"CONTENT IS KING" ...this phrase became the entertainment industry mantra in the 1980s and ‘90s as broadcast and cable television began to offer the vast selection of programming provided to audiences today.
And who has been responsible for the glorious explosion of new shows, and a multitude of productions? The writers AND the “suits,” working together to build creative business models that fostered the most dynamic entertainment industry in the world.
Together, the creative-minded and business-minded people in our industry have generated entertainment that has been beamed to space and back, and enjoyed by millions and millions of viewers around the world. Our industry is a unique collaborative effort, sustaining jobs for artisans, crafts people, technicians, business professionals who expertly (each in their own way) wrap their skills, education and talents around the written words of writers...the same words that are judged and embraced by audiences around the world.Throughout our history, EIC has been graced with contributions from hundreds of talented people from all facets of the entertainment industry, including many talented writers.
It is not EIC's place in our industry to take sides on the strike, as we work with content that is produced by the collaboration of writers, directors, producers, executives, and everyone else that makes great entertainment happen.
It is, however, our place to encourage the reconciliation needed to continue to move our industry into the future.
It is our place to point out the fact that leaders on both sides of the strike can and will foster an equitable resolution.
And it is our place to maintain optimism that this fair resolution will be reached soon.
It is also our place to support everyone whose professional and personal lives are affected by the writers’ strike—which is to say, just about everyone in the business, and our loyal audiences whose lives are moved and sometimes improved by the content we create.
Words are waiting to be written, stories to be told. Deals are waiting to be made. Behind the stories and the deals are people who are waiting to get back to work.
That said, I have hope that this experience be a short passage to a stronger, more united and even more successful entertainment industry in which content remains king, and the people who create content can get back to the art of making a difference.
Brian
Friday, November 9, 2007
“Content is King”: The Power of Words on Strike
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
THANK YOU!
Special thanks to all the talented people who helped make possible the production of the 11th Annual PRISM Awards that just aired on FX Network. PRISM is just about a year long process. It is created first from the commitment to others and dedication of the EIC staff, Board of Directors, a number of Trustees, members of the EIC Creative Professional Network and a host of volunteers from the creative community.
Uniquely, the heart of the PRISM Awards emanates from people within and outside of the entertainment industry who recognize the importance and relevance of the entertainment industry to help others by using its power and influence to reach audiences with health and life style information that can literally help save a life. PRISM is a culmination of creative professionals’ awareness and attention to empowering the public with accurate information in an entertaining way. The PRISM Awards showcases some of the best work of actors, writers, producers, directors and other creative professionals that makes a difference in the lives of audiences.
As we enter the PRISM season of Call for Entries, I encourage those in our industry who would like to be a part of something that is special and unique to get involved with EIC. Your skills and talent will be well received by all involved with the PRISM Awards. New thinking is welcome as is pro bono production services. There is plenty of opportunity to be involved in Call for Entries, Judging, the annual Awards Event, Capitol Hill Showcase, marketing, promotion, public relations and the production.
So please don't hesitate to contact EIC to wear your heart on your sleeve a little bit...be a part of bringing the power and influence of the entertainment industry to bear on health and social issues. Help create the "art of making a difference."
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Snapshots: PRISM Awards Showcase (10/2/07)
*click on pictures for larger image*
Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) 
Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT)
Representative Diane Watson (D-CA) 
Representatives Grace Napolitano (D-CA) & Tim Murphy (R-PA)
The lovely Judith Light...striking a pose.
EIC's Management Team with Mark Weber, the Director of Communications for SAMHSA.
Marcellus Alexander (President, NAB Education Foundation); Kathryn Power (Director, Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHSA); Katherine Fugate (Creator and Executive Producer, Army Wives); Nick Grad (Executive VP, Programming, FX Networks); Dr. Gary Sachs (Founder & Director, MGH Bipolar Clinic & Research Program), Judith Light (Actor, Ugly Betty); Brian Dyak (President & CEO, EIC)
Judith Light, Katherine Fugate and Morgan Brittany
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Set your DVRs for Sunday, November 4th!
Time: 3:00 PM and 1:00 AM
(left to right: Brian Dyak, Melissa Rivers, John Salley, Dr. Drew Pinsky)Out for the day? Watching football? Go ahead and set the DVR!
Hosted by Melissa Rivers, John Salley, and Dr. Drew, the show will highlight drama and comedy through entertaining stories from some of your favorite TV shows and movies! You will also hear from talented actors about preparing for their roles.
PRISM is not simply an awards show; in fact, it is a magazine-format show that gives you insight into the storytelling that weaves its way through the complexities of substance abuse and mental health concerns…topics we generally don’t hang out and talk about until it’s absolutely necessary or sometimes too late.
So why wait? Get a heads up on some information that could prompt the kind of dialogue with a friend or loved one that just might nip unwanted circumstances in the bud! If you record it, PRISM just might be your entry point for a frank discussion about substance abuse and/or mental health.
If for some reason you don’t catch the show, get a hold of EIC, and we will send you a DVD with some discussion questions…our way of giving you an opportunity to combat stigma and do something that just might make a difference.
All of us at EIC are proud that PRISM is the only TV special that has nationally aired for 8 consecutive years that spotlights these important health issues…in the history of television! We salute all those at FX, Fox Broadcasting, 20th Century Fox, NBC, Universal, USA, CBS, Paramount, Showtime, MTV Networks, ABC, Disney, E!, CW, A&E, Lifetime, Warner Bros., Sony, Turner Networks, MGM, Discovery, HBO, and the many in the creative community whose work is on display. Enjoy the show!
Brian
