Wolf won't get caught in trap of bashing NBC
May 8, 2007
BY DOUG ELFMAN Television Critic
A few people in my business suggest Dick Wolf has been campaigning in the press to keep NBC from canceling his creations "Law & Order" and/or "Criminal Intent." But the truth is Wolf is barely talking.
Agreeing to my request for an interview, he doesn't say one derogatory thing about NBC and won't go on record about negotiations.
NBC says the shows are expensive, and ratings are down. But NBC makes loads of money from syndication. And in my opinion, NBC is to blame for burying "Law & Order" in its worst time slot at 9 p.m. Fridays.
Wolf, 60, has said in the past that budget cuts lead to cutting a street scene or two.
But more cuts now would probably limit scenes even more, and may impinge on casting decisions.
It's weird timing. Star Fred Thompson is considering running for president, hasn't spent a dime and is polling ahead of John McCain among Republicans. And star Sam Waterston is helping form a third party.
In other words, "Law & Order" may affect the future of the republic. Yet, NBC might cancel it. Surreal.
Meanwhile, "L&O" scripts are being reshot and broadcast in Russia and France.
"The revenue is a trickle now, but it could become a major stream," Wolf says. "We expect to announce two new format sales in the next 90 days.
"My hope is that, quite literally, the sun will never set on units shooting various 'Law & Orders.' "
I can get behind that.
BY DOUG ELFMAN Television Critic
A few people in my business suggest Dick Wolf has been campaigning in the press to keep NBC from canceling his creations "Law & Order" and/or "Criminal Intent." But the truth is Wolf is barely talking.
Agreeing to my request for an interview, he doesn't say one derogatory thing about NBC and won't go on record about negotiations.
NBC says the shows are expensive, and ratings are down. But NBC makes loads of money from syndication. And in my opinion, NBC is to blame for burying "Law & Order" in its worst time slot at 9 p.m. Fridays.
Wolf, 60, has said in the past that budget cuts lead to cutting a street scene or two.
But more cuts now would probably limit scenes even more, and may impinge on casting decisions.
It's weird timing. Star Fred Thompson is considering running for president, hasn't spent a dime and is polling ahead of John McCain among Republicans. And star Sam Waterston is helping form a third party.
In other words, "Law & Order" may affect the future of the republic. Yet, NBC might cancel it. Surreal.
Meanwhile, "L&O" scripts are being reshot and broadcast in Russia and France.
"The revenue is a trickle now, but it could become a major stream," Wolf says. "We expect to announce two new format sales in the next 90 days.
"My hope is that, quite literally, the sun will never set on units shooting various 'Law & Orders.' "
I can get behind that.
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