By RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com, originally filed August 23, 2011
Now I know why AMC hasn't set up any set visits this season. According to the story, after the network fired the key creative mind behind the show Frank Darabont, it has actively discouraged AMC staff to talk to the press supporting Darabont. And despite the surprisingly big ratings figures the network garnered last fall for season one's six episodes, AMC demanded budget cuts and offered suggestions that Darabont figured would cheapen the product. (How about not showing as many zombies or shooting more indoors?)
This story was just depressing because I want this show to be successful and stay in Atlanta awhile. From a critical standpoint, it's the best show being shot here. The "cool" factor never hurts.
So why is AMC being so cheap? There's plenty of speculation about that, since the network has been battling the creators of "Breaking Bad" and "Mad Men" as well over fiscal issues. The network has only been creating original programming for four years so its prestige exceeds its financial windfall. Then again, the network has reported it is profitable.
AMC is so concerned by the crew's worries, AMC president Charlie Collier and head of original programming Joel Stillerman flew to Atlanta Thursday for damage control, the Hollywood Reporter wrote today.
Season one averaged more than 5 million viewers, by far the most of any AMC program, including "Breaking Bad" and "Mad Men." The second season returns Oct. 16. Expect fans to scrutinize the show with a fine-toothed comb for signs of the impact of all the budget cuts and Darabont's departure.
Here's a small teaser from the story but read the rest on the Hollywood Reporter. It's worth it.
There also have been no public comments from the cast, and a source with knowledge of the situation says AMC has been "terrorizing" them and their representatives to discourage them from speaking out on Darabont's behalf. "They're scared," confirms another insider. "They're on a zombie show. They are all really easy to kill off."
Kurt Sutter, creator of FX's "Sons of Anarchy," lays the blame on "Mad Men" creator Matthew Weiner grabbing so much money from AMC that AMC is forcing budget cuts on its other quality shows.
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By Rodney Ho, rho@ajc.com, AJCRadioTV blog
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