Geeks gets nom!... maybe.

I'm pleased to say that I think my episode "Geeks In Love" (RA303) was nominated for a Canadian Comedy Award.

I'm embarrassed to say I wasn't really aware that there was such a thing.

What's worse when I got an email from my pal, Daegan, congratulating me, I googled it and couldn't even find it. When I found it listed in Wikipedia my family withdrew their congrats until I found a second source.

I'm sorry to say I haven't found one yet... not even on CTV's own press release that highlights other shows on its network that were nominated.

So... uhm... ahem... everyone just... you know, carry on with whatever.

Robson Arms Episodes Online

Okay.

This is the best I can do. I know some of you out there "don't have a TV" or "don't have cable" (even though it doesn't seem to me that CTV is a cable-necessary channel)... but for those of you who asked: is it online?

The answer is "Yes". Enjoy.

See my beautiful face, maybe win an iPod

For those of you who are interested in seeing this handsome mug and getting a chance to win an iPod-- hurry over to the Robson Arms web site and click on "The Question."

It's our version of the Behind The Scenes stuff other shows are doing, except this one's got a super-hawt host.

For those of you tuning in for writer-porn particularly, keep an eye out for suave showrunner Susin Nielsen and hilarious story departmenters Ken Craw and Jen Daley.

Robson Arms on TV-eh Podcast

TV-eh is a great resource for anyone interested in Canadian television.
A few months ago Diane Wild, the force behind the site, posted a number of podcasts with members of the industry. I'm happy to see that she's bringing them back... and even happier to see that Robson Arms will be the subject of the latest. Diane will be interviewing my bosses co-executive producers Susin Nielsen and Gary Harvey.

Robson Arms III gets an airdate.

Released today...

Toronto, ON (April 10, 2008) – The paint may be peeling, the taps leaking and there may be an unpleasant smell here and there, but there’s never been a better time to move into Robson Arms. Season 3 of the CTV Original Series returns Mondays at 9:30 p.m. ET beginning April 28 following Dancing With the Stars (visit CTV.ca to confirm local broadcast times)

Just in time... of course 930pm ET means 1030pm back home but that's why God made PVRs.
If anybody sees any promotion for the show could you leave a little comment here to let me know what you saw, where you saw it and when?

Hey, Ma! Look at Me!

I dunno.

Maybe for some writer's it's when they get their first paying gig.
For others it may be when they get their WGC card.

But for me... that feeling of having arrived... having written something that somebody actually wants to see-- just arrived in my google alerts.

"Geeks in Love" AKA "Robson Arms S03E02" has been Bit Torrented.

So long, suckers!

Robson Arms III: What I like about Episode 2... or Now let us Praise Gary Harvey

So. Tonight's my episode.

Make no mistake. I love the DRAHMAH. But I was raised in sketch comedy. And bringing a tear to somebody eye is great... but if it's by making them laugh... even better.

Drama is analog and comedy is binary. They laugh... or they don't. You can't kid yourself. Genuine involuntary laughter... you can literally take score. And that's why I can say: if you don't actually laugh tonight watching "Geeks In Love"... I have failed you faithful viewer... and if I haven't broken your heart little a bit while I did it, I have failed myself.

Because I can't blame anybody else for anything that's less than awesome about tonight's episode. Which is a long way to introduce--

The things I love about tonight's Episode:


1. The Troubadours.
If you go to the Robson Arms' website and hit the goodies, you can hear it. It's one of those things that, as a writer, leaves you humbled and amazed. The whole episode captured in a 30 second ditty. The lyrics, the music, the performance bring a tear-ball to my eye and soften my crusty and cynical old heart and make me all post-xmas Grinch. Gosh.


2. Haig.
Actors... you know what I mean? Oh, they're characters all right. And Haig Sutherland, who plays arguably the most unassuming of the Robson Arms tenants, Fred Fochs, is one of the largest characters on the set. Check out him messing with me during "The Question" on the RA site and you'll get a small taste.

Anyway... again, all eyes will be on Will Sasso's Bark. And with good reason, Bark is huge, and so is Will. Bark gets all the good lines, and so he should. But who is the heart of the episode? Who is the engine that keeps this story moving? Who do we see at his glorious best and heart-breaking worst? It's Haig's Fred. So in love and gloating, so insecure and jealous, so out of control and maniacal, so vulnerable and alone.

3. The Harv.
Okay. Most of you have never heard of Gary Harvey, and why should you? How many great television television directors are household names? But if you spend anytime working in film and television in Canada-- or spend any time WATCHING Canadian television I can almost guarantee you've seen his work. He's prolific.

In addition to his directing duties Gary is one of the executive producers of the show (along with Susin Nielsen and Brian Hamilton of whom we will hear more in future posts). They are an awesome triumvirate. But more than anyone Gary is the guy who is responsible for the tone on set. I've heard nightmare stories from friends and co-workers who have had to endure unbelievably tense and miserable months on sets run by people with the emotional sophistication of a two year old. Screamers. Tantrums. Shutdowns. Madness. Anyone who has had the opportunity to work with Gary doesn't know any of that. Cast, crew-- even critics, all remark on the feeling of the set. It isn't quiet like a library: there are plenty of disagreements and differing of opinions as there are bound to be whenever independent, talented and creative people with a job to do get together. But it's handled with perspective, respect and humour. And I blame Gary for that.

And if that wasn't enough-- he's also a hotshot director! Watch the episode tonight. And you'll barely see his work, but you're sure gonna feel it. Gary isn't a director that builds his scenes around a shot. He builds his shots around the scene. He teases out amazing performances out the actors, and pushing them further sometimes... sometimes reining them in. And comedy is a killer. It's all about rhythm and pace. Watch how he builds each scene, each moment! See how with the help of Franco our editor, the moments and scenes work with one another and take us deeper into the story.

Lucky, lucky me.

Robson Arms III: Things I like about Episode One.

1) John Cassini's performance.

For me, the character of Yuri is at his best when he doesn't know what the hell is going on. He's not the brightest guy, he's a bit of a jerk... but he doesn't see himself that way. Yuri sees himself as the guy who's got every angel covered, he's tough but fair. If anything, he's too easy on people, a bit of a soft touch.

In Gila Monster Yuri discovers how wrong he is.

I think one of the reasons the Robson Arms writers keep coming back to Yuri is that his usual state is as a guy whose world is constantly crumbling beneath him and he's always struggling to get on top of things. Yuri is most fun to write when he's failing.

In episode one, though many eyes will be drawn to the talented Dave Foley, for me it's Cassini that captures and shares the soul of a man who discovers he's not as smart or as tough as he thinks he is. It's a vulnerable and brilliant performance.

2) Nothing is written in stone.

Do the writers know how the season will end when they start writing the first episode? We think we do. I mean, there's a plan. But to be honest we're not even sure which episode will be the last episode or which will be the first. For example this year: "Geeks in Love," "Mean Girls" and "The Prince of Nigeria" were all written long before we knew the building had been bought by Americans.

But it's not just imagination that shapes the season. Real life gets in the way too! In this case we discovered well into writing that certain actors were unavailable. Some wouldn't be coming back and others couldn't come back... Which brings me to the another thing I like about episode one: the episode ends where other series' seasons end.

Okay, that might be overstating it a little. But here's the thing: even though the writers' can't take credit for "the why" of certain events, I think we did our best to turn a practical production problem into an opportunity for story. It's a terrifying and fun part of the job.

Watch it and maybe you'll see what I'm talking about. Or maybe it'll appear to be a surprising but inevitable turn in a character's journey. Here's hoping.

The Reviews are In...!

...in a trickling sort of way.

But they've been generally quite positive.
Here's a couple of reasons to tune in to the Sneak Preview of Robson Arms this Tuesday and Wednesday after American Idol.

In addition to asserting that the show could be read "as an extended metaphor" for Canada (and if that doesn't bring in the viewers, what will?) television critic for the Globe and Mail, John Doyle, says:

"The series is a smartly made social comedy, aimed at grown-ups and the better for it"

Brad from the Winnipeg Free Press says:

Over its first two seasons, Robson Arms has quietly established itself as one of the best-written shows on Canadian TV. Filled with a wacky, constantly rotating rabble of characters played by a stellar homegrown cast (which has included the likes of Mark McKinney, Leslie Nielsen, Gabrielle Miller, Fred Ewanuick, Joe Flaherty, Margot Kidder, Shirley Douglas and more), the series has kept its focus squarely on creating small, quirky and completely charming stories that resist the urge to lapse into standard sitcom silliness.

As such, Robson Arms is one of those sneaky-funny shows that prompts out-loud laughter at the most unexpected of moments. And that, of course, is more than half the fun.

So that's pretty good.

Read Oswald's complete review here!

Robson Arms Website is Up and Running

Just in time for the Robson Arms Sneak Preview this week after American Idol... The site is filled with video, behind the scenes stuff, and a chance to win an iPod Touch. Sweet.

Speaking of sweet, there was a promotion for the show just before the Oscars last night. If you've seen any other spots, let me know, would you?

Robson Arms "Season Three" Sneak Peek After American Idol

Folks will have a "sneak peek" of Robson Arms Season Three, next week after American Idol.

What does a "sneak peek" mean? I don't want to analyze what it REALLY means but the upshot is that CTV will be airing RAIII episodes 1 ("Gila Monster" by Jesse McKeown) and 3 ("Geeks in Love" by yours truly) next week after "American Idol", Tues. Feb 26 at 9:30 and Wed. Feb 27 at 9:30.

I know this is short notice, maybe even extremely short notice, but I'll do my bit. I'll let you know a little bit about the episodes before they hit the air, but for now, ladies and gentlemen, start your PVRs!

Or better yet, call your friends and make an evening of it. Not together in one place... no, each of you at your own television in separate residences.

Robson Arms available on iTunes

There are no excuses now.

No: "Sorry I missed it"... "My video store doesn't carry it"... "I can't afford a box set"... "I just don't like you, leave me alone."

Season Two of Robson Arms is available through Apple's CanadianiTunes store. Just a $1.99 per episode.

As a bonus you can see the writers'(and producers and directors) credits in the free preview available on the site.

Sweet.

What I learned on my Summer Workation: Part One

My apologies.

I've slacked off too long. Denis never stopped posting while he was toiling away on his shows. Will kept the faith while waist-deep in rewrites. But I am a more beautiful and delicate flower and wilt readily at the prospect of too much work... or too little food.

Which leads me to the subject of the next several posts, in case the title was too subtle.

Tip #1:

Go Easy on Crafty!

Forgive me if I occasionally imply that all writers are of a kind. It's not true. We're all miserable in our own special and unique ways.

That's said, I've yet to met a writer, man or woman, who didn't like the Craft Service table a little more than was good for them. Even a TV writing goddess like Jane Epenson... what's at the end of her every post? What she had for lunch, people! And when the table is laid out by a special lady like Gianna, the Robson Arms Season III Craft Service angel... it's even worse.

Sure, there's fresh fruit and veggie trays, ginseng nectar and herbal teas but it's the pastries, cakes, butter-soaked chocolate, and cheesey thai wraps that keep you coming back. I'm not exaggerating when I say I started training for this season last winter. I'm not a small guy by any stretch, but when I arrived it was fresh from three pilates classes a week. Down from my typical Sea Lion form to a well-fed Otter. I knew it was gonna be a marathon and I was ready.

Bullshit. I'm an eff'ing Walrus!

No amount of training can prepare the Special Needs Child that is the TV writer for the debauchery that awaits him-- all day-- every working day-- at the magical all-you-can-eat-bottomless-cup-of-whatever-you-desire that is Craft Service.

Within the first week there was no semblance of restraint and I... no, dammit, I wasn't there alone... WE spent almost as much time at the table as an Extra... yeah... that's right-- it was that bad. I didn't get my shit together until the fourth week in.... and by then it was too late...

So there you go, Chubbies.

You wanna be a TV writer? Have a salad once in a while.

What a third season looks like: Part I

I don't know why facebook should have all the top secret photos.

Here's an early look at Season Three of Robson Arms.

Please note that delicate balance of comedy and poignacy the praises of which John Doyle sang so sweetly once. See the character arcs reaching in a surprising but inevitable ways. And act turns that spin the stories in new trajectories.

And that's just the first half of the season!

Robson Arms Renewed for Third Season

Some of you might have started to put things together based on some of my previous posts but it's now official. As TV, eh? reported today we've got a third season.

For those of you who watched RAII, thanks very much. It was a tough spot to be in opposite HNIC so if you did, you must be a big supporter of the show... or really, really, really hate hockey. Either way.

For those of you who never saw it, how come? Did something put you off? Do you just not watch canadian shows on principle? Was it personal? You a hockey fan? Was it the time slot? Or maybe you just didn't have room on the TIVO. I get that, my DVR space is precious too.

For those of you who watched and said, "meh", could you be a little more specific?

As far as the writing goes, it feels like there are a number of factors that are shaping the new season.

1) I gotta say, for me, there's been a very different energy in the writer's room this time around. I think all of us were pretty grateful (not in a whiney, spineless way) and frankly maybe just a little surprised to be renewed so late in the season and it's added a little spice to the room. The RA Writer's Room's never been what you would call a slack or self-satisfied place, but there's definitely been an invigorating and disciplined edge to the story-breaking this time round that makes me excited about the coming season.

2) Process-wise, this will be the first season going to camera when we didn't have at least a first draft of all our scripts finished. This definitely raises the heart-rate... and the adrenaline might be making it on to the page.

3) The Cast is going through some changes. Based on normal, boring circumstances that none of us could have foreseen the "who" of the stories is changing as well as the "how". It's mixing up the kinds of stories that we're going to be telling a little bit.

4) There have been some shake-ups in the story department, nothing awful, just talented people moving on to other projects. They'll be missed, but it also provides us with a chance to work with some newer... and some more experienced writers.

5) A New Time Slot. It looks like we're going to be on earlier in the evening which will make for changes. Some obvious: like language. Some subtle: like tone. That said, the show certainly isn't going through any contortions to fit the time. If anything it feels like the show's voice, although still unique, is coming into its own, becoming more confident... and entertaining, I hope.

So here's to the challenging months ahead. I hope I can keep folks that are interested abreast of the progress, without spoiling any of the surprises.

It's weird. I was just over at Denis's blog. There's definitely a strange, end-of-school, feeling through the industry. Summer's coming and everybody's graduating. Feels a little like we're in the third act of a coming-of-age story...

... or the first act of a teen-sex-comedy! YEAH!

Feeding the Writer: April 2007 Edition

Okay so here we go.

Day One: Steamrollers. (Deluxe w/Chicken). A healthy, hearty choice to comfort myself for a week of breaking some story!

Day Two: Shanghai Chinese Bistro (General Tso's Chicken, Handmade Noodle and Dim Sum) The traditional first day lunch spot. The location reminds you of seasons of story-busting past, the exotic flavour lures a new season in new directions)

Day Three: Art Gallery Cafeteria (Portabello Mushroom and Leek Soup, BBQ Chicken Pannini) An old favorite. The short walk from the writers' room brings fresh air to clear the head of the hump-day blues. The place is bustling with people and ideas. It's buckle-down time.

Day Four: Lombardo's (Pizza w/ Prosciutto), Someplace untried. For new perspectives on old favorites... old characters new situations. All India (Chicken Tika, Butter Chicken) A longish walk after a hard day of brain squeezing. It would have been easier to go someplace nearer, we force ourselves. It proves a little extra effort at the end of the day can pay delicious rewards.

Day Five: Azia (Sambal Shrimp, Curry Roti, Kung Pao Chicken), The light at the end of the tunnel. We ditch an old place that none of us really liked but were too polite to say. We find a new place to which everybody is eager to return. Earls (Edamame Beans, and Wonton Encrusted Shrimp with some amazing dipping sauce!!!!) The week is done. There's no talk of beat sheets or act breaks, no plot turns or character arcs. The only stories we talk about are our own. Just beer and wine and Tony Dean Smith and his girly drink.

Robson Arms: SPECIAL AIRING Take Two!

Okay, let's try this again people.

CTV is giving us another shot at a special time slot. We're airing "The Daughter of Frankenstein" right after the season finale of Corner Gas next Monday.

Especially excited because it's gonna be one of my episodes, featuring the very funny Linda Kash and the talented up and comer Tegan Moss.

Trivia: According to IMDB Linda is the daughter of Maureen Forrester! I had no idea.

Robson Arms: REMINDER and REVIEW

Just in case you forgot to set your VCRs. Special airing of Robson Arms, tonight, right after American Idol.

From John Doyle's review of tonight episode:

Robson Arms (CTV, 9:30 p.m.), back for its second season, has been running on Saturday nights. That's a safe slot for a series that's not easily defined. People who know it and like it will seek it out. But, like anything airing outside of CBC's schedule on that night, it's up against the local juggernaut of Hockey Night In Canada.

In tonight's episode, slacker Hal (Zak Santiago) finds that his employment insurance has run out, he owes his roommate Nick (Corner Gas's Fred Ewanuick) money, he's managed to kill his only source of income -- selling pot -- and even his own dad (Joe Flaherty) declines to help him out. Meanwhile, Nick happens to have acquired a new best pal, Wayne (Peter DeLuise). That makes Nick question his relationship with the great slacker Hal. After all, this Wayne guy is a bit exotic and Hal's something of a loser, just waiting for his next opportunity to get stoned. Maybe Nick should move out?

The episode is a serious take on issues of adult responsibility, jealousy and growing up, but it's done with a light touch. The addition of Flaherty as Hal's dad is a stroke of genius.

In its first season, Robson Arms quickly established itself as TV entertainment of the highest quality. Deftly made and smartly entertaining, the half-hour dramas were set among the tenants of a Vancouver apartment building. The series was written with a unique tone -- wry observations about life and all manner of relationships. It was material aimed at grown-ups. It also featured some outstanding work from an array of Canadian actors in semi-permanent roles or guest-star turns. The early episodes of this second season had more emphasis on comic farce. They seemed less knowing and whimsical, more emphatically broad and reaching for slapstick.

As this season progresses, its strengths emerge again. It's still light, but skittish and crisp, asking a little more of the viewer. Tonight's episode underlines all those merits. With any luck, enough Idol fans will see it and be charmed, as they should be.

Robson Arms: SPECIAL AIRING

Just got word: in addition to the regular airing times (CTV Saturdays at 9pm, Comedy Network 8:30pm ET, 9:30pm ATL) there's going to be a special airing Tues. Feb 27 right after American Idol.

I think folks are assuming CTV is doing it to see how it boosts or does not boost our numbers... and most likely whether we'll get another season or not.

The episode is going to be "Pest Control" and it'll feature Fred Ewanuick, Zak Santiago, Peter DeLuise and guest starring.... Joe Flaherty! So if Hockey is getting in your way or you just aren't home on Saturday night check it out and tell us what you think.

Don't miss this week's podcast. Susin Nielsen interview props master, Tyler Smith and his assistant Dave Righton... a very funny BTS interview. (Flash required)

Why John Doyle doesn't scare me: A review of Robson Arms s02e02 by Dave's Mom and sister Heidi

So I called up Mom after my episode aired to ask if she and Dad enjoyed it. (She wasn't thrilled with some of the strong language in my first season one episode-- especially after she phoned all the relatives to tell them to watch it: "You shoulda warned me!") Her evaluation: "It was okay. But I liked last week's one with Leslie Neilsen better." Okay fine.

So I call up sister Heidi: "I laughed like twice... it wasn't great."

I'm not saying you need this kind of family if you're gonna be able to take notes like a pro, but it helps.