Dive into Bruce Vilanch’s hilarious memoir, “It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time,” for a candid backstage pass to writing some of television’s most infamous moments. From the 1989 Oscars’ disastrous duet to the “Star Wars Holiday Special,” Vilanch recounts his experiences crafting jokes for live television, award shows, and navigating the unpredictable world of celebrity egos. Discover the challenges of writing for Conan O’Brien’s upcoming Oscars gig and the evolving landscape of award shows in this insightful and humorous reflection on a career built on saying “yes.”
Bruce Vilanch’s memoir, “It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time,” offers a candid look at his career as a writer for some of the most infamous television moments in history. Vilanch, a veteran of 25 Academy Award shows and numerous other high-profile events, recounts his experiences with humor and self-deprecation, providing insights into the challenges and mishaps that come with writing for live television.
The Art and Challenge of Award Show Writing ###
Vilanch describes the unique challenge of writing for award shows, where the writer must cater to a diverse array of personalities and personas. Unlike a playwright who creates characters, an award show writer must adapt to the existing public images of celebrities. Vilanch explains that the difficulty lies in crafting material that allows movie stars, who are used to stepping into roles, to speak naturally to the occasion. This requires thorough research into the personalities of the presenters to ensure that their on-stage presence feels authentic and engaging.
Navigating the Unpredictability of Live Television ###
Live television presents an unpredictable environment, and Vilanch emphasizes the necessity of being adaptable. He reveals that while writers prepare ad-libs in advance, these are rarely used due to the spontaneous nature of live events. The show can take unexpected turns, rendering prepared material obsolete. Vilanch’s experience underscores the importance of staying on one’s feet and ready to react to whatever happens in real-time, a skill that is crucial for maintaining the flow and energy of a live broadcast.
Infamous Moments: The 1989 Oscars and Rob Lowe’s Duet ###
One of the most notorious moments in Vilanch’s career was the 1989 Oscars, where Snow White performed a duet with Rob Lowe. Vilanch humorously recounts how the idea stemmed from producer Allan Carr’s fascination with the San Francisco show “Beach Blanket Babylon.” The opening number, featuring Merv Griffin and other legends of the golden age, was intended to be a lively, youthful spectacle. However, the execution fell flat, and the show became infamous, especially after Lowe’s sex tape surfaced shortly afterward, further tarnishing its reputation.
The Star Wars Holiday Special: A Wookiee’s Lament ###
Another highlight of Vilanch’s memoir is his involvement in the 1978 “Star Wars Holiday Special.” Vilanch humorously describes the challenges of writing for characters like the Wookiees, who communicate in a language incomprehensible to the audience. The special, which featured a lot of singing and dancing, was a misfit for the “Star Wars” universe, leading Vilanch to quip that George Lucas might not have approved had he known the direction it would take. Despite its failure, the special has gained a cult following, often cited among the worst shows in television history.
The Brady Bunch Variety Hour: A Misguided Concept ###
Vilanch also reflects on his work on “The Brady Bunch Variety Hour,” another project that he considers a misstep. The show attempted to transform the Brady family into a singing and dancing troupe, a concept better suited for “The Partridge Family.” Vilanch critiques the execution, noting the difficulty of blending the Brady family’s wholesome storylines with the glitz and spectacle of a Vegas-style show. The result was a confusing mix that failed to resonate with audiences, further cementing Vilanch’s reputation for being involved in some of television’s most infamous flops.
Hosting Challenges: Conan O’Brien and the Oscars ###
As Vilanch looks forward to the 2025 Oscars, he discusses the challenges faced by host Conan O’Brien. Vilanch notes that hosting the Oscars is a tough job, particularly for someone like O’Brien, who may not be as familiar to younger audiences. He suggests that O’Brien’s likability and reputation for being non-mean-spirited could work in his favor, allowing the audience to take his jokes more readily than they might from a host like Ricky Gervais. Vilanch also mentions the importance of starting strong with good jokes at the beginning of the show, as the audience’s attention tends to wane as the evening progresses.
The Evolution of Award Shows and Audience Engagement ###
Vilanch’s memoir also touches on the changing landscape of award shows and their diminishing appeal to audiences. He notes that people are increasingly turning away from traditional television events in favor of online content and influencers. This shift has led to a decline in ratings for award shows, with audiences finding them less relevant and engaging. Vilanch’s observations highlight the need for award shows to adapt to these changing viewer preferences if they hope to maintain their cultural significance.
Reflections on Saying Yes to Bad Ideas ###
A recurring theme in Vilanch’s memoir is the importance of saying yes to opportunities, even if they seem like bad ideas at the time. He humorously admits that his career has been built on taking risks and trying to make the best of challenging situations. Vilanch’s willingness to embrace these opportunities, regardless of their potential for failure, has led to some of the most memorable, albeit infamous, moments in television history. This philosophy underscores the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry and the value of resilience and adaptability.
Implications and Conclusion ###
Bruce Vilanch’s memoir offers a humorous and insightful look at the world of award show writing and the unpredictable nature of live television. His experiences highlight the challenges of crafting material for diverse personalities, the necessity of adaptability in the face of live events, and the importance of embracing opportunities, even when they seem ill-advised. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, Vilanch’s reflections serve as a reminder of the resilience required to navigate its highs and lows. His memoir not only entertains but also provides valuable lessons for anyone working in the dynamic and often unpredictable world of television.
Leave a Reply