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Richard Frank

Executive

"It's not called show art; it's called show business. We do the best we can do, for the budget we have, and within the parameters that we've established when we go forward and decide to do a show." 

About This Interview

In his nearly three-and-a-half hour Archive interview, Richard Frank discusses his early years working in advertising. He talks about his stint in local Los Angeles television, at both KTLA and KCOP, and speaks of developing the Operation Prime Time consortium, which brought programing (including the made-for-television films Sadat and A Woman Called Golda) to local independent stations around the country. He recounts his transition to Paramount Television, where he oversaw the creation of Entertainment Tonight, and attempted to launch the ill-fated Paramount Television Service. He discusses at length his time as President of the Paramount Television Group, where he oversaw production of Happy Days and developed Cheers, and outlines his transition over to Disney Television, where along with Michael Eisner, he developed such hits as The Golden Girls and Empty Nest. Frank talks about the importance of executives adjusting to the new media landscape, and comments on his then-current work at his production company, Prospect Park. Jim McKairnes conducted the interview on June 29, 2012 in Beverly Hills, CA.

Related To This Video

  • Shows
  • People
  • Topics
  • Professions

Shows

  • Blossom
  • Cheers
  • Ellen
  • Empty Nest
  • Family Ties
  • Golden Girls, The
  • Happy Days
  • Home Improvement
  • Laverne & Shirley
  • Live with Regis and Kathie Lee
  • Mad Men
  • Siskel & Ebert & the Movies
  • Solid Gold
  • Taxi

People

  • Gary David Goldberg
  • Michael Eisner
  • Michael J. Fox
  • James L. Brooks
  • Garry Marshall
  • Regis Philbin
  • Tony Thomas
  • Betty White
  • Henry Winkler

Topics

  • Censorship / Standards & Practices
  • Diversity in Television
  • Emmy Awards
  • Gay/Lesbian
  • Media Consolidation
  • Network Creation
  • Technological Innovation
  • Television Industry

Professions

  • Executives
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  • Highlights
  • Interview
  • Shows
  • People
  • Topics
  • Genres
  • Professions

Highlights

  • Richard Frank on developing The Disney ChannelRichard Frank on developing The Disney Channel
    Clip begins at: 25:13, Duration: 03m 44s
  • Richard Frank on his friendship with Barry Diller <br/>Richard Frank on his friendship with Barry Diller
    Clip begins at: 00:01, Duration: 01m 29s
  • Richard Frank on creating <i>Entertainment Tonight</i>Richard Frank on creating Entertainment Tonight
    Clip begins at: 36:37, Duration: 10m 31s
  • Richard Frank on developing  <i>Cheers</i>Richard Frank on developing  Cheers
    Clip begins at: 40:08, Duration: 03m 50s
  • Richard Frank on developing <i>Ellen</i>, and "Ellen" coming outRichard Frank on developing Ellen, and "Ellen" coming out
    Clip begins at: 10:46, Duration: 06m 10s

Interview

  • Part 1
  • On his early life and influences; on television he watched growing up; on getting into advertising and working at KTLA
    Clip begins at: 0:0
  • On working at KCOP and Operation Prime Time; on the Paramount Television Service
    Clip begins at: 16:19
  • On creating Solid Gold; on creating Entertainment Tonight
    Clip begins at: 31:10
  • On being President of the Paramount Television Group; on working with Michael Eisner and Barry Diller
    Clip begins at: 47:08
  • Part 2
  • On his friendship with Barry Diller; on his philosophy as a television executive; on dealing with Standards and Practices
    Clip begins at: 0:0
  • On overseeing production of Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley; on overseeing production of Taxi 
    Clip begins at: 13:55
  • On developing Family Ties; on developing Cheers  and dealing with cast departures
    Clip begins at: 35:33
  • On dealing with backstage problems and the press; on his transition from Paramount to Disney; on developing Home Improvement
    Clip begins at: 46:57
  • Part 3
  • On building Disney Television; on developing The Golden Girls; on developing Ellen and "Ellen" coming out
    Clip begins at: 0:0
  • On developing Empty Nest and Blossom; on developing Live with Regis and Kathie Lee and Siskel & Ebert; on the arrival of new media
    Clip begins at: 16:56
  • On his exit from Disney; on his involvement with E! Entertainment Television; on his involvement with Integrated Entertainment Partners
    Clip begins at: 33:43
  • On his production company Prospect Park; on producing Royal Pains and Wilfred; on his time as President of The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
    Clip begins at: 45:27
  • Part 4
  • On the effect of the internet on network and cable programming; on the Archive of American Television
    Clip begins at: 0:0
  • On his management style; on his winery; on his achievements and regrets and how he'd like to be remembered
    Clip begins at: 07:36

Shows

  • Blossom
    • Richard Frank on developing Empty Nest and Blossom
      Clip begins at: 16:56, Duration: 02m 08s
  • Cheers
    • Richard Frank on keeping Cheers and Family Ties on the air after low-rated first years
      Clip begins at: 35:33, Duration: 01m 40s
    • Richard Frank on developing Cheers
      Clip begins at: 40:08, Duration: 03m 50s
    • Richard Frank on Shelley Long's departure from Cheers
      Clip begins at: 44:00, Duration: 02m 57s
  • Ellen
    • Richard Frank on developing Ellen, and "Ellen" coming out
      Clip begins at: 10:46, Duration: 06m 10s
  • Empty Nest
    • Richard Frank on developing Empty Nest and Blossom
      Clip begins at: 16:56, Duration: 02m 08s
  • Family Ties
    • Richard Frank on keeping Cheers and Family Ties on the air after low-rated first years
      Clip begins at: 35:33, Duration: 01m 40s
    • Richard Frank on developing Family Ties
      Clip begins at: 37:13, Duration: 02m 57s
  • Golden Girls, The
    • Richard Frank on developing The Golden Girls
      Clip begins at: 02:57, Duration: 07m 49s
  • Happy Days
    • Richard Frank on overseeing production of Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley 
      Clip begins at: 13:55, Duration: 05m 51s
    • Richard Frank on the legacy of Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley
      Clip begins at: 23:50, Duration: 03m 13s
  • Home Improvement
    • Richard Frank on dealing with backstage gossip and controversy  
      Clip begins at: 46:57, Duration: 04m 01s
    • Richard Frank on developing Home Improvement
      Clip begins at: 54:56, Duration: 03m 16s
  • Laverne & Shirley
    • Richard Frank on overseeing production of Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley
      Clip begins at: 13:55, Duration: 05m 51s
    • Richard Frank on the troubled last year of Laverne and Shirley and selling it into syndication
      Clip begins at: 19:46, Duration: 04m 04s
    • Richard Frank on the legacy of Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley
      Clip begins at: 23:50, Duration: 03m 13s
  • Live with Regis and Kathie Lee
    • Richard Frank on developing Live with Regis and Kathie Lee
      Clip begins at: 19:04, Duration: 02m 52s
  • Mad Men
    • Richard Frank on getting into advertising
      Clip begins at: 07:58, Duration: 05m 36s
  • Siskel & Ebert & the Movies
    • Richard Frank on developing Siskel & Ebert & the Movies
      Clip begins at: 21:56, Duration: 03m 17s
  • Solid Gold
    • Richard Frank on creating Solid Gold
      Clip begins at: 30:11, Duration: 06m 26s
  • Taxi
    • Richard Frank on on overseeing production of Taxi
      Clip begins at: 27:03, Duration: 08m 30s

People

  • Tim Allen
    • Richard Frank on developing Home Improvement
      Clip begins at: 54:56, Duration: 03m 16s
  • Gary David Goldberg
    • Richard Frank on developing Family Ties
      Clip begins at: 37:13, Duration: 02m 56s
  • Ellen DeGeneres
    • Richard Frank on developing Ellen, and "Ellen" coming out
      Clip begins at: 10:56, Duration: 06m 00s
  • Barry Diller
    • Richard Frank on making the transition from Paramount to Disney
      Clip begins at: 50:58, Duration: 03m 35s
    • Richard Frank on working with Barry Diller
      Clip begins at: 55:09, Duration: 03m 49s
  • Michael Eisner
    • Richard Frank on making the transition from Paramount to Disney
      Clip begins at: 50:58, Duration: 03m 55s
    • Richard Frank on the failed Paramount Television Service
      Clip begins at: 25:10, Duration: 05m 00s
    • Richard Frank on resigning from Disney due to discord
      Clip begins at: 33:43, Duration: 03m 44s
    • Richard Frank on working with Michael Eisner on the Paramount Television Group and learning how to work with writers
      Clip begins at: 50:55, Duration: 04m 14s
  • Susan Harris
    • Richard Frank on building Disney Television's programming slate
      Clip begins at: 00:01, Duration: 02m 56s
  • Mary Hart
    • Richard Frank on hiring Mary Hart for Entertainment Tonight
      Clip begins at: 47:08, Duration: 01m 06s
  • Michael J. Fox
    • Richard Frank on developing Family Ties
      Clip begins at: 37:13, Duration: 02m 56s
  • Jeffrey Katzenberg
    • Richard Frank on making the transition from Paramount to Disney
      Clip begins at: 50:58, Duration: 03m 35s
    • Richard Frank on resigning from Disney due to discord
      Clip begins at: 33:43, Duration: 03m 44s
    • Richard Frank on the failed Paramount Television Service
      Clip begins at: 25:10, Duration: 05m 00s
  • James L. Brooks
    • Richard Frank on overseeing production of Taxi
      Clip begins at: 27:03, Duration: 08m 30s
  • Kathie Lee Gifford
    • Richard Frank on developing Live with Regis and Kathie Lee
      Clip begins at: 19:04, Duration: 02m 52s
  • Shelley Long
    • Richard Frank on Shelley Long's departure from Cheers
      Clip begins at: 44:00, Duration: 02m 57s
  • Garry Marshall
    • Richard Frank on overseeing production of Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley
      Clip begins at: 13:55, Duration: 05m 51s
  • Regis Philbin
    • Richard Frank on developing Live with Regis and Kathie Lee
      Clip begins at: 19:04, Duration: 02m 52s
  • Tony Thomas
    • Richard Frank on building Disney Television's programming slate
      Clip begins at: 00:01, Duration: 02m 56s
  • Dionne Warwick
    • Richard Frank on creating Solid Gold
      Clip begins at: 30:11, Duration: 06m 26s
  • Betty White
    • Richard Frank on developing The Golden Girls
      Clip begins at: 02:57, Duration: 07m 59s
  • Henry Winkler
    • Richard Frank on overseeing production of Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley 
      Clip begins at: 13:55, Duration: 05m 51s

Topics

  • Emmy Awards
    • Richard Frank on his time as the President of The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
      Clip begins at: 54:36, Duration: 04m 34s
  • Historic Events and Social Change > Diversity in Television
    • Richard Frank on developing Ellen, and "Ellen" coming out
      Clip begins at: 10:56, Duration: 06m 00s
  • Historic Events and Social Change > Diversity in Television > Gay/Lesbian
    • Richard Frank on developing Ellen, and "Ellen" coming out
      Clip begins at: 10:56, Duration: 06m 00s
  • Technological Innovation
    • Richard Frank on seeing the future of new media and vertical integration 
      Clip begins at: 28:57, Duration: 04m 46s
    • Richard Frank on the effect of the internet on programming now and in the future
      Clip begins at: 00:01, Duration: 05m 51s
  • Television Industry
    • Richard Frank on the failed Paramount Television Service
      Clip begins at: 25:10, Duration: 05m 00s
    • Richard Frank on the ever-changing landscape of television and dealing with Standards and Practices
      Clip begins at: 10:52, Duration: 03m 03s
    • Richard Frank on seeing the future of new media and vertical integration
      Clip begins at: 28:57, Duration: 04m 46s
    • Richard Frank on the effect of the internet on programming now and in the future
      Clip begins at: 00:01, Duration: 05m 51s
  • Television Industry > Censorship / Standards & Practices
    • Richard Frank on the ever-changing landscape of television and dealing with Standards and Practices
      Clip begins at: 10:52, Duration: 03m 03s
  • Television Industry > Media Consolidation
    • Richard Frank on seeing the future of new media and vertical integration
      Clip begins at: 28:57, Duration: 04m 46s
  • Television Industry > Network Creation
    • Richard Frank on the failed Paramount Television Service
      Clip begins at: 25:10, Duration: 05m 00s

Genres

  • Comedy Series
    • Richard Frank on overseeing production of Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley
      Clip begins at: 13:55, Duration: 13m 08s
    • Richard Frank on overseeing production of Taxi
      Clip begins at: 27:03, Duration: 08m 30s
    • Richard Frank on developing Family Ties
      Clip begins at: 37:13, Duration: 02m 56s
    • Richard Frank on developing Cheers
      Clip begins at: 40:08, Duration: 06m 49s
    • Richard Frank on developing The Golden Girls
      Clip begins at: 02:57, Duration: 07m 59s
    • Richard Frank on developing Ellen
      Clip begins at: 10:56, Duration: 06m 00s
  • Service Shows
    • Richard Frank on developing Siskel & Ebert & the Movies
      Clip begins at: 21:56, Duration: 03m 17s
  • Talk Shows
    • Richard Frank on developing Live with Regis and Kathie Lee
      Clip begins at: 19:04, Duration: 02m 52s

Professions

  • Executives
    • Richard Frank on working with Michael Eisner on the Paramount Television Group and learning how to work with writers
      Clip begins at: 50:55, Duration: 04m 14s
    • Richard Frank on his philosophy as a television executive
      Clip begins at: 01:30, Duration: 09m 22s
    • Richard Frank on dealing with backstage gossip and controversy  
      Clip begins at: 46:57, Duration: 04m 01s
    • Richard Frank on his management style and the qualities he looks for in his team
      Clip begins at: 07:36, Duration: 03m 36s
    • Richard Frank on advice to aspiring executives
      Clip begins at: 11:12, Duration: 00m 55s
  • Executives > Television Executive
    • Richard Frank on working with Michael Eisner on the Paramount Television Group and learning how to work with writers
      Clip begins at: 50:55, Duration: 04m 14s
    • Richard Frank on his philosophy as a television executive
      Clip begins at: 01:30, Duration: 09m 22s
    • Richard Frank on dealing with backstage gossip and controversy  
      Clip begins at: 46:57, Duration: 04m 01s
    • Richard Frank on his management style and the qualities he looks for in his team
      Clip begins at: 07:36, Duration: 03m 36s
    • Richard Frank on advice to aspiring executives
      Clip begins at: 11:12, Duration: 00m 55s
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