Monday, November 12, 2007

November 2007

Slash on PaltalkWell here we are, right in the middle of November sweeps, and there are lots of cool things going on in the CTB client family. Let’s take a look...

It’s been a busy, busy month for Paltalk – in barely a month of working with CTB so much has happened. John Waters came by Hollywood Now to talk about “This Dirty World,” taking questions from Paltalkers around the world – Australia, Belguim. It was pretty exciting. Slash stopped by to talk about his new book, now that was cool. There is a bunch of neat stuff in the works and we’re excited to be up and running. The technology is pretty incredible and the people are great.

PCA AnnouncementsWe’re also working with the wonderful Fredrik Carlström on the new “In an Absolut world…” campaign. As everyone has come to expect from Absolut, this campaign promises to be stunning and iconic. Lots of interesting names & concepts being discussed – check out this spot to get a better idea: Absolut | Protest.

The People's Choice nominations were annouced last week and we're all looking forward to revving up for the big show on January 8th.

The just-launched Fox Business network has a new show in the works. It’s a unique show concept that should lend itself to fascinating conversation…We’ll keep you posted.

NFL Total Access has been bustling with Danny DeVito, Jerry Ferrara, Sean Astin and Paula Abdul coming through to talk football and make some picks.

Jimmy celebrates his 40th with Mom, Dad & SarahJimmy Kimmel might be busiest of all – setting a Guinness World Record for the Furthest Distance Commuted in One Working Week (26,640 miles) for his guest stint on Regis & Kelly. There’s also a great article on Jimmy in the new Playboy. The Halloween Show was a blast – any time Andy Dick comes by and manages not to get dragged off by security, it’s a good show. Did we mention he was dressed as a bee? Actually, the entire cast was decked out in various kids cereal mascots. We’re not usually ones to brag, but Kimmel has been scoring huge numbers in the ratings – outperforming Conan and Ferguson in the key demos. Happy 40th indeed.

The November issue of O Magazine is incredible – Jerry Seinfeld is the O interview, Hugh Jackman talks books, Alicia Keys’ new album and Celine Dion in the Aha! Moment. Also Oprah goes viral with clips, highlights and more from O – check it out here.

Free Radio has wrapped and it is looking awesome – great guests across the board and Lance Krall should be huge after this. Everyone is really excited about the show, so look for it at the beginning of the year on VH1.

Newhart UnmaskedOver at XM, Opie & Anthony have had some killer guests in their new studios - Dane Cook, Slash, Steve Carell and Chazz Palminteri among others. XM Kids just chatted with Vince Vaughn and Jason Lee about their new movies, while the recent Unmasked tapings have been amazing – Bob Newhart, Robert Klein and David Brenner, to name a few. Bob Edwards has had a full guest list as well with Sir Anthony Hopkins, Laura Linney and Pres. Jimmy Carter all stopping through in October. For more things Bob, check BobEdwardsRadio.com.

It’s a constantly changing world and CTB is no different. Kellie Probst is currently brightening the LA office on a daily basis while Erica Tannenbaum is going to be working her way east to the New York office…which, incidentally, is moving. After many good years in the 140 W 57th St. building, we’re getting back to our roots and moving the office downtown to our own floor on Mulberry Street. Alyson Davis will also be joining us in the new office, coming to CTB from The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch.

Monday, October 8, 2007

Variety Article


Booking talkshows spawns rigid rules

Actors crowd couches to tout work

By TATIANA SIEGEL

The beleaguered group of people who book talent for TV talkshows have certain essential rules. And with the onset of awards season, the job becomes even more stressful.

Here, then, is a handy Survival Guide for the Talent Booker:

Rule 1: There is a firm sequence.

An appearance on "The Late Show With David Letterman" must come before "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" or "Live With Regis & Kelly." "The View" must follow "Regis" by two days.

Whoever guest-hosts "Saturday Night Live" must also do "Conan," because both are Lorne Michaels productions.

That's for New York shows. The protocol for the L.A. circuit is just as rigid.

"Depending on what type of movie you have, the normal promotion path begins in October. Do the junket in L.A., the premiere in L.A., do 'Leno,' pretape an L.A. show like 'Kimmel' or 'Ellen,' then go to New York (and do that circuit)," explains Joanna Jordan, founder and president of Central Talent Booking, which procures talent for a number of celeb destinations including ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and MTV's "Punk'd."

One show trumps all others, though.

"If Oprah wants you, you can't be seen anywhere before the 'Oprah' appearance airs," adds Jordan. So a star's first stop, whether they like it or not, will be King World Studios in Chicago, no exceptions.

For PR maven Stan Rosenfield, whose clients include recent Oscar winners Helen Mirren and George Clooney, it all hinges on the gentlemen's agreement struck between publicist and booker.

"There's nothing in ink for what we do," he says. "There's nothing in writing, nothing contractual. It's all a matter of trust. If you do 'Kimmel' on Thursday, you can't do '(Craig) Ferguson' on Wednesday night. It's a no-no."

Rule 2: There are nuances.

One must abide by the whims of stars. Julia Roberts prefers "Letterman," while Russell Crowe is more comfortable chatting with Jay Leno. Sean Penn is a Charlie Rose kind of guy.

And there are the needs of the host. Letterman, for example, doesn't love to interview movie stars, but he practically nods off when an actor tries to do a hard sell on the film.

Rule 3: Know thy circuits.

The chatshows reach the masses. But there are other circuits that target awards voters. AMC's "Shoot-Out" (hosted by Variety editor-in-chief Peter Bart and Peter Guber) is watched by a lot of industry folks, and hence Academy and guild voters. There is also a circuit for Q&As. In the last few years, screening series offer a film that is a kudos possibility, followed by Q&A sessions with filmmakers. Last week, "The Darjeeling Limited" helmer Wes Anderson and stars Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman made the rounds, doing four sessions in one day.

Rule 4: Be aware of earlier schedules.

Ever since the Oscars moved from March into the February TV sweeps period, Operation Gabfest now begins in late September after the Toronto Film Festival.

"You used to do all of your promotion to win an Oscar in January, but it's really in November and December now," says Jordan, who is considered one of the industry's premier bookers, having slotted for "Late Show With David Letterman" from 1999-2005.

Movie topliners are known as "first-outs" in booker parlance because they must be the show's first guest. But with the accelerated awards season, film actors have to compete with another group of first-outs: stars of fall TV shows.

"For TV stars, (the busy time is) at the beginning of the premiere season," Jordan says. "Kate Walsh -- the hot It girl of the new TV season -- is doing 'Letterman.' Then she does 'GMA' and 'Regis.' Then she'll hold and not do 'Leno' until sweeps. That's pretty classic."

And, of course, Walsh would do ABC's "Good Morning America" before NBC's "Tonight Show With Jay Leno" because she's starring in an ABC show, and the networks' morning shows always give hefty plugs to the home team.

TV stars abound on the talkshow circuit because their networks won't pay for talent to fly to New York unless they appear on three of the major shows.

Since the early days of the talkshow, bookers -- who are traditionally women -- have walked a tightrope keeping their respective shows stocked with recognizable names and never scheduling two equally prominent stars on the same day. That could jeopardize the relationship not only with the bigger-name guest but the entire client roster of that guest's publicist.

Last year, PMK's Stephen Huvane boycotted NBC's "Today" after it aired an unverified anecdote about alleged pending nuptials for client Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn. Huvane was so incensed he threatened to withhold hisstable of clients, which includes Gwyneth Paltrow and Julianne Moore, from the morning program.

But the industry's top bookers - which also include Kelly Burkhard at "Regis," Paula Davis at "Conan" and Tracie Fiss at "Leno" - usually weather such temporary embargos well based on the necessicity of these shows to help fuel a successful campaign.

Rule 5: Know the competition

While bookers have always faced challenges in securing top-tier talent, there are now an endless number of outlets -- including magazines, newspapers and online sites -- competing for the limited number of stops an Angelina Jolie or Leonardo DiCaprio is willing to make during an awards campaign.

"Before, if there was something for a (star) to promote, there was the choice of maybe one morning show, one latenight show, and maybe they would do 'Phil Donahue' or 'Oprah,' " says Claudio Cagan, a senior segment producer at E! and veteran booker who landed presidential hopeful Bill Clinton on "The Arsenio Hall Show" for what became his famous saxophone-playing appearance.

"Now there are three morning shows, local morning shows, and some of those local morning shows air nationally. That gives the publicist and the talent even more choices of things they don't want to do," she says.

Add to that the growing importance of Internet vehicles like "The 9" on Yahoo!, for which Jordan also books, and satellite radio outlets.

Most stars are contractually obligated to make a small number of appearances. Typically, the actor must do the premiere, the junket and one latenight show and one morning show of their choice. If they're so inclined, the star can then promote the project to the growing number of audiences and demos on everything from Comedy Central's "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart" to ESPN 2's "Cold Pizza."

The proliferation of choices coupled with the number of interviews the talent will grant creates fierce competition among bookers.
Adds Rosenfield, "It's one of the worst jobs an individual can have because they are constantly hearing, 'Why are they getting this person, and we didn't?' "

See full article here
Date in print: Mon., Oct. 8, 2007


Monday, September 24, 2007

Premiere Week

Network Television Premiere week is upon us, and that means a whole new batch of shows and stars, many of which may not make it to mid-season.

Kimmel’s got a killer week coming up including the big Italian Show on the 27thDanny Devito,
Mario Batali & music from Franki Valli. Recent highlights include Daniel Radcliffe coming through to get some financial planning advice from Jimmy, although it was probably lost in the roar of the screaming fans. Spice Girl Mel B made an appearance to announce the new season of Dancing With The Stars. Always the journalist, Jimmy asked the “hard hitting” Eddie Murphy question – watch for yourself. Also, check out Jimmy babysitting for Tina Fey - parts one & two - re-airing Oct. 1st. 50 Cent stopped by for a hilarious panel & performance. He kept it going for over a dozen songs after the show, setting an all-time JKL performance record in the process. Not to be outdone, Kanye West came through a few days later for a chat/performance and had fans standing on the rooftops just to catch a glimpse, which repeats tonight if you missed it. JKL and BET were the only talk shows to have both of the feuding megastars on.

Elsewhere, Kelly trekked out the LG House in Malibu to help The Nine finish off a busy summer in style and keep tabs on the steady stream of guests – check out the highlights. Thanks to Scott Baio, Gabrielle Reece, Rob Zombie and Hills super-couple Spencer & Heidi for stopping by to keep Maria company.


For many of us here at CTB, the arrival of Fall means new episodes of the Oprah Show! Oprah Winfrey came to NYC to kick off the fall season, so Jo and Kellie had the chance to go to a taping at the WaMu Theatre at MSG. The interview with David Letterman was fantastic and the second show was moving tribute to the children of 9/11. The fall issues of O magazine are chock-full of great articles featuring some of our favorite celebrities like Fantasia, Viggo Mortensen, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, and Ben Harper to name a few. Also, make sure to check out September’s beautiful “Gray Anatomy of Style” fashion portfolio highlighting eight leading ladies from Broadway, TV and film.

Down in DC Fall means politics, so Bob Edwards has been talking to folks like Sen. Christopher Dodd and Gen. Wesley Clark on his XM show, with more big names lined up… Back up in NY, O&A have been hosting a myriad of guests - Kevin Smith came through to hang with the boys while the Rock called in to talk about The Game Plan. While Ron & Fez just finished off a packed week with Jeff Garlin and John Turturro both stopping by on Monday. On Tuesday Martin Freeman braved the torrential downpour to drop in on the guys. Mad Men’s lovely leading lady Elizabeth Moss also made it and Martin Luther – singer, songwriter and lead in the highly-talked about new film, Across the Universe – came by after his GMA performance to play some of his latest tracks.

Meanwhile, Brina and Matt headed north to the Toronto Film Festival with XM’s Cinemagic. The city was flooded industry and press folks from around the world, which made for an exciting live broadcast. With so many movies it’s impossible to see everything, but the CTB pick of the festival has got to be Jason Reitman’s new movie Juno – great cast, outstanding performances & killer music – look for it to be a big hit this fall, with Ellen Page as the breakout star.

Back in the states, football season kicked-off, and with offices in NY, LA and DC, team loyalties run deep at CTB. Fortunately NFL Total Access covers it all, and with guests like The Rock, Jeff Garlin and Adam Carolla dropping by, it’s going to be an exciting season. More info & clips here.

We’ve mentioned Free Radio in this space before, but that’s just because it’s one of our favorite new projects. We’ve got a slew of great guests lined up, so if you can’t wait until February, here’s a teaser.


The UNCF Tribute to Smokey Robinson just taped this weekend and it was amazing – incredible tribuites and performances from the star-studded cast including Joss Stone, Condoleezza Rice, Chris Isaak, host Jimmy Fallon and many more. Louis J’s events are always the best and a pleasure to work on. The show won't air until January but be sure to check it out when it does.

And don't forget to check out Epicurious.com's newest celebrity video where Isaac Mizrahi gives you a personal tour of his kitchen along tips for your own kitchen and his favorite recipe. Watch it here.

Another 2008 project that we're all pretty excited about is the BRiCK Awards from DoSomething.org and Nancy Lublin – she’s a very cool lady and it’s a very cool event. Find out more here.

Friday, August 3, 2007

July 2007


Our good friend Jimmy Kimmel co-hosted the 2007 ESPYs with LeBron James. The show was amazing and a lot of fun to watch, check out some of the highlights

here if you missed it.

Good news back at Jimmy Kimmel Live, the Atlanta affiliate has picked up the show, putting JKL on every network-affiliated station in the country. It’s about time with so many great guests rolling through the Hollywood Boulevard studio – Adam Sandler & Kevin James, Jackie Chan & Chris Tucker and the hilarious Michael Cera & Jonah Hill (special shout out to McLovin for his first TV appearance)…how’s that for the young male demo. Plus Zac Efron, Andy Samberg, David Duchovny and Dateline’s Chris Hansen, who is always an excellent guest. The highlight of the month might have been Brian Williams and his intimate knowledge of JKL.

Matt Damon and Jimmy's relationship continues, check out this clip of Guillermo with Matt in the Bourne Ultimatum here.

Lots of football fans here at CTB, so we’re all excited about working with the NFL Network. It’s a great group of people over at NFL Total Access, and there’s going to be a bunch of terrific guests coming through to talk football.


Kellie and Jo had a meeting with Tiffany’s about a very special evening that they are putting together at the 5th Avenue Store. More to come on that soon…

Busy month for XM, working hard on an exciting new comedy show with some of our favorite XMers – Kenny Curtis, Eric Logan, Lee Abrams and Ron Bennington… The first tapings in New York were fantastic and there’s a bunch of great stuff in the pipeline. It’s going to be an awesome show this fall, can’t wait till we can tell you more...

Over at O&A, it was pretty much business as usual – the brilliant minds behind the Simpsons stopped by to talk about the movie, Ozzy Osbourne checked in to wish Lil Jimmy a happy birthday and Andy Samberg popped in for the “Hottest Rod” Contest…but that’s another story for another blog. And if you haven’t picked it up yet, Jim Norton has a hilarious new book out.


Meanwhile, Maria & The 9 were knee-deep in costumes, light sabers and hermetically-sealed comic books at this year’s Comic-Con. Dane Cook & Jessica Alba did a little co-hosting, Rosario Dawson stopped by to talk about her new comic Occult Crime Task Force and Jon Favreau gave us some dirt on Iron Man, watch it all here. The resident CTB geeks are just excited about the new Indiana Jones movie. Coming up for The 9 is a run of shows from the incredible LG House in Malibu.

The first taping of the new Ricky Jay show happened, and it was a huge success with a slew of top-notch guests – we’ll tell you more when we can.

Heading on vacation? Throw the August issue of O mag into your beach-bag! You can see what Claire Danes is reading in the “books” feature, what Jill Scott is listening to in the CD feature AND…. the lovely Hope Davis shares her Aha! Moment with our dear readers. Also this month, creative director Adam Glassman had Angie Harmon channel Ali MacGraw in a beautiful 8 page fashion spread.

You must see Ricky Gervaispainting video for Men.Style.com, part of the wonderful CondeNet family. We are delighted to be working with them and it is a very cool way for celebs to do something fun and different.

Jo and Lesley ventured down to Tampa for a lovely chat with HSN honcho Mindy. She is a wonderful woman and HSN is an absolutely fascinating place – Commerce and Television, the wave of the future. Lots of big things in the works, and we are thrilled to be a part of it…in the meantime, check out the newly re-launched HSN website.


Elsewhere on the web…Brett (CTB researcher and resident online savant) has unearthed this month’s entries in the Pure Online Gold category. Entertaining & mesmerizing, it’s the perfect way to kill a couple minutes of your day. July’s selections are Chocolate Rain and Internet Dream, which contains some very accurate commentary on today’s internet craze. And the line “living your life with a clickity-click.” Hard to remember the world before YouTube…

Finally, our good friend Rory Rosegarden has got a new show coming up at VH1 and wants his family at CTB to work on it with him – and we’re thrilled to do so.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

June 2007






Welcome to the first edition of the brand new CTB blog, where we take a moment to look back at the month that was and some of the incredible things going on in and around our CTB world. Looking back at June, it was another exciting month with lots of names, places and famous faces…

Ok, well we’re cheating a little here, but it’s our blog so we’re starting off in May in the Bahamas - can you blame us? The CTB crew headed out to the grand opening of The Cove Atlantis to join the wonderful Jerry, Greg and Jen for another fabulous Kerzner event. And what an event it was – Stevie Wonder, Steven Tyler and Janet Jackson up on stage while the likes of Lindsay Lohan, John Travolta, Sir Sean Connery and Tyra Banks were rubbing elbows in the crowd all weekend long. Lots of CTB love for Chris Evans, surely the next big thing if the Fantastic Four is any indication. And the fireworks were absolutely amazing – see some of the fun here.

Back in NY, Jo and Kellie were on hand for this year’s CFDA Fashion Awards, lots of beautiful people in beautiful clothes, including our favorite VIP guests, Gayle King and Oprah, who looked as fabulous as ever.

Erica was on hand to enjoy John Legend bringing down the house with a stunning performance at the FiFi Awards. Nice clips on YouTube here.

Jimmy Kimmel Live tapings were bubbling with great guests - Bernie Mac, Kevin Costner and Seth Rogen. Rima was doing what we like to call the CTB Hustle for the Ocean’s Thirteen Red Carpet premiere, making sure Jimmy Kimmel star Guillermo got some face time with Ocean’s crew. Kisses from George Clooney, hugs from Andy Garcia and not quite enough time for Matt Damon, watch it here.


Jo and Kellie had a day of meetings in LA with the incredible Adam Glassman, the Creative Director for O magazine and O at Home on top of being a completely lovely man who should be every wonderful woman’s best friend. New O at Home Summer Issue with Mariska Hargitay looking absolutely stunning. Of course.

After last year’s Aretha Franklin Tribute, we’re all very excited to get started on this year’s Smokey Robinson Tribute. Paula and Jo stopped by the Kodak Theatre to see our dear friend Louis J Horowitz (director of the Oscars and pretty much every major TV awards show) and got a sneak peak at the Al Pacino Tribute rehearsal, which looked amazing.

It’s summer so it’s movie time and that means lots of premieres. Maria Sansone & the The 9 hit the Entourage party. Vince, Ari, Turtle, Eric and Drama are back after a one week break with season 4. Medellin!


Die Hard premiere was…awesome. Roland and Jo went and brought along Jo’s son Antoine. Lt. John McLane is back, no question about that. The crowd loved it and, most importantly, Antoine loved it. If that’s not a resounding endorsement these days, then what is? Justin Long stopped by The 9 as well, check out the outtakes here.

XM was as busy as ever. Don Cheadle, Kasi Lemmons and Taraji Henson came through the DC headquarters to talk to Bob Edwards, Cinemagic, Broadminded, Suite 62 and Soul Street for the magnificent new movie, Talk To Me. Look out for Taraji – definitely a breakout role for her. NY was bubbling with the Ethel on the red carpet for the Entourage & Die Hard premieres, while back in the studio the Fantastic Four stopped by to talk to 20on20, which was, well, fantastic.


Roland headed to Jones Beach for another sold out stop on the Opie & Anthony Traveling Virus Tour to watch Bob Saget, Louis CK and Little Jimmy Norton rock the house. LOL indeed.

Kellie, Roland and Jo went to the Jerry Seinfeld event for Bee Movie at MoMA. The movie looks absolutely incredible and will be huge this fall. Lots of cast and friends in attendance - Sarah Jessica Parker, Chris Rock and Renee Zellweger who looked particularly lovely. Pics here


We all had a quick scare with Jimmy’s appendectomy. After some expert advice from Jo and the Internet, everything turned out fine and he’s back for killer week of shows to close out June - Don Rickles, Robin Williams, Debra Messing – our favs, the Ice Road Truckers, from our brilliant friend Nancy Dubuc at the History Channel.


We have a fabulous new client, the amazing Ricky Jay who is truly unbelievable. He’s a slight of hand artist/actor/author and in his new show he explores the fine art of cons, frauds, and hoaxes with experts, luminaries and fellow raconteurs. Breathtaking stuff, directed by Jesse Dylan. Check out the trailer here.