Post by Teddy Bear on Apr 1, 2008 17:26:31 GMT
Kevin Spacey criticises BBC for talent shows
By Nicole Martin, Digital and Media correspondent
Last Updated: 1:46am BST 01/04/2008
Kevin Spacey, the Hollywood actor and theatre director, has accused the BBC of breaching its strict advertising guidelines with TV talent shows like Any Dream Will Do and I'd Do Anything.
The Oscar-winning star said that the corporation was "crossing the line" and creating unfair competition by airing programmes in which aspiring singer and actors compete for lead roles in West End musicals.
In a move that will reignite the row over the alleged creeping commercialisation of the BBC, he questioned whether it was right for a public service broadcaster to be promoting shows produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Cameron Mackintosh.
"I felt that these shows were essentially a 13-week promotion for a musical - where's our 13-week programme? When are they going to do one about a play?", he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
"The BBC is not a commercial operation and I thought it was crossing the line unfairly."
Spacey, who has discussed the issue with Sir Michael Lyons, the chairman of the BBC Trust, added: "Theatres made £32 million at the box office so I doubt they would say it impacted on them badly but I do think it's imbalanced."
After the television series How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, in which a lead was found for Lord Lloyd-Webber's new production of The Sound of Music, the theatre went on to take £12 million in advance sales tickets.
CD sales of the cast recording and a solo album by the talent show winner, Connie Fisher, also went on to become big sellers.
The BBC followed up the series with Any Dream Will Do, a search for a singer to take the lead role in Lord Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which has been sold out since it opened.
Millions of viewers are now tuning in to watch I'd Do Anything, in which thousands of hopefuls have auditioned to star in Sir Cameron Mackintosh's revival of Oliver!
The BBC is governed by editorial guidelines, which are policed by the BBC Trust and stipulate that it "must not endorse or appear to endorse any other organisation, its products, activities or services".
It should also not give "undue prominence" to commercial products or services. The BBC denied any wrongdoing, saying it "always reflected" other West End shows in its talent programmes.
"The BBC doesn't have any commercial interest in the subsequent West End production, or any related spin offs such as touring productions," said a spokesman.
"We're fully aware of the need to ensure that 'I'd Do Anything' is not 'unduly promotional' and will continue to take steps to ensure that the programme meets with all BBC editorial guidelines as with previous productions."
Spacey, who is the artistic director at the Old Vic theatre in London, said it was time to start building the next generation of theatre-goers because "if not we'll lose them all to TV".
He suggested that the BBC revive Play for Today, the 1970s drama series, which broadcast plays such as Mike Leigh's Abigail's Party and Ken Loach's Cathy Come Home.
By Nicole Martin, Digital and Media correspondent
Last Updated: 1:46am BST 01/04/2008
Kevin Spacey, the Hollywood actor and theatre director, has accused the BBC of breaching its strict advertising guidelines with TV talent shows like Any Dream Will Do and I'd Do Anything.
The Oscar-winning star said that the corporation was "crossing the line" and creating unfair competition by airing programmes in which aspiring singer and actors compete for lead roles in West End musicals.
In a move that will reignite the row over the alleged creeping commercialisation of the BBC, he questioned whether it was right for a public service broadcaster to be promoting shows produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Cameron Mackintosh.
"I felt that these shows were essentially a 13-week promotion for a musical - where's our 13-week programme? When are they going to do one about a play?", he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
"The BBC is not a commercial operation and I thought it was crossing the line unfairly."
Spacey, who has discussed the issue with Sir Michael Lyons, the chairman of the BBC Trust, added: "Theatres made £32 million at the box office so I doubt they would say it impacted on them badly but I do think it's imbalanced."
After the television series How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, in which a lead was found for Lord Lloyd-Webber's new production of The Sound of Music, the theatre went on to take £12 million in advance sales tickets.
CD sales of the cast recording and a solo album by the talent show winner, Connie Fisher, also went on to become big sellers.
The BBC followed up the series with Any Dream Will Do, a search for a singer to take the lead role in Lord Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which has been sold out since it opened.
Millions of viewers are now tuning in to watch I'd Do Anything, in which thousands of hopefuls have auditioned to star in Sir Cameron Mackintosh's revival of Oliver!
The BBC is governed by editorial guidelines, which are policed by the BBC Trust and stipulate that it "must not endorse or appear to endorse any other organisation, its products, activities or services".
It should also not give "undue prominence" to commercial products or services. The BBC denied any wrongdoing, saying it "always reflected" other West End shows in its talent programmes.
"The BBC doesn't have any commercial interest in the subsequent West End production, or any related spin offs such as touring productions," said a spokesman.
"We're fully aware of the need to ensure that 'I'd Do Anything' is not 'unduly promotional' and will continue to take steps to ensure that the programme meets with all BBC editorial guidelines as with previous productions."
Spacey, who is the artistic director at the Old Vic theatre in London, said it was time to start building the next generation of theatre-goers because "if not we'll lose them all to TV".
He suggested that the BBC revive Play for Today, the 1970s drama series, which broadcast plays such as Mike Leigh's Abigail's Party and Ken Loach's Cathy Come Home.