I was reading the paper this weekend and was happy to see a quick blurb about Army Wives and the fact that it had been picked up for an extended second season (19 episodes for season 2 verses the initial order of 13 episodes for season 1.)
On the Lifetime website for the show there is the following message:
Thank you for making "Army Wives" the most successful series in Lifetime's 23-year history! Not only did you break records on-air, but you helped break records online as well. For this, Lifetime thanks you.
Good news! "Army Wives" returns for its second season in the spring of 2008. What do you think will happen to the characters? What new plots twists do you hope happen next? Start talking about it now? |
Spring 2008! Sounds good, right?
Wrong!
It seems that the writers strike cut the legs from under the popular series before it even had a chance to get one foot forward. They have no scripts in the can, so there will be no show this spring unless the strike ends soon.
Like tomorrow soon... 'Army Wives' AWOL
By Peter Hull
The Post and Courier
Writers strike brings halt to production of popular Lifetime cable show set and filmed in Charleston
The show must go on, but it can't without a script.
The dispute between Writers Guild of America members and the networks and studios that employ them is being felt within the Charleston film industry.
Production of the Lifetime Network cable television show "Army Wives," which is set and made in the Holy City, is on hold at least until the walkout is settled and probably until after the holidays. Cast and crew members had hoped to tape the first few episodes of the new season before the turn of the year, but the Hollywood shutdown has dimmed the lights, for now.
Writers Guild of America members demonstrate in New York on Wednesday. The strike has halted production of the Lifetime Network cable television show 'Army Wives,' which is set and made in Charleston.
Locally, that means businesses that were banking on income from the show before the holidays will not see that revenue until at least January, said Robbin Knight, president of the Carolina Film Alliance.
A host of local companies supply the show with everything from drinking water and paint to lumber and clothing. During the show's first season, area businesses collectively raked in about $900,000, Knight said.
The taping of "Army Wives" was set to begin Nov. 26, he said, but even if the strike ends soon, it's unlikely cameras will roll until after the holidays. "That has put a damper on people's spirits," Knight said. Everything's been put on hold," he said. "It's really hurt a lot of local businesses."
Charissa Gilmore, a spokeswoman with "Army Wives" producer ABC Studios, said scripts typically are written and revised close to when each episode is made. With writers off the job, there are no lines for the cast to learn.
"It's not like we have a bunch of scripts in the bag," Gilmore said.
The 12,000 union members went on strike Monday after failing to agree to a new contract with producers. The dispute centers on payment to writers for content being made available digitally on the Internet, mobile phones and other devices.
"Army Wives" revolves around a group of military spouses and is Lifetime's highest-rated show ever. It wrapped up a five-month shoot in the Charleston area this summer. Gilmore said everyone connected with the program is eager to get back to work.
"They love it. We love it. We want to make it," she said.
http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/...ves_awol21585/
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11-13-2007
