THE RUSSIAN WINTER OLYMPICS 2014 ARE LAGGING
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THE GLORIOUS CORNER
Story By: G. H. Harding
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| Meredith Viera |
SOCHI SOCIAL --- So, what’s been the #1 story of this year’s Winter Olympics? Bob Costas’ crippling pinkeye. As the 11 days of events begin to wind down, the biggest stories besides the anchor’s optical mishaps, were Matt Lauer and Meredith Viera’s double-duty; as both pinched in for the ailing sportscaster, and, alpine skier Bode Miller crying after being prodded about his dead brother by the network’s Christin Cooper.
Also, NBC’s solid viewership has also shown signs of fatigue, lagging 13% behind the Vancouver games in 2010. An inside source at the network admitted, “It’s been very underwhelming.” The source continued, "The lack of really dramatic American performances is a big part of it." Two blows to NBC's coverage has been the scarcity of Winter Games stalwarts Lindsey Vonn and Shaun White. "Sometimes it's just the dynamic of the sport. Gabby Douglas broke out in London, but the difference there is that gymnasts stay front and center (with events) for the majority of the games."
Also, continuing stories about Russia’s lack of preparation; the unfortunate design of the hotel bathrooms; the glitch in the opening ceremonies, and, Putin’s ongoing steely presence; it just was not a very welcomed environment on any level.
Even Matt and Al Roker's Luge performances fell short; feeling cocky they opted for a second run which ended in a spiraling-out-of-control run.
NBC is expected to turn a profit, however in the final days, it was reported that there was still ad inventory still available … meaning, if you wanted to secure an ad at this late date, you could.
CAN'T STOP --- Varèse Sarabande Records will release the Non-Stop Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, digitally and on CD February 25, 2014. The film features an original score by John Ottman (Jack the Giant Slayer, The Usual Suspects) and arrives in theaters on February 28.
Global action star Liam Neeson stars in Non-Stop, a suspense thriller played out at 40,000 feet in the air. During a transatlantic flight from New York City to London, U.S. Air Marshal Bill Marks (Neeson) receives a series of cryptic text messages demanding that he instruct the airline to transfer $150 million into a numbered account. Until he secures the money, a passenger on his flight will be killed every 20 minutes. Non-Stop reunites Neeson with Unknown-director Jaume Collet-Serra and co-stars Golden Globe Award winner Julianne Moore.
Ottman described scoring Non-Stop: "The obvious instruction was to keep the energy going throughout the film. This would be a challenge, being that the music always had to go somewhere further, constantly pushing or creating the tension in a simple and confined environment. The other feeling was that the score should reflect Bill Marks, played by Liam Neeson, as an imperfect character with a checkered and painful past…but who also is a ‘tightly wound spool.”
The right-hand man—as both composer and editor—of Bryan Singer, Ottman has scored such iconic modern films as The Usual Suspects, X2, Superman Returns and Valkyrie.
He has proven himself equal to the challenge of horror (Gothika, Orphan), comedy (The Cable Guy, Bubble Boy) action (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang), thrillers (Unknown, The Resident), superhero films (Fantastic Four 1 & 2) and animation (Astro Boy). He was nominated for an Emmy Award for his score to the ABC series Fantasy Island. Ottman edited and scored Singer’s large-scale fantasy film, Jack the Giant Slayer. Currently, Ottman is working on Singer’s X-Men: Days of Future Past.
“The biggest hurdle was the opening scene that introduces Bill sitting in his car and then walking to the terminal. We decided that establishing a bass propulsive sound underneath would provide another signature of the score and could therefore be part of the opening from the onset.” explained Ottman.
CLOSING NOTES --- I like Jimmy Fallon, I really do, but I think his joke the other night about Ryan Seacrest starting a line of clothes: but, it’s hard getting them out of the closet, was a little ill-chosen. I mean, has it come to this ... one host knocking another? C’mon, not cool at all …
CBS’ Criminal Minds beat American Idol in the ratings the other night. First time ever too. As we've said, interest in these competition shows are dwindling. My outlook: It was fun while it lasted, but let’s move on gentlemen …
The Oscars are a week from this Sunday; have you seen all the nominated movies? Me, I saw Gravity, loved it … but, the commercials currently running on the movie, highlighting the most dramatic moments are terrifically well-done. George Clooney’s emotive voice over, about living your life … are just starkly emotional. Don't count this movie out; director Alfonso Cuaron is scoring awards left and right …
How about former-SNL-er Fred Armisen signing on to be the new band leader for the new Seth Meyers’ Late Night show? I know the Valley Stream-born Fred and he’s the real deal. His IFC show Portlandia is utterly brilliant. According to Fred, a sudden phone call from executive producer Lorne Michaels started the ball rolling. Fred realized,“This has been a dream of mine.” Turns out Meyers created the role of down-on-his luck Brit-music-legend Ian Rubbish for Armisen; in fact, Rubbish even released his own record. Questlove redefined what a band could be on the Fallon-show, and Paul Shaffer on Letterman never fails to dazzle, but I predict that Armisen’s tenure will be most innovative …
Last night in L. A. at The Beverly Hilton: The Ella Awards celebrating Beach Boy Mike Love took place. Attending were: Rita Wilson; Christopher Cross; Micky Dolenz; America; John Stamos; Carnie Wilson; Peter Noone; Bill Medley; Diane Warren; producer-Nigel Lythgoe; and, Wayne Brady.
The Society of Singers, Founded in 1984 by Ginny (Mrs. Henry) Mancini and Gilda Maiken Anderson, SOS was the first of its kind to focus on the needs of singers who were unable to access benefits and services when faced with emergencies or simply life’s daily challenges. SOS provides a safety net for artists that are facing personal and medical crises which may include chronic illness and disability.
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