Aug 1990
HOLLYWOOD The producers of two canceled network shows that resurfaced in first-run syndication have a message for the webs: Life is cheaper without you.
New episodes of both “WKRP in Cincinnati” and “Baywatch” debuted this fall in syndication, nine years after CBS canceled the radio station sitcom and 18 months after NBC pulled the plug on the lifeguard drama. Producers of both shows hope to reap the success showed enjoyed by “Star Trek” and “Charles in Charge,” two other shows resurrected in firstrun syndication after their network runs.
Both shows have been in the top 20 national syndication ratings standings throughout the new season.
What’s more, producers of both shows are finding that being cut loose from the nets’ bureaucracies has its advantages. “It’s easier to be efficient when you lose a whole layer of management,” says Bill Dial, an exec producer of “WKRP” which is financed and distributed by MTM Entertainment.
“We’re able to be more versa- tile and efficient because we don’t have anyone looking over our shoulders,” says Michael Berk, who produces “Baywatch” with Douglas Schwartz. (Berk/Schwartz Prods. distributes the show.)
Execs involved with both productions cite the benefits of amortizing costs over a full 22 or 23 episodes, rather than the six- or 13-episode orders commonplace at the nets. They also agree that freedom from network insistence on script approval and comments from execs is a major saver of time and money.
“WKPR” is being made for less than $500,000 per episode about 75% of what it would cost if it were still being made for CBS, according to staffers on the show.
“Baywatch” costs $800,000 per episode, about $450,000 less than when it was on NBC, say Berk and Schwartz.
Execs at both shows also boast of leaner crews and expedited production schedules. MTM exec VP Bill Allen says below-the- line crew members on “WKRP” are being paid 10% to 15% less than their network counterparts. But the lower wages are offset by the length of employment, he adds.
Shorter schedule
While “Baywatch” is being filmed with a crew about 25% smaller than an average network drama, it’s on a five day shooting schedule per episode, rather than the eight days used when the show was produced for NBC. But producers of both series also make it clear they still welcome the exposure and prestige of working for network tv. “It’s not that it’s bad to do a network show,” Dial adds hastily, “I’d love to do another one myself.”
