Moonlight Cancelled, not Renewed

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tubpat

Media Capital and a blog from Alex

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Posts: 174

(05/14/08 2:27 PM)

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-cw10-2008may10,0,5717528.story

This is an article about Media Capital the contractor that bought programming from CW for Sunday night and this is the slot that Moonlight might be suitable for. Many people have called this company and they know nothing about any negotiations, but they wouldn't. The receptionist is very nice and recording all calls for the company. Well, just more info.

Also TV guide says WB is shopping it to other networks as well - for what it is worth. I'm only adding information. Alex posted on mysspace and it seems to confirm some of the inside story on the problems. Very sad for the cast.

Alex on myspace:

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Family and Friends
Current mood: Shocked and sad

Dear Friends, Family and wonderful, wonderful Fans of MOONLIGHT.

Well, where to start....?
The decision to cancel MOONLIGHT... my MOONLIGHT... our MOONLIGHT, is
as much of a shock and gut wrenching surprise to me as it is to all of
you.

Really, I don't even know where to begin.

I sit here at my computer, still slack jawed even 24 hours after
receiving the news that my services are no longer required on the set
of this show. A show we have all come to know and love deeply, and it
hurts more than I can possibly tell you.

Since i got THE CALL I have not read anything online or otherwise, I
have not been following blogs or forums, I have not been reading the
trades or opinion polls and I have not been calling around to get
information.
"Why are you not fighting for your show?!" I hear you all scream!!
The truth is my friends, I never STOPPED fighting for it.
From the very beginning when I was told time and again that i wasn't
the man for the job, having to prove myself to everyone with tests and
screen tests, to a complete re-casting of the show, through 5
different show runners at the helm with 5 different artistic visions,
to a Writer's strike that took 5 episodes away from us...... oh how
the list goes on.
But through all of that, i am proud to say that not once did I bow
down and allow someone else to come in and do with MOONLIGHT as they
please. And along the way, if I needed a break and wanted to do that,
I don't think I could have anyway because, well, I suppose it's just
not in my nature!
This is all still so fresh for me and I am going to need a little time
to process this whole thing before i can digest what has actually
happened, let alone move on.

Honestly. I really feel lost for words.

I will say however, that never, never in my life have I experienced
first hand a level of support from a group of people like that of you
all who are reading this now, and who 'loved this show to life'
alongside me. It has been overwhelming to say the least.

I am grateful to you all.
I am extremely proud to be associated with this piece of television.
And I am so, so sorry to my very core, to lose MOONLIGHT.

All my love,

Alex O'Loughlin x

Last Edited By: tubpat 05/14/08 2:35 PM. Edited 3 times.

JaneDtwo

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Posts: 1419

(05/14/08 2:43 PM)

A-Dohring Fan

I think the retooling is not about the actors but about the creative direction and making the show be what it can be- but I would love to hear from some of you experienced rodeo participants!

I am hardly an experienced rodeo participant. More like somewhat experienced rodeo spectator. LOL.

1. Ratings and advertising.

When the networks sell air time to the advertisers based on the programming they are pitching (which is what these yearly "Upfronts" are all about: making ad sales), it's never as clear cut as simple numbers. For starters, each advertiser looks for the specific target audience. Certainly most of them look for those coveted 18 to 34 demos. (Because, apparently, once you hit 35, you stop spending. Heh.). Then there's little known thing of having to pay the advertisers back what they already given in ad money if the ratings for their time slot did not reach a certain, pre-contracted level. For instance, the article daria postes, on Pappas Telecasting Inc. going out of business and blaming partially CW ratings, that's because they probably had to return some money, as well as having a hard time booking advertisers in the first place.

We can moan about our favorite shows being cancelled-and lord knows I have many times-but the economic reality of it is harsh. These are not evil people out to screw fans. These are financial executives who are doing their jobs. And sometimes they could do it better, invest more, make better promotions, create buzz, switch time-slots, be more patient with some content, etc. And some times they simply run out of options. It's easier to have that flexibility for a big network than for something small like CW. But it's never just easy.

2. Joel Silver. A scary guy. Not very scrupulous, and not very nice. But savvy and with a list of accomplishments a mile long. Very powerful, but power is a living thing and in Hollywood a lot depends on your latest project doing well or not. He is taking some hits right now, and goodness knows, he hasn't made many friends in town over the years. There are plenty of people who'd like to see him fall. Is he going to fall? I somehow doubt it. You don't get to be Joel Silver by being easily toppled, and he has had slip ups a plenty. As to Jason being affiliated with the guy, he isn't. With Moonlight cancellation he no longer works for JS officially, and un-officially, it's not like he owes him his future or anything. JS, say what you will about him, can recognize talent from 10 miles away. That's what he did: noted Jason and tapped him for a project. And the reality is that you just don't say no to a powerful producer, especially if you have no particular objections to doing a show.

What will the future hold? Anybody's guess. But I can't fault Joel Silver for bringing Jason out into wider exposure. That was a good thing. :)

Does Joel Silver have anything in the works?

Several things, in fact. Logan's Run, in particular is something Jason said he would love to do. Thing is, though, he isn't old enough. LOL. Logan in the film has to be 30 years old (or, at least, look it, which JD, thankfully, doesn't). :) However, who knows? The movie is tentatively scheduled for 2010. It may get postponed a few years. A lot can happen in the interim, and I don't even want to look that far. I am more for Jason getting something now.

3. Moonlight on CW. I am torn. Like I mentioned before, I was surprised at how sad I am about the cancellation and there's a part of me that wants this. But the objections I have to it are too strong. Ultimately, I fear it would be a step back for JD. Of course we have no control over any of it, so... :)

ETA: Thank you for posting Alex's letter, tubpat! Sigh. I feel for these guys so much! They truly were "all in," loved doing it, and didn't expect this any more than the fans did. And they are out of jobs, too! So freaking sad.

Last Edited By: JaneDtwo 05/14/08 2:48 PM. Edited 1 times.

stephanierb

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Posts: 97

(05/14/08 3:16 PM)

Great post, JaneDtwo. The television/film industry is changing, and how they make money is a big part of it. The internet and TiVo has changed the rules and they're looking for ways to adapt. As a result, there are going to be some casualties.

Several things, in fact. Logan's Run, in particular is something Jason said he would love to do. Thing is, though, he isn't old enough. LOL. Logan in the film has to be 30 years old (or, at least, look it, which JD, thankfully, doesn't).

Actually, that depends upon whether this latest adaptation is based on the original film or on the novels. In the film version, Logan is 30, but in the original novel, Logan is 21. I suspect that the studios are going to go with the latter, given how youth-obsessed Hollywood is, but personally, I always thought 30 made more sense. So, Jason might in fact be too old to play the part, depending on which way they go.

Thanks for posting AOL's myspace entry, tubpat. I feel so bad for him. I had never heard of him before this show but I grew to appreciate him and I hope he gets something else very soon.

tubpat

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Posts: 175

(05/14/08 4:00 PM)

http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/

Moonlight is dead - no takers

JaneDtwo

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Posts: 1420

(05/14/08 4:13 PM)

A-Dohring Fan

Sigh. I knew it was unrealistic at best. I can't even say I'm sadder for it, because, as I mentioned before, taking show to CW would have been a dubious favor, at best. I guess it's a good thing that at least this confirmation comes quickly. There's nothing worse for both fans and the talent than a prolonged, protracted, maybe-possibly-hope that prevents the actors and the crew from going out for other jobs and sends the fan base into a very unkind roller-coaster spin of emotions. Thanks for the link, tubpat.

stephainerb, I didn't know about the books. Hmm, yeah I see if they go with 21 (and I agree with you, 30 makes much more sense), then JD is too old, especially in 2010. But it isn't as if this was in the cards, anyway. As I said, I hope he does a ton of good thing and much sooner than 2010.

enibelle

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Posts: 294

(05/14/08 4:50 PM)

cogito, ergo Mac

Thanks for posting AOL's entry and Nikki's post, tubpat.

Sue me, I feel relieved. The numbers wouldn't have been the same at CW for Moonlight and not to mention Jason deserves better. This business is a cold place for literally everyone and I feel for the still fighting fans. It would be nice for all people involved to learn about their dismiss before the final episode is done. False hope is a really frustrating strategy the networks seem so fond of.

It's slowly sinking in ... there's a big chance Jason won't be on my screen anytime soon. Not cool at all.

daria103

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Posts: 647

(05/14/08 4:56 PM)

Konstantin Concubine

Thanks for the links Tubpat. Alex' letter is exactly why I'm so upset about the cancellation, this just came so out of the blue for everyone and now there's a group of actors that cared a lot about the job they were doing suddenly told it's over and without the chance to even line something up. The false hope that was given really annoys me and I just truly feel for these people, they all seemed to be so happy in this job and to have developed such good relationships, it's really upsetting. My heart just really goes out to Jason (and the other actors) at the moment.

Stephanierb, thanks for the information on Logan's Run. I'm aware of the movie but not the novels, which is probably why I'm having so much trouble picturing him as 21, it would be an interesting part to see him in - especially as he's already interested in the role you just know he'd get really into it. Here's hoping he gets something soon that he can get just as into, and get good exposure out of.

tubpat

There's more

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Posts: 176

(05/14/08 9:09 PM)

"UPDATE: I hear MRC now has been asked to consider Moonlight for mid-season. This is such a shot in the dark it's barely worth posting. But I'm posting nonetheless. I've also been told that CBS continues to hold an option on the star of the show, Alex O"Loughlin, and that he's in demand for other projects."

From Nikki Finke's Hollywood Deadline Blog and I wish they had an option on Jason. Maybe they only do that for the lead but it would be great of CBS could use him. It is possible.

JaneDtwo

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Posts: 1421

(05/14/08 9:32 PM)

A-Dohring Fan

Maybe they only do that for the lead but it would be great of CBS could use him. It is possible.

No, there's no clause that they only do it for the leads. But I doubt they have that for Jason. For all the popularity he has gained, he is still fairly new, and judging by how the network was promoting the show, they still thought that the only draw was AO'L and MickBeth. Sigh. Short-sighted of them, for sure. Because JD has such amazing appeal. And I don't just say it as his fan. It's been proven time and time again. If only they would pay attention.

Then again, those options aren't always the best things. It can tie an actor to a network, hanging in there waiting for a project they feel he/she is best for. Not that they aren't allowed to work in the meantime, but still, it can be limiting. Of course it could be a potentially great thing, as well. Because sometimes a great project comes along and the actor is in place to take it.

Sigh. I was afraid of those "possible considerations for mid-season," etc. It's cruel to actors and fans. Just pick it up or cut the damn cord. But stop dangling people!

enibelle

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Posts: 295

(05/15/08 12:35 AM)

cogito, ergo Mac

Just pick it up or cut the damn cord. But stop dangling people!

Word, Jane. It's like they're playing along for the fans, waiting for the dust to settle down before admitting, there has never been a chance for Moonlight 2.0. It might be wiser to campaign for a new gig for JD.

PS: Jane, how are your betas?

Last Edited By: enibelle 05/15/08 12:52 AM. Edited 1 times.

JaneDtwo

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Posts: 1422

(05/15/08 10:42 AM)

A-Dohring Fan

PS: Jane, how are your betas?

Oy.

My betas are not to blame, it's me! I am re-writing what feels like for the 15th time. At this point I put so much into that fic, I just can't let it go until I'm at least marginally satisfied with the chapter. So... yeah... will take a few more weeks (with the beta turnover, I mean). So, so sorry! And thank you! *Hugs,*

JenniferH

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Posts: 653

(05/15/08 1:12 PM)

Wang Chung

And once again, it's dead, officially dead (as they've been saying ... before dangling more hope, geez). Anyhoo, according to Nikki Finke (Deadline Hollywood Daily)

Primetime Pilot Panic: RIP 'Moonlight'

Media Rights Capital, and everyone else, passed on Moonlight for mid-season. The show is dead. Moonlight fans will be singing outside Warner Bros today at noon and again on Friday by the big main gate at 4000 Warner Blvd near Pass street. I'm not sure why but they will be singing.

JaneDtwo

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Posts: 1425

(05/15/08 2:46 PM)

A-Dohring Fan

I'm not sure why but they will be singing.

Oh, come on! She knows why. Everyone knows why.

I've been around a lot of shows and seen a lot of "Save Our..." campaigns. Even participated in one (which I will not mention, lol). I get it. You know it's hopeless, but it's not about logic. You love something, you fight for it, hopeless or not. It won't change a thing, but it'll help those fans to relieve the frustration and the sadness.

daria103

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Posts: 648

(05/15/08 4:25 PM)

Konstantin Concubine

Too true Jane, the campaigns go on because after it's all over fans need to feel like they at least tried to save the show they loved, it's the only comfort when the chance of your show coming back becomes totally hopeless. It's just cruel that the possibility of a midseason pickup was dangled out there when everyone pretty much knew it was a no go, why give even the slightest glimmer of hope when you know it's false.

JaneDtwo

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Posts: 1426

(05/15/08 10:33 PM)

A-Dohring Fan

It's just cruel that the possibility of a midseason pickup was dangled out there when everyone pretty much knew it was a no go, why give even the slightest glimmer of hope when you know it's false.

Sigh. To be fair, I don't think it was done out of cruelty. It was a business idea that floated and was shut down. But yeah, it's incredibly disheartening to fans and those involved in the show. Double sigh.

Anyway, Josef lives on in my heart:

Last Edited By: JaneDtwo 05/15/08 11:27 PM. Edited 1 times.

enibelle

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Posts: 296

(05/16/08 12:58 AM)

cogito, ergo Mac

Aww Jane, perfect last words:

Anyway, Josef lives on in my heart:

So true.

tubpat

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Posts: 177

(05/16/08 1:17 AM)

Jane, thanks so much for explaining many things. I just hope that Jason gets picked up for something better. He should, and I hope he does. I love Logan Echolls and I hated that Jason had a lesser role in Moonlight when he could do so much more. I know that anybody who ever watched the show will never forget Josef the Vampire. Lets hope we see Jason as a new character soon!

Today, since it is now Friday - we will see him once more as Josef the Vampire. I have a feeling he is very good in this last episode.

JaneDtwo

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Posts: 1427

(05/16/08 1:20 PM)

A-Dohring Fan

You are most welcome, tubpat. I'm looking forward to tonight.

And thank you, enibelle.

XiuFang

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Posts: 317

(05/19/08 6:11 PM)

Somehow deep inside I always had a feeling Moonlight would be cancelled. But I chose not to listen to my instinct, because from a rational standpoint, it made perfect sense to renew it. Just think: (i) it had very stable ratings, even in repeats, (ii) it performed very well in the demos, (iii) it won a People Choice Award. So much for logics I guess.

But what surprised me the most was to see how much it upset me. Despite all my issues with the show, I just wasn't prepared to get robbed of Josef

I just wasn't. It was heart-breaking.
And I'm very annoyed that I didn't get any of my questions on Josef answered. And I blame the scriptwriters for that, they could at least have explained the beautiful one's origins, it would have fitted perfectly into the storyline of episode 13.

I feel more positive about it now and more confident in JD finding something worthy of his talents soon enough. (After all, the Pretty just can't be prevented from being brought).
But last week, it hurt just to think of Josef.

So, it's a "good-bye - don't forget about me - I could never" for Josef and a "see you later alligator for JD"

Last Edited By: XiuFang 05/19/08 7:22 PM. Edited 1 times.

finajk

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Posts: 199

(05/20/08 4:19 PM)

Ya know - I do think they struck just the right tone with this.
Hollywood Reporter Ad running Wednesday. Also running Thursday in Variety aparently.
I like it, now here's hoping...

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