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Thursday, June 16, 2011

Ratings are in!

According to The Futon Critic and a press release from TVLand: "Happily Divorced drew in 2.4 million total viewers at 10:30 p.m. and when combined with its encores at 11 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. attracted 4.4 million total viewers." Read more HERE!

(Photo copyrighted to respective owners at Happily Divorced/TV Land.)

If you happened to miss the premiere of Happily Divorced, you can watch the pilot HERE. Tune in next week for another hilarious episode at 10:30|9:30c after Hot In Cleveland on TVLand!


Check out the Happily Divorced web page and Facebook page to keep tabs on the show. You can view photos, leave comments on the message board, read bios and watch interviews with the cast!


Tuesday, June 14, 2011

"Happily Divorced" to Premiere... AND I'm in it!

Sunset Blvd. and Vine St. billboard advertising Happily Divorced.

That's right, Fran's back! Be sure to tune into TVLand tonight, Wednesday, June 15th 10:30|9:30c for the premiere of Fran Drescher's new sitcom, Happily Divorced! The show has a great cast starring: John Michael Higgins, Rita Moreno, Tichina Arnold, Robert Walden, Valente Rodriguez and D.W. Moffett. It is based off of her life with her real ex-husband and co-creator, Peter Marc Jacobson.

I am and have been a director-in-training under the very talented director, Lee Shallat Chemel. By shadowing Lee, I have had the ability to learn an immense amount about single camera and multi-camera formats. I’ve been able to experience many different facets of the multi-camera format, which includes: rehearsals, blocking, studio notes, casting, camera blocking, color timing, post-production and of course, the live audience show.

I not only had the privilege of being behind the camera during the production of the pilot, but also in front of the camera. If you look closely during the concert scene you will see me as a background actor sitting three seats away from Fran! Live multi-camera shows are very exciting, the energy level is through the roof and the actors respond to the laughter of the audience. So the laughter you are hearing on television was recorded during the actual taping of the show!


Fran Drescher, Melissa and Director, Lee Shallat Chemel on set during the pilot.
(picture taken by G. Lurssen)

I feel so fortunate to be given the opportunity to shadow Lee from show to show and learn from a real pro. What I’m learning and what I’m able to be a part of is truly a one of a kind education and an opportunity of a lifetime. This is another one of those surreal moments where I feel like things have come full circle as I remember watching The Nanny back in the 90’s and recall seeing her name as the credited director. Lee also did the pilot episode of The Nanny along with 28 more episodes during its six season run.

Check back for more updates and don't forget to tune in tonight!