Casting Director Renee Godbout explains what upfronts are and why they matter.
By Renee Godbout
An upfront is a meeting of television network executives with the press and advertisers. It signals the start of an important advertising sales period, allowing marketers to buy commercial airtime "up front," or several months before the season begins.
Around this time every year, the television networks fly out their star talent to New York City for glitzy parties, interviews, and of course, a quick stop at the actual upfront presentation to represent their show. Each network will showcase their new shows, as well as returning favorites.
This year, due to the writer’s strike, things were a little different: there were fewer new shows, less money, and more of a focus on year-round programming. ABC is only adding two new shows to its repertoire in the fall. The CW has a similar philosophy, but with a few more new additions.
Usually each network will pick up numerous new drama and comedy series, but this year, many of the pilots haven’t even been shot. So instead of treading in uncharted waters, many networks have opted to keep their schedules intact, and will wait to pick up pilots for the mid-season.
Another big part of upfronts is finding out what TV shows have been given the axe. CBS canceled Moonlight, an addictive show that I was sure would receive a pick up. Unfortunately, the show suffered due to a bad time slot on Friday nights and many cast and crew changes.
One of the most promising new shows is the new JJ Abrams show Fringe. It sounds like a hipper version of The X-Files with former teen heartthrob Joshua Jackson making a comeback. It’ll be paired with Prison Break on Monday nights on Fox, which unfortunately goes up against the show I work on, Gossip Girl. Thankfully, with the invention of DVR and TIVO, we'll be able to watch both!
Renee Godbout - Freelance Casting Director. Renee Godbout recently worked on the first season of The CW's popular teen show Gossip Girl at Grant Wilfey Casting. Some past projects include 2 seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, the pilot for Dirty Sexy Money, and the upcoming Jonathan Demme-directed Dancing with Shiva.
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