>From EW: http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2010/03/05/sarah-palin-reality-show-burnett/
As Sarah Palin makes the rounds in Hollywood, more information has surfaced about the show she’s pitching. EW, which first reported the story earlier this week, has learned it’s a travelogue-type documentary from uber-producer Mark Burnett (Survivor) in which the former vice presidential candidate gives viewers an intimate look at her home state of Alaska. Palin is expected to participate in the show–which is designed to run for at most eight episodes–and present stories about Alaska’s quirky denizens and traditions like the Iditarod. A two-minute video teaser for the show was sent around to the networks which, according to one executive who saw it, includes voiceover statements touting Alaska “the most fascinating state, with the most fascinating statesperson.” The teaser shows sweeping views of the state and even includes a line that says Alaska “is two miles from Russia.” At least for now, it doesn’t look like her family will participate. ”It’s a love letter, like Palin’s Alaska,” said one executive familiar with her pitch. “There’s nothing political about it.” >From Variety: http://weblogs.variety.com/on_the_air/2010/03/is-sarah-palin-close-to-a-tv-deal.html A&E and Discovery appear to be the front-runners to land the untitled Alaska-themed series, to be produced by Mark Burnett Prods. No decision has been made yet, as the cablers are apparently still finalizing their bids. Given the talent attached and interest in the show, the Palin project is believed to be in the ballpark of around $1 million an episode. As first reported by Entertainment Weekly, the Palin project will center on interesting characters, traditions and attractions in the 49th state -- with the ex-VP candidate as a guide. Burnett and Palin pitched the show to all four major networks -- but given the travelogue nature of the series, it ultimately made more sense for a cable network, insiders said. For A&E, Palin would fit in with the network's strategy of reality shows with larger-than-life, sometimes polarizing celebrities. The network, after all, has a show set in the other non-continental U.S. state, Hawaii, which stars another maverick of sorts -- Dog the Bounty Hunter. But A&E sister History might also make sense, as one of that channel's signature series, "Ice Road Truckers," already takes place in Alaska. Discovery could also make a logical home, as the channel's hit "Deadliest Catch" is also shot in Palin Country. And Palin also happened to make a brief appearance on Discovery's 2008 doc "Toughest Race on Earth: Iditarod" -- shot before she became a household name. According to insiders, a decision could be made in the next day or two. What's fueling the interest? Even though the show promises to be completely devoid of politics, Palin has a loyal following -- and even folks who detest her politics may be curious enough to tune in and see what she's up to. -- TV or Not TV .... The Smartest (TV) People! You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "TV or Not TV" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/tvornottv?hl=en To unsubscribe from this group, send email to tvornottv+unsubscribegooglegroups.com or reply to this email with the words "REMOVE ME" as the subject.
