MediaMarketalk

We hear there will be a film about Nikki Finke , the founder of  Deadline Hollywood Daily, and former president and editor in chief of Deadline.com. We think Finke has warranted the HBO treatment at this point! We found this great feature Benjamin Wallace wrote about Finke and her battle with her former boss Jay Penske (see below). Wallace's article also appears in the December 2 edition of New York   Magazine . Inside the Promising, Hellish, Doomed Business Romance of Nikki Finke and Jay Penske

Most in the Conversation Circle are old enough to remember the low budget Hercules movies we watched endlessly and enjoyed! We think "The Legend of Hercules," directed by Renny Harlin , written by Sean Hood and Daniel Giat , will be a must-see for us. U.S. release is on January 10, 2014.

This is an excerpt from David Raether's memoir "Tell Me Something, She Said,"   5 things I’m most thankful for after being homeless .

The Walt Disney Animation Studios production "Frozen" is based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale "The Snow Queen". This is a great movie for families over the long holiday weekend.

The Conversation Circle members have a lot to be thankful for and we hope you do too!

With the mutual parting of MSNBC and Alec Baldwin's Friday night show, should the cancellation of "Up Late With Alec Baldwin" be considered a programming failure for MSNBC or just another self-inflicted wound by Baldwin ? "Up Late With Alec Baldwin,"was suffering from low ratings and MSNBC seemed to have a hands-off approach in planning and formatting the show. However, the average TV viewer is well aware of Alec Baldwin's "hot head" persona and thus his brand. So why would MSNBC give Baldwin a show, then run for the hills when Baldwin acts like, well, " Alec Baldwin! " MSNBC did know they gave Alec Baldwin a show, right? To be honest, we were a little surprised when Baldwin was given a show. Now we suspect MSNBC will fall back to its lazy programming on Friday nights and send its viewers back to "Lock Up" (which suffers from even lower ratings). Related : Up Late With Alec Baldwin Suspended MSNBC's 'Up Late...

It seems  David O. Russell , whose films include "Silver Linings Playbook" and "The Fighter," which earned Oscar nominations and wins, may have another film, "American Hustle," that will be an Oscar contender.  Russell, with his choice of films, has managed to capture the everyday cycle of life events and elevate them.  We're looking forward to seeing "American Hustle" based on, Abscam , an FBI sting operation that ran in the late 1970s and early 80s.  We're sure the congressman caught in the Abscam sting won't be happy to see it revisited! Oscars: David O.Russell’s ‘ American Hustle’ Wows At First Industry Screening http://t.co/Cox4NCgO1t via @deadline — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 25, 2013

Cable control: Will Comcast or Charter buy Time Warner? http://t.co/u3JiEGZihS via @phillydotcom — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 23, 2013

Finally we will hear from Shonda Rhimes, creator of Scandal, Private Practice and Grey's Anatomy, rather than her characters. Considering her amazing success as a creator and writer, while tacking the job of a single working mother, this should be interesting! 'Scandal' Creator Shonda Rhimes Inks First Book Deal http://t.co/skN51naLHo via @THR — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 22, 2013

Last night H2 aired, "The Lost Kennedy Home Movies," which were rare home movies of the Kennedy family through the years. Many of us delighted in seeing  John F. Kennedy , the 35th President of the United States , in his youth and seeing what he was like long before he would become president. However, most of the media coverage " JFK  assassination 50 years later" includes the actual shooting and many of us have decided not to watch coverage of his death. Some of our Conversation Circle members were roughly the same age Caroline Kennedy was when her father was assassinated. We are forever frozen as a 6 year old when we see or hear about that awful day. Inexplicably, a pain in our stomach, a lump in our throats and tears begin to form. Perhaps we were forever traumatized on that day. When we think the media will show the actual shooting we run to turn the television off. It's too much to bear. The day of JFK's funeral we remember sitting in front of a t...

Bill Cosby is still funny after all these years!

Okay, we love football. We will not name teams at this time, that's not important. However, the NFL's " The Forward Pass: A Football Life " is cool. We're tuning in. Airs tonight. http://t.co/w7nP3ipoOe — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 19, 2013

After creating one of the hottest series in history Vince Gilligan, creator and executive producer of "Breaking Bad," has signed an overall deal with Sony. We can't wait to see what Gilligan does next. Second acts are sometimes tough, but we think Gilligan has the creative genius to pull something off! Scripted programming is still viable. Vince Gilligan Signs Overall Deal With Sony Pictures TV http://t.co/QijFqfr7D1 via @deadline — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 18, 2013

Two of Bravo's new series include "Toned Up," based on Katrina Dawn and Karena Hodgson's website ToneItUp.com and "Blood, Sweat & Heels" featuring "a group of up-and-coming movers and shakers in New York’s elite circles of real estate, fashion, and media." We're not sure of how 'fresh' this programming feels, but I guess we'll have to tune in to find out. Both shows launch in January 2014.

How can CBS News justify not taking transparent action regarding their internal investigation of the Benghazi report that aired on "60 Minutes"?  Seemingly, from media reports, CBS is hoping distractions and waning public interest will allow them to do nothing. It doesn't look like media critics and veteran journalist will accommodate them. Media Critics Scoff At CBS’s Internal Investigation of ’60 Minutes’ Botched Benghazi Report: Video http://t.co/aXitFApssg via @deadline — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 18, 2013

"Up Late With Alec Baldwin," Baldwin' s new weekly show, was suffering from low ratings. Now, due to Baldwin's use of an anti-gay slur, the show has been suspended for two episodes. We were looking for "Up Late With Alec Baldwin" on Friday and instead got sent to "Lock Up." (You know how we feel about that show!) We're not sure how programming will go on Friday nights at MSNBC at this rate. Knowing Baldwin is a 'hot head' and could say or doing anything offensive at any time ( MSNBC knew that, right?), rather than a suspension "Up Late With Alec Baldwin" may need to be cancelled. We suppose the cynical view would be more viewers may now tune in. However, the reality would probably be more "Lock Up." Related :   MSNBC's 'Up Late With Alec Baldwin' Falls In Ratings  Will 'Up Late with Alec Baldwin' Stop us From Going to Jail 

One of our Conversation Circle members owns his legendary book, "Screenplay" which was required reading those in film school, and got to attend one of his seminars. Truly a nice man. R.I.P. Syd Field http://t.co/hBXaKamTUD via @deadline — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 18, 2013

Congratulations to John Oliver! Oliver, our favorite fill-in for Jon Stewart on the Daily Show, will host his own weekly comedy show on HBO. After Oliver's successful summer fill-in stint for Jon Stewart, there was talk of Oliver succeeding Stewart on the Daily Show. However, HBO executives  were watching and impressed by Oliver's hosting performance (Jon Stewart is a hard act to follow) offered him a weekly show. Much like the Daily Show, Oliver's show will take a  satirical look at the news, politics and current events. The show is set to debut in 2014 and air on Sunday nights.

We hope Andy Cohen's new role, effective 2014, will allow him to branch out and create something other than reality shows. While we enjoy some of "The Real Housewives" in the franchise, we'd love to see something fresh from Cohen and Bravo. Bravo’s Andy Cohen To Step Down As Executive ‘Watch What Happens Live’ Renewed For 2 Seasons http://t.co/W0eNDsbqCw via @deadline — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 13, 2013

As our readers know, we're avid Project Runway viewers.   Tim Gunn's new series will premiere January 16. Don't worry, Gunn will not be leaving Project Runway.  Lifetime Orders New Fashion Reality Series Hosted By ‘Project Runway’s Tim Gunn http://t.co/f3x3Za40Nu via @deadline — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 13, 2013

CBS News seems to be losing credibility by the day. Once again veteran journalist and news professionals are accusing the network of reporting on stories without doing the most elementary fact-checking. Many are wondering what has happened to this once deeply respected news organization. Related :  '60 Minutes' Officially Airs Apology, Now What? The Obamacare Fact-Check CBS Should Have Done (But Didn't) http://t.co/cv1IxeEGgQ — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 13, 2013

Video: The Daily Show Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes , The Daily Show on Facebook

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You know how The Conversation Circle feels about E-Stalking! This is a useful piece from Mashable. While it may not stop retailers from E-Stalking, it does help you feel your privacy is a  little  less violated. Related: Retailers, E-Stalking is Not the Way to Go , E-Stalking How to Opt Out of Data Tracking on Your Most-Used Sites http://t.co/oYG84TetI6 via @mashable — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 12, 2013

We're hoping Baldwin will tweak " Up Late With Alec Baldwin " so  MSNBC viewers won't have to go back to jail! However, say what you want, at least "Lock Up" didn't put you to sleep. While Baldwin is up against Bill Maher, and they draw from the same audience, "Up Late With Alec Baldwin" is boring. How long can you listen to two people talk? Charlie Rose you say? Well, that's PBS and a totally different audience! With Baldwin's persona there has to be a way to liven up the show. Related : Will 'Up Late with Alec Baldwin' Stop us From Going to Jail  Alec Baldwin’s MSNBC Show Falls To New Low, CNN’s ‘Unguarded’ Takes A Hit http://t.co/4M1JGa1Ghg via @deadline — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 12, 2013

Last week a member's teen, hoping to get his own car, told his mother about a "girl at school" who just got a Cadillac . His mother thought how is that possible. Her father owned many Cadillacs , and from what we've seen in our neighborhoods, not to many non boomers drive Cadillacs!   So the mere fact that a senior in high school wanted to drive a Cadillac was shocking to us.  However, we've learned Cadillac has been developing their new cars (seems the ATS Compact is popular with younger people) to attract a broader segment of the population, and apparently it's working. Cadillac is obviously doing something right if they can break into the "my first car" teen market. Wow, we're impressed. It's not our father's Cadillac anymore!

At the end of Sunday's broadcast, 60 Minutes correspondent, Lara Logan again "apologized." Our question is, is it enough? As we previously noted Dan Rather , former CBS News  anchor, and a producer were fired after a report on George W. Bush's National Guard service in 2004 was called into question. Should the public now draw the conclusion that Rather's firing was a knee-jerk reaction, or have journalistic standards changed that much? Related Media Voices Calling for CBS to Do More Than Apologize  CBS Admits to Benghazi Mistake on 'CBS This Morning'  CBS News Defends '60 Minutes' 

We read a really great review of the Metropolitan Opera's "Two Boys" on Mashable . Even if you don't like opera, the subject and set design make this interesting.

Based on what has now been confirmed as a "discredited report about the Benghazi embassy attack" veteran journalist and news professionals, (citing the firing of Dan Rather and a producer after the report on George W. Bush's  National Guard service in 2004), are calling for the firing of individuals associated with the 60 Minutes report. Related:  CBS Admits to Benghazi Mistake ,  CBS Defends 60 Minutes '60 Minutes' Comes Under Intense Criticism For Bungled Benghazi Story http://t.co/uRA7QnNJ67 via @HuffPostMedia — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 9, 2013

Perhaps "Mother Up!" can get a few story ideas from Gisele Bündchen. Related : Hulu's Mother Up! Missed Opportunity?  Gisele Bündchen’s Secrets to Having It All - The Cut http://t.co/GhYYuiRcr3 via @thecut — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 8, 2013

Lara Logan , a  60 Minutes  correspondent, appeared on  CBS This Morning (we thought Norah O'Donnell did a good job grilling Logan ) to discuss the story that called into question the newsmagazine's misleading report on the Benghazi embassy attack, and thus its credibility. How does  60 Minutes  regain the public's trust? It seems the first step is admitting "you were wrong" and apologizing.   See the video below: Related: CBS News Defends 60 Minutes

We're not sure what we think of Hulu's animated series" Mother Up !", described as a female " Family Guy ". From what we've seen and read, it's not funny. The concept is great. Fully in-charge music executive meets the humbling world of stay-at-home mom. For those without children, kids can humble you. Perhaps future episodes will delve more deftly into the difficulties, frustrations and feelings of inadequacy that can sometimes accompany full-time motherhood. Not to mention, adjusting to those annoying near-perfect stay-at-home moms (no stereotypes, please), feelings of not being able or even wanting to do it all, constant guilt and perhaps the knowledge that you've made a big mistake and you really should be working! Yes, some major gripes can be exploited here!

Want to Be in Star Wars Episode VII? This May Be Your Best Shot http://t.co/Q8uFT00Dzb via @mashable — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 8, 2013

We're happy for John Oliver . We think he's a great talent, not to mention funny! His fill-in for Jon Stewart on The Daily Show over the summer proved Oliver is ready for a spinoff! We're looking forward to seeing more of Oliver. John Oliver To Host International Emmy Awards Ceremony http://t.co/W95n21d0jf via @deadline — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 7, 2013

As you know The Conversation Circle loves fashion. Some in our circle have been called a 'clothes horse' (not this member)! So as you can imagine we're exited about this film. Yves Saint Laurent,  picked up by the Weinstein Company and scheduled for a 2014 release, is one of two biopics being made about the industry giant.

Fashion Forward At the premiere of "Thor: The Dark World" Jaimie Alexander was certainly an eyeful, and we're not sure if her gown was fashion or just eye-catching.  Either way, she was noticed.  How to Be Naked in a Full-Length, Long-Sleeve Gown - The Cut http://t.co/M5Dp9gmgVd via @thecut — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 6, 2013

Netflix Release: Beverly Hills, CA, November 5, 2013 — Netflix will launch “The Short Game” on Thursday, December 12th at 12:01 AM PT .  The documentary, which will be the first original documentary available on the service, follows eight of the most competitive golfers around the globe, all who happen to be under the ripe age of seven years old, as they train for and compete in the World Championship of Junior Golf.  The Netflix original documentary will be available to stream in all territories where Netflix is available - U.S., Canada, the UK, Ireland, Latin America, the Nordics and the Netherlands.

We think disclosing the fact that a book, written by Dylan Davies, was being published by a subsidiary of CBS should have been Producing 101 or at the very least Journalism 101. How can the public trust the MSM, 60 Minutes in this case, if they withhold information that is clearly pertinent to the story being told? CBS News Defends Its ‘60 Minutes’ Benghazi Report http://t.co/45uQHuDNKu — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 6, 2013

There's no surprise here. Deadline.Com is not Deadline Hollywood at all. Deadline Hollywood was a must-read, Deadline.Com, not so much. Jay Penske , who purchased the site in 2009, stripped away everything that was great about Nikki Finke's website. If Penske thinks he can replace Finke's voice, I think he will find he is mistaken. The same audience that complains about Finke's candid reporting will most likely follow her to the new site. Love or hate Finke , she had a strong point of view that the entertainment industry connected with. Deadline.Com is now news you can get anywhere. That's good news for Deadline.Com's competitors! http://t.co/rKUPHN4JAh And Nikki Finke Parting Ways http://t.co/MXdsIRGL9x via @deadline — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 6, 2013

We love Steven Van Zandt's gangster style and Season 2 of Netflix's original series "Lilyhammer" is almost here. “Lilyhammer” follows former gangster Frank “The Fixer” Tagliano (Van Zandt) as he enters the federal witness protection program trading the mean streets of New York for the icy fjords of Norway, forging a new life among the locals of Lillehammer. Season two continues with Frank living under the alias of Johnny Henriksen, a successful nightclub owner and father of two. As if life couldn’t get more complicated than balancing fatherhood with running a criminal operation, everything Frank cares for is threatened when his former mob associates find out he is still alive. Get a first look here:  

‘Remember the Titans’ Scribe to Pen World War II Drama ‘Night Witches’ (EXCLUSIVE) http://t.co/BrY6sFg8xB — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 4, 2013

You all know how we feel about off network original programming and what it means to content producers and writers. Amazon’s First Original Comedy Series Get Premiere Dates http://t.co/yB2P8ZTAPw via @deadline — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 4, 2013

Reviews for Kerry Washington's appearance on SNL , considering Saturday Night Live was dealing with a very public issue concerning the lack of black females on the show, seems to have focused the diversity problem (like a laser) on the writing staff as well. Could diversity among the writing staff be the issue, too? Related: Kerry Washington to SNL Nov 2 ‘SNL’ lacks diversity in the cast, and in the writers’ room http://t.co/lR07xyQyNa — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 3, 2013

Your wish has come true. This is for the Google+ member who was concerned about The Goldbergs being canceled. You know who you are, we'll see you on Goggle+ and let us know why you like the show so much! ABC Gives Full Season Orders To ‘Trophy Wife’ & ‘Goldbergs’ http://t.co/zdG6AJ7inS via @deadline — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 2, 2013

All we can say is, Heidi's cool. Great idea Heidi! 

From a poor single mother in segregated 1950s America to notorious jewel thief, that's the life of Doris Payne . By the way, a movie about Payne's life is on the way, reportedly starring Halle Berry . Related Notorious jewel thief Doris Payne, 83, makes news in Palm Desert http://t.co/UjMLbQJEvr — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 1, 2013

We can so related to this story. One of our members' teen was addicted to the Axe Body Spray a few years ago. Then he than began using the shampoo and deodorant, that is until HE became overwhelmed with the constant "vapor" that followed him everywhere. For those of you who read our blog you may remember that teen switched to Old Spice ! No complaints from his mother, yet. Hey boys, moderation is always key. Deluge of Axe Body Spray Shuts Down School - The Cut http://t.co/ztv8TyQ4fe via @thecut — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) November 1, 2013

Looks like The Real  a talkie, whose panel includes Tamar Braxton, Loni Love, Adrienne Bailon, Jeannie Mai and Tamera Mowry-Housley, will get its roll out on 18 Fox   Television Stations O&Os beginning next fall.  We have to say, Tamar Braxton has taken the ball and run with it. We've watched Braxton on "Braxton Family Values" and some of "Tamar& Vince," as they say she's a piece of work! We'll see if the other four women can keep Braxton (she is the baby of her family) from sucking up all of the attention. Odd choice for Fox you say, not really. The Real passed a four week test run in seven markets. Fox is betting The Real, and shows like it, will help them reach a "new generation of viewers." 'The Real' To Roll Out On Fox O&Os Next Fall