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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.
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Highlights
Richard Frank on developing The Disney Channel
Clip begins at: 25:13, Duration: 03m 44sRichard Frank on his friendship with Barry Diller
Clip begins at: 00:01, Duration: 01m 29sRichard Frank on creating Entertainment Tonight
Clip begins at: 36:37, Duration: 10m 31sRichard Frank on developing Cheers
Clip begins at: 40:08, Duration: 03m 50sRichard 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
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