MTV Sets its Sights on Comedy Scripts - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 03-11-2009, 06:51 AM

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LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – MTV's next target: scripted comedy. The cable network is developing an unprecedented number of scripted half-hour projects, including an animated series and five pilots.

"We're going to apply the same tenets of creativity and genre-busting to scripted comedy that 'Laguna Beach' used to make over the documentary," MTV head of programing Tony DiSanto said. "It makes sense as a progression for us when a lot of our shows like 'Run's House' and 'The Hills' look scripted to start going forward with actual scripted shows."

The projects include a 20-episode series order for a new animated series, "DJ and the Fro," that revolves around two office drones who swap viral videos while surrounded by workplace mayhem.

The network's quintet of pilots -- not all of which have closed deals -- are a mix of live-action and animated projects, with three set in high school and two based on existing Web series.

One idea sure to get headlines if green-lighted is "Private High Musical," based on an online series that produced raunchy versions of high school shows.

"I've always been an avid musical fan, and when Disney's 'High School Musical' became this big phenomenon, I thought it was funny that nobody ever did a musical that told how high school really was," creator Taryn Southern said.

Another pilot is writer-actor Dan Levy's "Long Distance Relationship," also based on a Web series, about a high school couple who go to separate colleges and conduct a relationship via webcam. "Popzilla," meanwhile, is a half-hour sketch comedy pilot that lampoons celebrity news and gossip.

Two other pilots are "Hard Times," written by Seth Grahame-Smith and produced by David Katzenberg (son of DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg), about a well-endowed high school geek whose social status is greatly improved after accidentally exposing himself at a basketball game, and "Who's Your Daddy?" from Les Firestein ("The Drew Carey Show"), an animated comedy about the multicultural adopted kids of a celebrity couple.

MTV's development department has been prolific in recent years, but

TMC · 03-13-2009, 08:24 PM

Remember when MTV played videos!?

catlover79 · 03-13-2009, 10:36 PM

Hey, MTV - try MUSIC for once!!

*Pleasant Tomorrow* · 03-13-2009, 11:54 PM

^^ I know really. It's like their thick skulls can't figure it out, when the answer is right in the damn name: Music Television. Uh der.

But hey, it's a start. A step away from reality TV is a step in the right direction.

Marvo301 · 03-14-2009, 12:42 AM

Well at least this might reduce the number of reality shows on MTV! We can only hope!

browneyes106 · 03-17-2009, 05:01 PM

MTV should focus on music videos. Years ago they used to have some good music related shows like Bio Rhythm, Fanatic and Diary. I miss those shows. The only show I like on MTV is Made and True Life.

03-11-2009, 06:51 AM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,415	MTV Sets its Sights on Comedy Scripts Link LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – MTV's next target: scripted comedy. The cable network is developing an unprecedented number of scripted half-hour projects, including an animated series and five pilots. "We're going to apply the same tenets of creativity and genre-busting to scripted comedy that 'Laguna Beach' used to make over the documentary," MTV head of programing Tony DiSanto said. "It makes sense as a progression for us when a lot of our shows like 'Run's House' and 'The Hills' look scripted to start going forward with actual scripted shows." The projects include a 20-episode series order for a new animated series, "DJ and the Fro," that revolves around two office drones who swap viral videos while surrounded by workplace mayhem. The network's quintet of pilots -- not all of which have closed deals -- are a mix of live-action and animated projects, with three set in high school and two based on existing Web series. One idea sure to get headlines if green-lighted is "Private High Musical," based on an online series that produced raunchy versions of high school shows. "I've always been an avid musical fan, and when Disney's 'High School Musical' became this big phenomenon, I thought it was funny that nobody ever did a musical that told how high school really was," creator Taryn Southern said. Another pilot is writer-actor Dan Levy's "Long Distance Relationship," also based on a Web series, about a high school couple who go to separate colleges and conduct a relationship via webcam. "Popzilla," meanwhile, is a half-hour sketch comedy pilot that lampoons celebrity news and gossip. Two other pilots are "Hard Times," written by Seth Grahame-Smith and produced by David Katzenberg (son of DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg), about a well-endowed high school geek whose social status is greatly improved after accidentally exposing himself at a basketball game, and "Who's Your Daddy?" from Les Firestein ("The Drew Carey Show"), an animated comedy about the multicultural adopted kids of a celebrity couple. MTV's development department has been prolific in recent years, but

03-13-2009, 10:36 PM	#3
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	Hey, MTV - try MUSIC for once!!
	__________________ "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

03-13-2009, 11:54 PM	#4
Pleasant Tomorrow Member Forum Addict Join Date: Feb 19, 2003 Location: New York Posts: 69,525	^^ I know really. It's like their thick skulls can't figure it out, when the answer is right in the damn name: Music Television. Uh der. But hey, it's a start. A step away from reality TV is a step in the right direction.
	__________________ my name is ashlee Welcome! Everything is fine.

03-14-2009, 12:42 AM	#5
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	Well at least this might reduce the number of reality shows on MTV! We can only hope!
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

03-13-2009, 08:24 PM	#2
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 126,591	Remember when MTV played videos!?

03-17-2009, 05:01 PM	#6
browneyes106 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 01, 2008 Posts: 6,094	MTV should focus on music videos. Years ago they used to have some good music related shows like Bio Rhythm, Fanatic and Diary. I miss those shows. The only show I like on MTV is Made and True Life.