"Skins" Creator Brian Elsley Addresses the MTV Controversy - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JamesG · 01-20-2011, 07:35 PM

Parents Television Council Calls for Federal Investigation into MTV's "Skins"
Jan 20, 2011
by Joyce Eng

The Parents Television Council has called for a federal investigation into whether MTV's racy new teen drama "Skins" violates child pornography and exploitation laws.

In a letter to the Department of Justice and U.S. Senate and House Judiciary Committees Thursday, the PTC said it counted 42 depictions and references to drugs and alcohol in the series premiere of the show, which stars cast members as young as 15.

"The episode included all manner of foul language, illegal drug use, illegal activity as well as thoroughly pervasive sexual content. Moreover, future episodes promise much more of the same," PTC President Tim Winter wrote.

"It is clear that Viacom has knowingly produced material that may well be in violation of several child pornography laws."

The PTC had also previously called for a boycott of Taco Bell for advertising during the show. The fast food company announced Thursday that it would pull its ads.

"Upon further review, we've decided that the show is not a fit for our brand and have moved our advertising to other MTV programming," Taco Bell spokesman Rob Poetsch said in a statement.

A remake of the controversial British series of the same name, "Skins" premiered Monday and featured candid depictions of teen sex and drug use.

Earlier this week, The New York Times reported that a number of Viacom executives met over concerns that the show could violate pornography laws.

MTV did not confirm the meeting, but said it was "confident" Skins complied with federal laws.

"'Skins' is a show that addresses real-world issues confronting teens in a frank way," the network said in a statement.

"We review all of our shows and work with all of our producers on an ongoing basis to ensure our shows comply with laws and community standards.

We are confident that the episodes of 'Skins' will not only comply with all applicable legal requirements, but also with our responsibilities to our viewers."
http://www.tvguide.com/News/PTC-Skin...n-1028143.aspx

shotzette · 01-20-2011, 10:46 PM

Does the PTC realize that they have just given this show an insane amount of free publicity?

TV Knowledge Fan · 01-21-2011, 12:09 AM

...tried to "force" CBS to change the title of "S%!T MY DAD SAYS", simply because they objected to even the word, censured as it was, being featured in a prime-time program. Never mind that the title was already accepted by a majoity of people in its original web format, and the best-selling book it spawned. Well, the network just flicked PTC's objections aside, the way one flicks away a fly when it annoys someone's arm or cheek.
Let us hope MTV and Viacom quickly does the same in this case....

As for Taco Bell pulling their advertising of "SKINS", due to PTC's unnecessary pressure.....**** 'EM.

McGillicuddy · 01-22-2011, 10:53 PM

Just like Toddlers in Tiaras and Kate Plus 8 are just glorified "child abuse" in my opinion.

JamesG · 01-25-2011, 02:30 AM

"Skins" Creator on U.S. Controversy: "Sometimes the Truth Can Be Painful"
Jan 24, 2011
by Kate Stanhope

"Skins" creator Brian Elsley spoke out for the first time Monday in response to the controversy surrounding the U.S. adaptation of the hit British drama.

In short, he says the show is "a very serious attempt to get to the roots of young people's lives."

After MTV premiered the show on Jan. 17, the Parents Television Council put out a release calling "Skins", "the most dangerous television show for children that we have ever seen."

The council then called for a federal investigation into whether the drama, which features frank depictions of teen sex and drug use, violates child pornography and exploitation laws.

"Skins" has lost five big-ticket advertisers since its premiere, including Taco Bell, GM, Wrigley, H&R Block and, most recently, Subway.

The full version of Elsley's open letter to viewers:

"Skins" is a very simple and in fact rather old fashioned television series.

It's about the lives and loves of teenagers, how they get through high school, how they deal with their friends, and also how they circumnavigate some of the complications of sex, relationships, educations, parents, drugs and alcohol.

The show is written from the perspective of teenagers, reflects their world view, and this has caused a degree of controversy both in the UK and the USA.

In the UK, viewers and commentators very quickly realized that although there are some sensational aspects to the show, "Skins" is actually a very serious attempt to get to the roots of young people's lives.

It deals with relationships, parents, death, illness, mental health issues, the consequences of drug use and sexual activity. It is just that these are characterized from the point of view of the many young people who write the show and has a very straightforward approach to their experiences; it tries to tell the truth.

Sometimes that truth can be a little painful to adults and parents.

Consequences do flow from incorrect or selfish behavior but in the show, these are shown to be unexpected, hard to predict, and more to do with the loss of friendship than anything else, which in any context, is a disastrous outcome.

We proceed from the idea, not that teenagers are inherently likely to misbehave, but rather that they are intensely moral and disposed to make judgments on their own and others' behaviour.

Sometimes, but not always, they get things wrong. In this teenagers are remarkably similar to adults. Their morals may not be the same as those of their parents and teachers, but they are nevertheless, highly developed and active in their world.

When viewers have taken the time to watch the show in a little more depth, they are less concerned about the behavior of the characters. Teenagers can be loyal, supportive, dedicated, focused, and capable of making informed value judgments about their lives.

In the pilot episode of "Skins", it's possibly easy to overlook the story wherein a young boy sets off to a party to sell drugs and have sex, but in fact, does neither of these things, because, he senses that he has been manipulated by friends and does not feel ready to have sex with someone he does not know properly.

"Skins" is a traditionally made television series which has won countless international awards and gained a worldwide audience for stories about the joy, misery and challenges of being a teenager.

The show has been used in anti-drug campaigns, has drawn praise for its portrayal of mental health issues and explorations of bereavement, sexuality, bullying and gender stereotyping.

I have lost count of the letters we have been sent by viewers who tell us that they have been able to approach their parents or teachers with their difficulties after watching the show. It is something that we take a great deal of pride in and which can unfortunately be eclipsed by some of the negative attention.

Our approach is not careless. We've created a supportive and protective environment for everyone working on the show.

And of course abide by the law, and give respect to our work colleagues who in this case, are young energetic and exciting people with so much to offer to an imperfect world."

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Skins-Cr...y-1028247.aspx

TV Knowledge Fan · 01-25-2011, 04:25 AM

You tell 'em, Brian!!!!

jimpickens · 01-26-2011, 01:24 AM

Did it ever occur to anyone that the actors and actresses in this show are of legal age 18-19 possibly early 20s who are portraying underage teens I mean not even MTV is stupid enough to air a provocative show using real underage actors and as for the PTC I hold them in the same ill-regard as Tipper Gore and her cast of dumbasses.

browneyes106 · 01-28-2011, 03:28 AM

PTC is a group that has too many unrealistic expectations of the TV industry. Shotzette is right they give shows free publicity when they complain about them. MTV's Skins is the remake of a UK show. If PTC is opposed to this show on MTV why aren't they bitching about to the people in the UK about the original show?

With S%!t My Dad Says, I'm glad CBS didn't change the title. In that situation I wonder why PTC didn't bitch out Justin Halpern for having titling his Twitter page with that title which lead to the TV show and book? PTC can't control networks or advertisers as much as they used to.

Regulus · 02-16-2011, 11:51 AM

I support many of PTC's causes, but IMO they're a bunch of "Slactivists". I have tried to touch base with them on multiple occaisions, with futile results. Their Websites mention Regional Chapters. I tried to contact the ones in Florida. All E-Mails have gone unanswered, and when I try to call their reps all I get is "Phone Mail" (NEVER ANSWERED) or on one occaision the "Tri-Tone", allong with a reply "This Number has exceeded its Monthly Capacity". They say they meet at a Bookstore Cafe each month, I called that Store and they said THEY NEVER HEARD OF THEM!

What a Crock!

browneyes106 · 02-20-2011, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Regulus

I support many of PTC's causes, but IMO they're a bunch of "Slactivists". I have tried to touch base with them on multiple occaisions, with futile results. Their Websites mention Regional Chapters. I tried to contact the ones in Florida. All E-Mails have gone unanswered, and when I try to call their reps all I get is "Phone Mail" (NEVER ANSWERED) or on one occaision the "Tri-Tone", allong with a reply "This Number has exceeded its Monthly Capacity". They say they meet at a Bookstore Cafe each month, I called that Store and they said THEY NEVER HEARD OF THEM!

What a Crock!

Sometime back there was article about PTC being involved in questionable practices and how some of their membership has declined.

01-20-2011, 07:35 PM	#1
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 56,951	"Skins" Creator Brian Elsley Addresses the MTV Controversy *Parents Television Council Calls for Federal Investigation into MTV's "Skins"* Jan 20, 2011 by Joyce Eng The Parents Television Council has called for a federal investigation into whether MTV's racy new teen drama "Skins" violates child pornography and exploitation laws. In a letter to the Department of Justice and U.S. Senate and House Judiciary Committees Thursday, the PTC said it counted 42 depictions and references to drugs and alcohol in the series premiere of the show, which stars cast members as young as 15. "The episode included all manner of foul language, illegal drug use, illegal activity as well as thoroughly pervasive sexual content. Moreover, future episodes promise much more of the same," PTC President Tim Winter wrote. "It is clear that Viacom has knowingly produced material that may well be in violation of several child pornography laws." The PTC had also previously called for a boycott of Taco Bell for advertising during the show. The fast food company announced Thursday that it would pull its ads. "Upon further review, we've decided that the show is not a fit for our brand and have moved our advertising to other MTV programming," Taco Bell spokesman Rob Poetsch said in a statement. A remake of the controversial British series of the same name, "Skins" premiered Monday and featured candid depictions of teen sex and drug use. Earlier this week, The New York Times reported that a number of Viacom executives met over concerns that the show could violate pornography laws. MTV did not confirm the meeting, but said it was "confident" Skins complied with federal laws. "'Skins' is a show that addresses real-world issues confronting teens in a frank way," the network said in a statement. "We review all of our shows and work with all of our producers on an ongoing basis to ensure our shows comply with laws and community standards. We are confident that the episodes of 'Skins' will not only comply with all applicable legal requirements, but also with our responsibilities to our viewers." http://www.tvguide.com/News/PTC-Skin...n-1028143.aspx Attached Images
	Last edited by JamesG; 01-25-2011 at 02:25 AM.

01-21-2011, 12:09 AM	#3
TV Knowledge Fan Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 29, 2006 Location: Long Branch, N.J. Posts: 2,577	I remember last summer when the PTC... ...tried to "force" CBS to change the title of "S%!T MY DAD SAYS", simply because they objected to even the word, censured as it was, being featured in a prime-time program. Never mind that the title was already accepted by a majoity of people in its original web format, and the best-selling book it spawned. Well, the network just flicked PTC's objections aside, the way one flicks away a fly when it annoys someone's arm or cheek. Let us hope MTV and Viacom quickly does the same in this case.... As for Taco Bell pulling their advertising of "SKINS", due to PTC's unnecessary pressure.....**** 'EM.

01-25-2011, 04:25 AM	#6
TV Knowledge Fan Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 29, 2006 Location: Long Branch, N.J. Posts: 2,577	MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS, PTC!!!!!! You tell 'em, Brian!!!!

02-16-2011, 11:51 AM	#9
Regulus Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 07, 2011 Location: Port Orange, Florida Avatar - Poiuyt Posts: 3,371	I support many of PTC's causes, but IMO they're a bunch of "Slactivists". I have tried to touch base with them on multiple occaisions, with futile results. Their Websites mention Regional Chapters. I tried to contact the ones in Florida. All E-Mails have gone unanswered, and when I try to call their reps all I get is "Phone Mail" (NEVER ANSWERED) or on one occaision the "Tri-Tone", allong with a reply "This Number has exceeded its Monthly Capacity". They say they meet at a Bookstore Cafe each month, I called that Store and they said THEY NEVER HEARD OF THEM! What a Crock!
	__________________ Grail Shows: *Doc Elliot, Owen Marshall-Counselor of Law, Here's Boomer, Three for the Road, Holmes and YoYo* Bucket List Shows: *Hot Wheels, Skyhawks, Run Joe Run, Westwood*

01-20-2011, 10:46 PM	#2
shotzette Member Senior Member Join Date: Jun 30, 2004 Posts: 1,782	Does the PTC realize that they have just given this show an insane amount of free publicity?

01-22-2011, 10:53 PM	#4
McGillicuddy Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 28, 2002 Posts: 5,179	Just like Toddlers in Tiaras and Kate Plus 8 are just glorified "child abuse" in my opinion.

01-25-2011, 02:30 AM	#5
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 56,951	*"Skins" Creator on U.S. Controversy: "Sometimes the Truth Can Be Painful"* Jan 24, 2011 by Kate Stanhope "Skins" creator Brian Elsley spoke out for the first time Monday in response to the controversy surrounding the U.S. adaptation of the hit British drama. In short, he says the show is "a very serious attempt to get to the roots of young people's lives." After MTV premiered the show on Jan. 17, the Parents Television Council put out a release calling "Skins", "the most dangerous television show for children that we have ever seen." The council then called for a federal investigation into whether the drama, which features frank depictions of teen sex and drug use, violates child pornography and exploitation laws. "Skins" has lost five big-ticket advertisers since its premiere, including Taco Bell, GM, Wrigley, H&R Block and, most recently, Subway. The full version of Elsley's open letter to viewers: "Skins" is a very simple and in fact rather old fashioned television series. It's about the lives and loves of teenagers, how they get through high school, how they deal with their friends, and also how they circumnavigate some of the complications of sex, relationships, educations, parents, drugs and alcohol. The show is written from the perspective of teenagers, reflects their world view, and this has caused a degree of controversy both in the UK and the USA. In the UK, viewers and commentators very quickly realized that although there are some sensational aspects to the show, "Skins" is actually a very serious attempt to get to the roots of young people's lives. It deals with relationships, parents, death, illness, mental health issues, the consequences of drug use and sexual activity. It is just that these are characterized from the point of view of the many young people who write the show and has a very straightforward approach to their experiences; it tries to tell the truth. Sometimes that truth can be a little painful to adults and parents. Consequences do flow from incorrect or selfish behavior but in the show, these are shown to be unexpected, hard to predict, and more to do with the loss of friendship than anything else, which in any context, is a disastrous outcome. We proceed from the idea, not that teenagers are inherently likely to misbehave, but rather that they are intensely moral and disposed to make judgments on their own and others' behaviour. Sometimes, but not always, they get things wrong. In this teenagers are remarkably similar to adults. Their morals may not be the same as those of their parents and teachers, but they are nevertheless, highly developed and active in their world. When viewers have taken the time to watch the show in a little more depth, they are less concerned about the behavior of the characters. Teenagers can be loyal, supportive, dedicated, focused, and capable of making informed value judgments about their lives. In the pilot episode of "Skins", it's possibly easy to overlook the story wherein a young boy sets off to a party to sell drugs and have sex, but in fact, does neither of these things, because, he senses that he has been manipulated by friends and does not feel ready to have sex with someone he does not know properly. "Skins" is a traditionally made television series which has won countless international awards and gained a worldwide audience for stories about the joy, misery and challenges of being a teenager. The show has been used in anti-drug campaigns, has drawn praise for its portrayal of mental health issues and explorations of bereavement, sexuality, bullying and gender stereotyping. I have lost count of the letters we have been sent by viewers who tell us that they have been able to approach their parents or teachers with their difficulties after watching the show. It is something that we take a great deal of pride in and which can unfortunately be eclipsed by some of the negative attention. Our approach is not careless. We've created a supportive and protective environment for everyone working on the show. And of course abide by the law, and give respect to our work colleagues who in this case, are young energetic and exciting people with so much to offer to an imperfect world." http://www.tvguide.com/News/Skins-Cr...y-1028247.aspx

01-26-2011, 01:24 AM	#7
jimpickens Member Senior Member Join Date: Nov 01, 2007 Location: weston,wv Posts: 1,389	Did it ever occur to anyone that the actors and actresses in this show are of legal age 18-19 possibly early 20s who are portraying underage teens I mean not even MTV is stupid enough to air a provocative show using real underage actors and as for the PTC I hold them in the same ill-regard as Tipper Gore and her cast of dumbasses.

01-28-2011, 03:28 AM	#8
browneyes106 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 01, 2008 Posts: 6,097	PTC is a group that has too many unrealistic expectations of the TV industry. Shotzette is right they give shows free publicity when they complain about them. MTV's Skins is the remake of a UK show. If PTC is opposed to this show on MTV why aren't they bitching about to the people in the UK about the original show? With S%!t My Dad Says, I'm glad CBS didn't change the title. In that situation I wonder why PTC didn't bitch out Justin Halpern for having titling his Twitter page with that title which lead to the TV show and book? PTC can't control networks or advertisers as much as they used to.