ABC wants 'Samantha' to go multi-camera - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 05-14-2009, 04:20 PM

If ABC's comedy "Samantha Who" returns for a third season, it will look different.

As a renewal condition for the amnesia comedy starring Christina Applegate, the network has asked the show's producers at ABC Studios to convert the series from single- to multi-camera, slashing $500,000 from its per-episode budget.

The networks have been very cost-conscious this year amid the economic downturn. Additionally, ABC's entertainment chief Stephen McPherson has been looking to get multi-camera comedies back on the network that once dominated the genre with shows like "Roseanne."

Also exploring a switch from single- to multi-camera format is ABC's "Scrubs."

Mr. Television · 05-14-2009, 05:14 PM

I love it. The more multi-camera sitcoms the better. Maybe this show will actually get funnier. I love CA but I just could never get into this show.

nota_bene · 05-14-2009, 08:50 PM

Terrible decision. Christina didn't want to do multi-cam when she signed on for the show. ABC needs to leave creative decisions up to the producers instead of holding a gun to their heads if they want to get it renewed.

Multi-camera is not the be all, end all of sitcoms. The show is great as a single-cam and should be left that way.

Edit: Hmm, after reading this article at The Hollywood Reporter, it may not be what we think. It looks like all they're doing is adding a couple of cameras to cut down on production time. Same sets, same single-camera look, just filmed differently. No laugh track. I could definitely get on board with this.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/...13ddfc458f79bb

05-14-2009, 04:20 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	ABC wants 'Samantha' to go multi-camera If ABC's comedy "Samantha Who" returns for a third season, it will look different. As a renewal condition for the amnesia comedy starring Christina Applegate, the network has asked the show's producers at ABC Studios to convert the series from single- to multi-camera, slashing $500,000 from its per-episode budget. The networks have been very cost-conscious this year amid the economic downturn. Additionally, ABC's entertainment chief Stephen McPherson has been looking to get multi-camera comedies back on the network that once dominated the genre with shows like "Roseanne." Also exploring a switch from single- to multi-camera format is ABC's "Scrubs."
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

05-14-2009, 05:14 PM	#2
Mr. Television 22 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,125	I love it. The more multi-camera sitcoms the better. Maybe this show will actually get funnier. I love CA but I just could never get into this show.
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05-14-2009, 08:50 PM	#3
nota_bene Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 13, 2009 Location: Easley, SC, USA/Columbia, SC, USA Posts: 5	Terrible decision. Christina didn't want to do multi-cam when she signed on for the show. ABC needs to leave creative decisions up to the producers instead of holding a gun to their heads if they want to get it renewed. Multi-camera is not the be all, end all of sitcoms. The show is great as a single-cam and should be left that way. Edit: Hmm, after reading this article at The Hollywood Reporter, it may not be what we think. It looks like all they're doing is adding a couple of cameras to cut down on production time. Same sets, same single-camera look, just filmed differently. No laugh track. I could definitely get on board with this. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/...13ddfc458f79bb
	Last edited by nota_bene; 05-14-2009 at 09:23 PM.