Henstridge, Loretta Devine, Sam Jaeger, James Saito, Matt Letcsher, Julie Gonzalo; Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim, executive producers.
12:30 p.m.: CMA Luncheon, Beverly Hills Ballroom
Two-time "Dancing with the Stars" champ Julianne Hough, who on Monday, September 8 will co-host "CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL: COUNTRY’S NIGHT TO ROCK," performs her hit single "That Song in My Head" and other songs from her new album. Also available for Q&A about the CMA Fest in September and the CMA Awards airing on ABC in November will be CMA CEO Tammy Genovese and executive producer Robert Deaton.

Afternoon interviews, Ballroom.

2 p.m.: "LIFE ON MARS”
Panelists: Actor Jason O'Mara; executive producers Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec, Scott Rosenberg.
3:00 p.m.: "SCRUBS"
Panelists: Actors Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, Donald Faison, Judy Reyes, John C. McGinley, Ken Jenkins, Neil Flynn; Bill Lawrence, executive producer.
4 p.m.: "OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS”
Panelists: host and executive producer JD Roth; executive producers Ashton Kutcher, Jason Goldberg, Karey Burke, Todd A. Nelson
6 p.m.: Dinner and dancing with the pros, Beverly Hills Ballroom.
Have you and your readers ever wondered how hard those dance steps really are? Please join us for a buffet dinner, then leap into Kristi Yamaguchi and Drew Lachey's shoes as professional dancers from "DANCING WITH THE STARS" teach you some basic ballroom moves. We can hear some of you saying "Ohno" (get it?), but we promise you'll come away from the experience with more insight into what Monica Seles must have been going through. Plenty of alcohol will be available to help you loosen up both your hips and your inhibitions.


THURSDAY, JULY 17

DISNEY-ABC TV GROUP 2008 SUMMER PRESS TOUR (cont.)

(Note: Emmy nominees are announced at 5 a.m. PT)

9 a.m.: Writing time, "The Cheetah Girls One World," Disney Channel
10 a.m.: “Samurai Girl," ABC Family.
Panelists: Actors Jamie Chung, Brendan Fehr, Stacy Keibler, Kenneth Choi; creator and executive producer Luke McMullen; executive producers Josh Applebaum, Andre Nemic.
11:15 a.m.: "ONE LIFE TO LIVE," 40th Anniversary.
Panelists: Actors Bob Woods, Kristen Alderson, Bree Williamson, Kamar de los Reyes, John-Paul Lavoisier; executive producer Frank Valentini.
12 p.m.: Luncheon, Beverly Hills Ballroom.
2 p.m.: ABC SHOW RUNNER PANEL
Panelists: Greg Berlanti, Marc Cherry, Carlton Cuse, Silvio Horta, Damon Lindelof, Shonda Rhimes. Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Dirty Sexy Money, Brothers & Sisters, Eli Stone, Desperate Housewives and Lost.
3 p.m.: "DIRTY SEXY MONEY”
Panelists: Actors Peter Krause, William Baldwin, Natalie Zea, Glenn Fitzgerald, Seth Gabel, Zoe McLellan, Blair Underwood, Lucy Liu; creator and executive producer Craig Wright; executive producers Greg Berlanti, Bryan Singer, Daniel Cerone.
4 p.m.: "PRIVATE PRACTICE”
Panelists: Actors Kate Walsh, Amy Brenneman, Tim Daly, Taye Diggs, Audra McDonald, Paul Adelstein, KaDee Strickland, Chris Lowell; creator and executive producer Shonda Rhimes.
5 p.m.: "DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES"
Panelists: Actors Felicity Huffman, Teri Hatcher, Eva Longoria Parker, Marcia Cross, Nicollette Sheridan, Dana Delany; creator and executive producer Marc Cherry.
7 p.m.: All-Star Party, Beverly Hills Ballroom
Come eat, drink and make merry with the stars of ABC, Disney Channel, ABC Family and SOAPnet.

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FRIDAY, JULY 18

CBS SUMMER 2008 PRESS TOUR SCHEDULE

Morning Sessions

CBS ENTERTAINMENT EXECUTIVE SESSION
CBS NEWS
“WORST WEEK”
“ELEVENTH HOUR”

Afternoon Sessions
“THE MENTALIST”
“GARY UNMARRIED”
“THE EX LIST”
SHOWTIME PRESENTATIONS
SHOWTIME EXECUTIVE SESSION
“SHO STOPPERS SHOWCASE”

Evening Sessions
CBS, Showtime, The CW and CBS Television Distribution present Stars Party with executives, talent and executive producers from CBS, Showtime, The CW and CBS Television Distribution at Boulevard3, 6523 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood.

SATURDAY, JULY 19

CBS SUMMER 2008 PRESS TOUR SCHEDULE (cont.)

Morning Sessions
THE CW PRESENTATIONS
“90210”
“PRIVILEGED”
“STYLISTA”
EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE

Afternoon Sessions
CBS TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION PRESENTATIONS
“INSIDE EDITION” 20TH Anniversary Luncheon
“THE DOCTORS”
“JUDGE JEANINE PIRRO”
TCA AWARDS AND RELATED

4 p.m.: WGA reception tentatively planned for the Stardust Room.
7 p.m.: TCA Awards reception on the International Terrace.
8 p.m.: TCA Awards in the International Ballroom.

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SUNDAY, JULY 20

TCA AWARDS AND RELATED (cont.)
9 a.m.: TCA business meeting

NBC UNIVERSAL PRESS TOUR (Draft)

LUNCH: "FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS"/ DirecTV
"TABATHA'S SALON TAKOVER" (Bravo)
"TBD" (Bravo)
"COOLIO'S RULES" (Oxygen)
"THE STARTER WIFE" (USA)
"SANCTUARY" (SCI FI)
"CAPRICA" (SCI FI)

NBC UNIVERSAL ALL-STAR PARTY
Beverly Hilton Hotel, Oasis Fountain

MONDAY, JULY 21

NBC UNIVERSAL PRESS TOUR (cont.)

Continental Breakfast
2008 SUMMER OLYMPICS
"KATH & KIM"
NBC NEWS
SOPHOMORE DRAMAS
LUNCH SESSION: "DEAL OR NO DEAL"
INFORMAL SESSION/DESSERT: NBC UNIVERSAL RESEARCH
"KINGS"
"KNIGHT RIDER"
"MY OWN WORST ENEMY"
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL/ SUPER BOWL


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Tuesday, July 22

SET VISITS
Morning visits to the sets of “Pushing Daisies” and “ER” at the Warner Bros. lots. Afternoon visit to the set of “Dollhouse” where both Joss Whedon and Eliza Dushku will give tours, then cocktails on the New York bar set with the cast of “How I Met Your Mother.” Both afternoon sets are on the Fox lot. For people needing to catch planes, there will buses returning to the hotel after the morning events, and we’ll be taking head counts as we get closer to see if we need buses running from the Fox lot to the Beverly Hilton after the first event there.

[Pavan]

July 14 - Fox, Day 1 news:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/20...fox-day-1.html

[Pavan]

July 16 - ABC, Day 1 news:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/20...abc-day-1.html