*** Joins: Michael ***

carolm:

When Michael comes in - oh - he's here

carolm:

 I think - - -

Michael:

 Yes, it's me. Hi

carolm:

Hi Michael. Thank you very much for agreeing to chat to us tonight.

Michael:

 I'm sorry, I was cut off

carolm:

Sorry Michael, we've been practicing but obviously not well enough

jude2000:

Hi, Michael, thanks for coming

*** Michael is now known as Guest4821
 

Guest4821:

take your time. Also, please don't request "private chats", it wouldn't be fair to the others.

jude2000:

Michael I guess someone was using your nickname

carolm:

This chat is moderated so that no one can speak except for the chat hosts and the guest  until  I invite them to do so.  I'll work down the list of names on the side of the room and pick people at random.

carolm:

One of the advantages of hosting a chat is that I get to ask the first question which is one that I'm sure is on the tip of all our tongues ... what does the future hold for Higher Ground and would you please explain what you meant by the term "new format" which you used a few weeks ago?

Guest4821:

Okay, I'm ready - also, please know that I'm a very slow typist.

carolm:

take your time

Guest4821:

Okay, first pickups. Letters have gone out to all business partners this past Thursday making this coming Tuesday the day of decision.

carolm:

Michael, just in case you didn't get the message, when you're finished answering a question, please say next so I know to call the next person.

Guest4821:

What I meant earlier by "different format" is that we have no holds on any of the actors (other than Joe) and we don't know if any of them will be back. The sets are being dismantled for financial reasons and we have given up one of our stages at the Lions Gate Studios.

AndreaBr:

Good evening Mr Braverman. this is Andrea from Brazil. Do you know if HG is going to be shown here , I mean , in Brazil

Guest4821:

Yes, we have sold the show to many countries in South America.

AndreaBr:

Thank you.

Guest4821:

You're welcome

carolm:

Gabbytoo

gabbytoo:

please elaborate on HG future Fox Family or another netwoek?

Guest4821:

Wow, lots of "mode changes" going on

carolm:

It's a tough job

Guest4821:

Yeah, I can see

Guest4821:

Whoops, I just saw Gabbytoo's question - and Mr. Mandel just joined us

carolm:

Who is Mr. Mandel?

Guest4821:

Gabbytoo - we have have permission now to "shop" higher ground to other networks. It would be impolitic of me to say where we're bringing it, but FFC has until Tuesday to say "yes" or we will go elsewhere. Now this assumes that another netwrok will want us.

carolm:

They'd be fools not to want you. Go ahead Sean.

Guest4821:

Mr. Mandel was (and is) my #1 writer (Best Behavior, Hope Falls, etc.)

carolm:

Welcome Mr. Mandel

jude2000:

Yes, Hi, Mr. Mandel, welcome

Guest4821:

Please remember that it's called "Show BUSINESS"

Sean:

if there is seson 2 on fox Family channel would it begin in the fall or in January again

Guest4821:

If we got the go-ahead today, we wouldn't be on the air for at least three months.

GailG:

Hi,Michael, thank you for meeting with us. First, I hope the show is renewed and next,have you got scripts written for a second season or just ideas? And is there any truth to the rumor that we in Canada will get to see HG earlier than Sept. Oh, and thanks for all the great episodes so far...I am only a few behind. As a former high school teacher I found them very moving. And of course I just love Joe - ever since Dr. Quinn.:-)

Guest4821:

Gail - We will be on WIC/Global in September.

Guest4821:

Sorry, I don't topuch type so I missed Sean. Please repeat.

Sean:

Wouldn't the chances of retaining cast members be better if the new season would start as soon as possible

Sean:

filming i meant

Guest4821:

Got it. Okay

Guest4821:

We have no contracts with any of the cast members other than Joe.

Guest4821:

We can't begin filming until we have scripts. We won't have scripts until a writing staff is hired. That takes months.

carolm:

Anne

carolm:

Anne do you have a question?

carolm:

Because Rosella is bursting to ask one

Guest4821:

Carol - Mr. Mandel is guest 3726

carolm:

go ahead Rosella

carolm:

Oh, I wondered why I couldn't see his name

Rossella:

Thank you for being here . I am from Italy. Is there anything that you would like to change about Higher Ground such as aspects of Peter's character , storylines,

Guest4821:

Hmmmm. Good question. I suppose the only thing I would like to change is to make the stories more honest. We are somewhat restricted by FFC's broadcast standards and, consequently, we have to hold back a lot.

Rossella:

Another woman in Peter's life....an ex.

Guest4821:

Rossella - we had another woman in Peter's life - Hannah

Jean:

What is the policy toward freelance writers?

Guest4821:

Jean - As a rule, I don't hire freelance writers. I prefer having a full time staff

carolm:

Judi

Jdenonn6:

Mine is more of a comment than a question. I think HG is a wonderful series with a positive message and influence to all ages. HG would have done better on FFC had it been promoted more extensively. The average tv viewer has no idea it's on, and some of the most popular shows had slow starts so why is FFC pulling out so soon, why not give HG a chance to capture and net it's audience?

Guest4821:

I'm sorry, I keep forgetting to write "next".

carolm:

that's ok

carolm:

I just don't want to interrupt if you're not finished

carolm:

Judi?

jude2000:

Judi asked above

Guest4821:

Jdenonn6 - Thanks for your comment. In a nutshell, here's the situation: everyone involved in Higher Ground are new at it. It's the first real one-hour drama for FFC; it's the first for Paramount International and the first for Lions Gate Television. Many mistakes have been made by all parties. It's just part of the process.

carolm:

Julie30

Julie30:

Hi Michael. I love HG. What Issues would you like to address during the 2nd season ?

Guest4821:

Julie30 - There are so many issues. I'd like to explore learning disabilities, physical disabilities, etc. I also would like to explore sexual issues, self destructive issues and others.

Guest4821:

Next

Julie30:

Thank you

kwagmyer:

When you began working on HG, did you have any inkling of what sort of an impact it would have? It's like no other TV show I've ever seen--I'm completely involved in these characters' lives...my husband is beginning to think I'm a couple sandwiches shy of a picnic.

Guest4821:

Kwagmyer: Thank you for your compliment. I'm an old hand in this business and have been blessed with the ability to choose shows that do have an impact. I did the first year of Chicago Hope and also had my own series for four years called "Life Goes On". I prefer working on shows that may have impact and also may have something to say.

Next.

KarenB:

Hi Michael. If Fox Family decides not to renew, do you think Hayden's newfound success will be a positive factor in another network deciding to pick the show up? And at this point what is your "gut feeling" on a renewal?

Guest4821:

KarenB -I'm going out on a limb here. Please don't hate me, but I am very dubious that HG will wither be renewed or picked up by another network. I'm afraid we will go the way of "My So Called Life".

carolm:

Anne

AnneE:

Thanks for being here - brave of you - every pun intended ;-)- your educaitonal scenes show someone has done their homework - especially with Augie & dyslexia -is it up to each writer or do you have consultants they have access to?And tell FFC all my teens watch it and tell their friends who love it too- but didn';t know it exeisted!

Guest4821:

AnneE - my daughter is profoundly dyslexic; I live with it every day.

carolm:

SueB

Guest4821:

More to Anne: All of the writers do their own research and we also have paid consultants.

SuB:

Thanks for being here this evening. As a Joe Lando fan and former teacher and counselor, I love HG and if it is renewed, would like to see more of Mr. Lando.

SuB:

From what you have said about dismanteling the sets, etc. there seems to be little hope of renea\wal, right?

SuB:

sorry for all the typos

Guest4821:

SuB - We would all like to see more of Mr. Lando. There is little hope, but some hope nonetheless.

Guest4821:

next

carolm:

KellyK12

KellyK12:

I have no question, but what to thank you for HG which I enjoy very much.

Guest4821:

Thank you

AaronGil:

Just out of general curosity, is Higher Ground being produced within Budget? I recently read the Lions Gate Financial statements which show a massive rise in revenue for their TV division but a drop in the profit margins...and profits are below their reported 'budget' and even their 'revised budget' figures...

Guest4821:

AaronGil - For a freshman show, HG is remarkably close to budget. I'm astounded how close we came.

Guest4821:

AaronGil - don't beleive all the P&L stuff. It's called creative accounting.

Are you aware of how much HG is very similar to a show called Neon Rider? Neon Rider became a big hit here in Canada, so hopefully HG will follow in it's tracks.

Guest4821:

kathy1 - I have heard of Neon Rider and, in fact, we have used some of the same actors.

kathy1:

That's great.

Guest4821:

There is a difference in that Neon Rider is produced in Toronto and we're produced in Vancouver.

Guest4821:

Next

carolm:

Linda R

LindaR:

Hi Michael-what shows have you enjoyed doing most? Thanks Linda-NH

Guest4821:

LindaR - Certainly Higher Ground and Life Goes On. But I also enjoyed working with David E. Kelley on Chicago Hope.

LindaR:

Thanks

Guest4821:

LindaR - Did you mean which episodes of Higher Ground?

yes Those also

Guest4821:

LindaR - My absolute favorite was the pilot, Scott Free. Second would be Hope Falls.

LindaR:

Thanks again

Guest4821:

Welcome

carolm:

Ronnie, do you have a question?

ronnie:

Mr.Braverman,how involved were you w/ the casting of HGs characters,and are you thanking your lucky stars for the talent they've brought to your vision?(obviously,I'm referring to Joe- but to the younger actors as well).Also,I am so thankful for the issues HG deals with-my husband and I work with teens at our church,and we've been faced with many similar situations in their lives that I've seen on the show.So,HG has been helpful in our understan

Guest4821:

Do I have time for a long answer here?

jude2000:

sure

ronnie:

sure

Guest4821:

ronnie - I was totally involved with the casting (and also the hiring of our casting directors). Joe was on this project before me. He, Lions Gate executives and Paramount executives began the casting process in Vancouver months before we went on the air. Our Vancouver casting director (at CastingWorks) found everyone for us, including Hayden, A.J. and everyone else. I had an opportunity to read with each if them.

Guest4821:

next

carolm:

splash

splash:

First HG is one of the best series, dealing with issues downright realistically (hitting close to home at times), that I have come across in a long time. Q1: All of the characters sorylines have been tackled in some depth, but it seems that shelby's (and scott's) has(have) had the most exposure. The development of her story was really good and the acting impressive. Do the writers try to give equal time to each character or is there some

Guest4821:

Splash - in the beginning (the pilot) it made sense to me to tell the story from two points of view: Scott's and Peter's. Since Joe is the star of HG, his character must interact with all the others. But for the kids, Scott's story is the clothesline on which we hang the others. We do try to give "equal time", but it is very difficult.

carolm:

Ready for the next?

Guest4821:

yes

carolm:

Sarah

Guest4821:

Mr. Short term memory here can't remember to type "next"

jude2000:

I did the same thing with Anne Marie, I kept forgetting to type next and she kept forgetting to say it

Guest4821:

well, it seems to be working well nonetheless

jude2000:

Yes, it does.

SarahMN:

Thank you Michael for coming to chat with us this evening. I love Higher Ground. I used to work in the human services field and am pleased that your scripts are pretty much on target. Peter is a good counselor supervisor. I have two questions: 1)If you are able to get additional funding from a source other than FFC, what will you do about sets now that you have given up the sound stages at Lions Gate studios? 2) Joe mentioned on a tal

Guest4821:

SarahMN - Sets are just wood and paint. We can make them and put them up. anywhere. The second part of your question was cutoff. Can you resend?

SarahMN:

Joe mentioned on a talk show that he cut he severed some nerve endings

SarahMN:

(fingers? hand?) doing a stunt on a Higher Ground episode. Which episode was it?

Guest4821:

That was on "Exposed" - he hurt his hand on the Tyrolean crossing

SarahMN:

Thanks very much

Guest4821:

Welcome

carolm:

LindaC

LindaC:

Hi Michael. I'm enjoying HG but must confess I am disappointed Joe isn't featured enough. My question is: if FFC doesn't renew HG and it goes out of poductiion will it still air in the foreign markets it was sold to?

Guest4821:

LindaC - yes, it will continue to air worldwide. Second, it is very difficult to give Joe more screen time when there are so many characters to serrvice. Many of the younger viewers want more stories about the kids; the older viewers want more Joe and Anne Marie. What should I do?

LindaC:

But Joe and Anne Marie's roles were given te shortest shrift all season...so far

Guest4821:

Not true. Except for one episode where Joe had to leave to do publicity for us, he has been the tent pole in every episode.

I'm sory Michael, I meant the Peter and Sophie story has not been given its due compard to the teens stories.

Guest4821:

LindaC - it's very complicated because of the late introduction of Sophie. The original romance was going to be between Peter and Hannah. Sophie came late to the party and had to be carefully woven into the mix.

Guest4821:

next

Megg880:

Hello, I love the show and the actors. It's such an amazing series. I heard you wrote the beautiful song that plays during Daisy and Ezra's movie in "Kids Stay In The Picture." I love that song, great job! It's so moving. I was wondering if there is any way to buy it or if it's going to be released? And also will there be a Higher Ground Soundtrack? So many people would love to have one.

Guest4821:

Megg880 - Thank you so much. Actually, I was only one of two writers of the song. Daryl Bennett, our composer, wrote the music. You MAY be able to persuade him to put an MP3 of the song up on his website. I think the address is Ferociousfish.com

carolm:

okay Sandra

sandra50:

First, Michael, thank you for facing a bunch of Joe fans.  And speaking of Joe, I hope I'm not out of line in disagreeing with your comment that Joe was the "tent pole" in every episode. His time definitely has decreased since the first few episodes, and we've seen very little of the Peter/Sophie relationship since the second episode. For instance, when Sophie said "I love you" to Peter last Friday, we really

Guest4821:

Sandra50 - Episode 2, Babes In Arms, was actually written 6th. It then takes at least three more shows to get a character up to speed. So Sophie didn't really come into her own until Episode #9. Trust me when I tell you that their relationship will ultimately "pay off" by episode #22.

Your question was cut off. What's the rest of it?

sandra50:

I guess I'm wondering how Joe's the "tent pole" in every episode when his screen time and stories (even apart from his relationship with Sophie) have decreased

sandra50:

And thank you again

Guest4821:

Sandra50 - I really don't think his screen time or stories have decreased. I think you'll be surprised by the amount of story he has in the remaining episodes - they're almost all his. Hey, these aren't "spoilers", are they? Next

sandra50:

Spoilers are OK

carolm:

I guess we just never can get enough Joe!

carolm:

LisaW

LisaW:

Thanks for coming here again. And realize this is a "Joe" bunch and having him on screen for 65 minutes of an hour show wouldn't be enough for most here. Will the foreign market sales help with selling the show anywhere for a second season (allowing it to be sold "cheaper" and providing funds for production)?

Guest4821:

Okay, here's what's going to happen...

Guest4821:

LisaW - the foreign sale is already financing the show. We need either FFC to step up to the plate again or another network.

Guest4821:

next

carolm:

Maura

bluey17:

Michael, what projects do you have on the burner right now, or is your focus and Joe's still HG...have you any episodes pre-written and ready for a new season? Do you know 'where' the storyline would go in season 2?

Guest4821:

Bluey17 - I have many new projects in development right now, but my first order of business is to try to keep HG alive. And no, we have no stories for next season because I have no idea who the cast may be.

Guest4821:

next

bluey17:

Thank you

carolm:

Patrick5

patrick5:

How's everyone handling the waiting Michael? Thanks--Cheryl

Guest:

Have there been any cast parties and does thecast get along?

carolm:

Not yet Guest

carolm:

Wait until he answers cheryl's

Guest4821:

patrick5 - everyone is getting on with their lives; you may have read something about Hayden

patrick5:

:-) yes I have, thanks Michael

Guest4821:

Guest - we've had many parties and the cast gets along great. There are photos posted on several sites from some of our parties.

Guest4821:

next

carolm:

I have another question. What if HG is a huge success abroad. In Canada for example. Is that enough to keep it in production?

Guest4821:

carolm - possibly. But then it would be a different show. The show as you now know it will never be the same. There have been too many changes.

Guest4821: next

carolm:

Daniela - you have a question?

carolm:

While Daniela's thinking does anyone else have a question?

Guest4821:

Has everyone had enough?

carolm:

Have you had enough Michael?

bluey17:

Can you share in detail some of the changes? who might be back? who will not

Guest4821:

bluey17 - it's still too premature. These are decisions that have to be made by the two production companies and the broadcaster, whether it's FFC or another enity

Guest4821:

next

AaronGil:

The URL you gave for Daryl Bennett (Ferociousfish.com) leads me to a web consultant in Miami Florida (in reguards to the MP3).

Guest4821:

The name of the music group of our composer is Ferocious Fish - try some combinations of that. I know they have web site.

carolm:

Jean?

Jean:

Michael, I just want you to know. I'm seventeen, and I love the show. I watch it every week with my family: mom, dad, older sister. I've never missed an episode. And, I started getting my friends interested.

Jean:

Now that they know about it, they love it too.

Guest4821:

Jean - thank you so much. Tell your friends and neighbors.

Jean:

I love that it's so much more real than other teen shows.

Jean:

I'll definitely do that. I tell everyone because I think you've got a message worth sharing here.

Guest4821:

Jean - but other teen shows have twn to fifteen times the audience we do.

carolm:

But I bet they're not on Fox Family

Jean:

Yeah, I guess that's what wrong with a lot of teens (shallow) <--not to be offensive

PatP

PatP:

How come Hannah left and why did we see two versions of Hope Falls?

Guest4821:

PatP - Huge questions. Both would take a very long time to explain. Leave me a message on the message board and I'll TRY to answer it.

**  See below.  Michael did answer the question

PatP:

Thanks

Guest4821:

Okay.

carolm:

We all want to know the answers to those

carolm:

Anyone else?

Guest4821:

Carolm - you're right. Not on Fox Family

carolm

What's the chances of the WB or MTV?

Guest4821:

Whoops, I seem to be lagging behind

Guest4821:

We're presently investigating both.

Guest4821:

Any more?

sandra50:

Michael, realistically, do you think there's a chance of another network picking up HG if FFC declines? If so, is there anything the fans can do to help? And just out of curiosity, how did FFC expect to attract an audience if they never publicized the show? FFC really has something unique with HG and doesn't know it.

Guest4821:

sandra50 - I couldn't agree with you more. Realistically, I think another network picking up the show is a long shot. Not impossible, but a long shot. Fox Family is very, very new to the broadcasting business. They made some tactical errors and naive decisions. Cable is a medium of flow, not appointment TV, so advertising outside the network is vital. FFC never did this. They will in the future.

carolm:

So Higher Ground was the guinea pig?

Guest4821:

carolm - more the pioneer.

carolm:

Rosella

sandra50:

If they understand that now, that they need to advertise outside their network, wouldn't that be a reason to give HG another chance?

Rossella:

It is more difficult to write an episode or to film the episode after writing? What modifications have benn made in HG script . I mean have you maintened the original script ar has the role of same characters benn modified?

Guest4821:

there are two questions here. sandra50 first:

Rossella:

Yes Sandra first

Guest4821:

sandra50 - FFC has to make BUSINESS decisions. We may not be the best for their business. It's very complicated because it has to do with demographics and CCM's for advertisers etc. We love HG for the stories and characters; networks love their shows for the amount of advertising revenues it brings in. Who wants to be a millionaire. Need I say more?

Guest4821:

Rossella - Writing is always - ALWAYS - the hardest part. Period.

carolm:

Judy

jude2000:

We heard there are love scenes that were cut between Sophie and Peter. Why is that when the kids are kissing all over the place? We just seemed to have seen no progress in their relationship

Guest4821:

hey, Jude - yes, we cut a major love scene between Peter and Sophie. It was in Best Behavior. The scene (fireplace, bear skin rug, etc.) was originally placed right after Peter and Sophie left Ezra in the hospital. After watching several cuts, I felt it was extremely inappropriate and insensitive of Peter and Sophie and it negated Ezra's crisis

Guest4821:

Jude2000 - you'll see lot's of progress in their relationship now.

jude2000:

Will we see it anywhere?

Guest4821:

The cut scene?

jude2000:

yes

Guest4821:

No, you'll never see it. Sorry.

Guest4821:

Anyone else?

carolm:

I've unmoderated the chat. I think we've worn out Michael.

carolm:

Anyone want to throw in a last question?

GailG:

Michaeal, a couple or six ?'s since I can't pick. Feel free to answer any or all. You mentioned that you have a writing staff. Did you pick your writers from people you knew or did people 'apply'? If so, how and to whom? And about the show, did you end it with the last episode in case it wasn't picked up, or leave it open ended? And if it is not renewed, whither the HG producers? Another series together, perhaps? I hope we haven't seen the last of

Lylac:

Anyway all those cut Peter scenes could be put on a video tape for those of us who appreciate Joe's acting?

AaronGil:

Thanks for a wonderful chat!

Jean:

Thank you so much for coming. You're incredible.

Julie30:

Michael we hope that you will come back and chat again. Please bring Joe with you!!!

carolm:

See what happens when we cut them loose Michael?

sandra50:

Michael, thanks for taking the time and being such a good sport

Lylac:

Thank you for spending your evening with us answering questions.

LindaR:

Thanks Michael!

SarahMN:

Thank you so much for your time, Michael. I LOVE Higher Ground. It is one of the best shows around.

ljsj:

Thank you Michael

AndreaBr:

Thank you for your time, Michael

carolm:

Thank you Michael. I wish the prospects for Higher Ground were a bit brighter.

LindaC:

Thanks for your time, Michael.

kathy1:

Thanks Michael.

jude2000:

Will you do another show with Joe in the future if this show isn't picked up?

Jean:

When will fans know if Higher ground is picked up for a new season

Julie30:

Michael keep us posted about HG

Guest4821:

Hey, thank you. Every one of you. It is because of fans like you that we do what we do. It is us who thank you every day for your loyalty and enthusiasm. Thanks all. Good night. I'll try to answer these few remaining questions.

carolm:

Now? We're here for as long as you want to stay

GailG:

I am. it's early still in Alberta!! ;-)

LindaR:

Good Job everyone

Julie30:

Great Chat

carolm:

Thanks for coming guys

jude2000:

Thanks everyone for a great chat . . . . . .
 
 

** Pat P asked the following question:
 

How come Hannah left and why did we see two versions of Hope Falls?

MICHAEL:
 

In response to your questions on the chat, Deborah Odell's (Hannah)
contract was for only five episodes. If you recall, she was not in Episode
#2, Babes In Arms, so it seems that she was in six episodes. I was hoping to
extend her a few more so that we could have set up a love triangle with Anne
Marie (with Anne Marie ultimately winning Peter), but for many reasons we
weren't able to pull that off. As for why there are two versions of Hope
Falls, the answer is quite simple: FFC got extremely nervous about airing a
family show in which a very troubled teenager intentionally or accidentally
commits suicide. They had us recut and revoice some of the show to indicate
that Isaac accidentally overdosed. It was a rush job and we barely got it to
the broadcaster on time to air it. Unfortunately (or fortunately for us), no
one at FFC notified the guy in the booth who puts the tapes in the slot for
over-the-air broadcast that there was a new, revised version of Hope
Falls...so he ran the original. It was obvious, also, that none of the suits
at FFC watched that show when it aired because they made the same mistake on
Saturday.  Thanks for asking.