To Remake or Not To Remake? Using Overseas Shows for Inspiration
I can understand buying the format of a show and making a version unique to your country when the subject matter is something that warrants it. This mostly applies to reality and competition shows, such as the Idol franchise or Thank God You’re Here. It makes sense in that context, because people want to see local contestants – they are easier to relate to and the situations are more relevant.
However, a phenomenon that I don’t understand is remaking scripted shows, particularly comedies, for a local audience. This is a practice mostly conducted in America, with a US version of The Office, based on a British comedy of the same name, being the most notable example.
Recently, NBC announced that they are ordering pilots based on several international shows, including Kath and Kim and The IT Crowd. I believe the IT Crowd could work if it is remade, but honestly I can’t see how a redesign of Kath and Kim could bear any resemblance to the original. It is really a show that taps in to the concept of the Australian cultural cringe – then again, that may be the reason that the show has to be altered to be understood.
I’m by no means saying that all remakes are terrible, but why not just air the original show? Is it so difficult to appreciate the humour of another country? Or perhaps this is a practice that other countries should engage in? After all, Australian programming needs a significant boost – maybe Australian clones of foreign shows are the key to kick-starting the industry?
So, what are your thoughts? Do you think remakes should be produced? Do you think they can ever surpass the original?
*Image courtesy of Wikipedia, and used under Fair Dealing to illustrate the work being discussed
The US Cast of The Office*
However, a phenomenon that I don’t understand is remaking scripted shows, particularly comedies, for a local audience. This is a practice mostly conducted in America, with a US version of The Office, based on a British comedy of the same name, being the most notable example.
Recently, NBC announced that they are ordering pilots based on several international shows, including Kath and Kim and The IT Crowd. I believe the IT Crowd could work if it is remade, but honestly I can’t see how a redesign of Kath and Kim could bear any resemblance to the original. It is really a show that taps in to the concept of the Australian cultural cringe – then again, that may be the reason that the show has to be altered to be understood.
I’m by no means saying that all remakes are terrible, but why not just air the original show? Is it so difficult to appreciate the humour of another country? Or perhaps this is a practice that other countries should engage in? After all, Australian programming needs a significant boost – maybe Australian clones of foreign shows are the key to kick-starting the industry?
So, what are your thoughts? Do you think remakes should be produced? Do you think they can ever surpass the original?
*Image courtesy of Wikipedia, and used under Fair Dealing to illustrate the work being discussed
Lost Fanatic
Day Break TV
The funny thing about the remakes is that I can often find the originals airing on another channel.
Film & TV on DVD
Fortuantely I dont watch commercial TV where 90% of retreads air, cable tends to be predominatly original programming.
The most recent example of an improvement for me is the updating/reimagining of Battlestar Galactica which takes the fun original and drags it into a deadly serious batlle for survival.
Great topic to bring up!
Celebrity Obsession
I think things like Idol and Thank God You're Here work because of the very reason you've said. People like to see their local contestants on there.
However, actual series are a little more touch and go. The Americans have already tried and failed with shows such as Absolutely Fabulous and Coupling (the former didn't even get off the ground and the latter didn't last long at all).
I don't see a Kath & Kim style show working terribly well in the staates. For a start, they've already had shows just like it such as Roseanne and Married With Children. American's don't have the bogan like Australia does....so they'll have to do a trailer trash version of it....which is just what those shows were.
Then again, both Married with Children and Roseanne were really popular in their day, so who knows.
I don't think the remakes ever outdo the originals though.
KylieW
PCOS Mum
Ex-Hostie
Learning Something Everyday
Perhaps it is the time for a challenge for writers to create a unique script that everyone in all reigions will love it. And if your original is remaked... you have shown that you have the brain juice in you to make a unique impact in the Entertainment industry.
Learning Something Everyday
now the thing is, how many out there are enthusiastic enough to take the challenge for a really good script?
Sometimes, the network gives pressure to writers to do some remake as well, as they "think" what is best for the viewers. (For the sake of the ratings)
Network directors out there, no offence...
From the point of view of the writers, I would say that there are some fantastic scripts out there, but a lot of them would write the remakes as well because that's what puts food on the table.
Learning Something Everyday
A good script is hard to come by and you can't just depend on 1 good script to feed the entire family in your hands.
Passionate Apathy
I can even see remaking some shows to better match a given culture or audience if necessary. This is often not the case for scripted dramas. I might not catch every cultural reference in Monty Python or Doctor Who, but then again I often miss references to hip-hop or thrash in American-produced shows. No biggie since I can almost always make out the general meaning from the context.