I think it’s great people are interested in learning more about the technical, artistic and business side of entertainment. This is the first time I’ve participated in a message board/blog format like this so it’s been really interesting; my colleagues have been following along and we’re all learning a lot.

In answer to a question about Steps… a Step is an interval of 2 semitones; for example, C-D is 1 Step. A Half-Step is halfway between 2 tones, for example, F-F# is one Half-Step. E-F and B-C are both Half-Steps (you can also think of it as no black keys between them). So there are 12 Semitones and that’s why an Octave is considered 6 Steps.

When asked about why some Artists make it and most don’t, there is a lot of the “luck of the draw” in entertainment and it’s one of the roughest industries. I’ve had too many friends in television that have struggled for years, then finally got cast in a network series, gotten all the way through a pilot and picked up by a network, actually got an on air commitment… and then show was scheduled against something like ER. That is really heartbreaking, all that work and no one even knows it’s on and it’s over in a heartbeat. That’s why I’m respectful and admiring of everyone involved on the show (and for that matter, anything that makes it to production); it’s fun to be a consumer of entertainment but it takes incredible commitment and tenacity to succeed, and it’s even more difficult to maintain longevity (aren’t Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder incredible? Nearly 50 years as superstars).

From an interview with Academy Award nominee Don Cheadle: “You never get past the insecurity of being an actor because now you have this body of work but you think you’ll eventually go cold because everybody has these cold stretches and you’ll be insecure again. Every actor feels like ‘that last one’ was their ’swan song’. Jimmy Stewart told that to Henry Fonda on a plane once, I think it was after MR SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON… he said, ‘That’s going to be it for me, I’ll never work again.’ I think that is because every time you’re done you’re unemployed. Most people finish a project and they still show up for work again on Monday morning… when we’re done it’s like ‘now hopefully the next thing will come along.’” And this is from Jimmy Stewart and Henry Fonda!

One last point about this… Adam is only 27 (as of January 29, it’s also Oprah’s birthday and happens to be mine too), many Artists don’t hit till much later. If he was going to be in a boyband he’s on the edge, but I don’t think anyone wants or expects that ;)

I think Adam would give a huge hug to the many people who consider him in the pantheon of Elvis and the Beatles, and it’s interesting to consider whether it’s even possible these days. On the one hand, media is so global now that Artists can be easily introduced worldwide (I’m proud to have been a small part of the team that did that with Britney, one of the first true worldwide simultaneous releases… now it’s more common but in 1999-2001 it was revolutionary), but on the other hand, with so many media outlets (including internet) it’s really hard to focus people’s attention. In the days of those legends, there were three TV networks and press was much more controlled; now the Super Bowl, Oscars, American Idol and global news crises are about the only time everyone gets together. It can be done… look at how brilliantly Simon Cowell introduced Il Divo (and yes, that was his creation)… but it’s really, really difficult. You know I think Adam’s an extraordinary talent, and he has the potential, but as Berry Gordy said just last week it’s about longevity and I wouldn’t want to set expectations that high, he’s just getting started.

Regarding elements to American Idol, I think the “Save” and other changes are for entertainment purposes (and as mentioned in an earlier message “entertainment” can include suspense, controversy, surprise and the clichéd “thrill of victory and agony of defeat”), not for any specific contestant. FOX executive (and reality chief) Mike Darnell told Ryan Seacrest on his KISS radio show after Alexis’ elimination that the new “Judges Save” rule “is creating an enormously raw moment on the show, better than we imagined.” Darnell thinks the drama and tension that’s been added is “just incredible.”

As television’s #1 show, it’s been publicly reported by mainstream media that Fox charges around $700,000 for each 30-second commercial (more of course for the finale). Drama and excitement are key to ratings (and therefore dollars), so always consider that brilliant business people are looking at anything and everything in that context. With respect to coaching and advice, if you take a look at my previous messages (or on the blog) I’ve talked a bit about the great support team Adam and all the Idols have, everyone wants them (and the show) to be the biggest success possible.

Regarding payments and unions, all regularly appearing TV personalities have to be members of the union (in this case AFTRA). It’s been publicly reported in mainstream media that American Idol finalists pay to join AFTRA, and as a result are paid for each appearance on television that’s at least the minimum hourly rate for an AFTRA member. Whether AI or the contestants themselves pay to join the union I can’t comment on. I also can’t comment on the Ford videos, but consider it’s contained within the content of the show. With respect to iTunes and other recordings, in my previous message I said about all I can with respect to the agreements contestants sign; maybe take another look at what I mentioned about Contestant Releases (which is public information and has been reported in mainstream media) and I think you’ll find your answer.

Best, Michael

Posted in: Industry Perspective by nymichael / Tags: Adam Lambert