News & Updates
This page covers the latest News and Updates to the Campaign.
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Update: October 12, 2007
New Guestbook Service
I was recently notified by the folks who have been providing the Guestbook for The SCTV on DVD Campaign, that they will be discontinuing their free Guestbook services very soon. I think however that I have found a suitable free online Guestbook service for people to continue posting to in the future. I have the old messages from the previous Guestbook posted in a Guestbook Archive. Hope you like the new Guestbook. A Special Thanks to Spin Guestbooks for all the service they provided over the years.
WNYC: New York Public Radio
WKRP Changes Its Tune
June 3, 2007
The series WKRP in Cincinnati has now finally seen a first season DVD release. Although SCTV has had several cuts to its DVDs, WKRP has literally had all of its popular tunes removed from its first season release. New York Public Radio has one a program which you can download at www.nyc.org. Randy Salas, the DVD columnist of the Minneapolis Star Tribune is interviewed about this DVD and the pitfalls of clearing music. Apparently it is the Music Publishing companies who decide to charge exhorbitant fees for their music. SCTV is only one of many such Classic TV Shows experiencing the difficulties of clearing music.
www.QuestionCopyright.org
May 21, 2007
This is an excellent and informative site that unravels the myths and misconceptions surrounding copyright. You may want to read this excellent article, The Promise of a Post-Copyright World.
Update: May 21, 2007
Bob and Doug McKenzie Two-Four Anniversary
You know its sad when SCTV's worst joke actually gets a 24th Anniversary Special, which was nothing special to begin with. After all, this special was made to promote the Red Cap Ale folks, not Bob and Doug. Remeber how Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis were so concerned when they went to a hoser parade and seen lots of teenagers drinking beer? Those concerns don't seem to matter anymore. This is a low point in SCTV history. Dave and Rick can do better than this.
Update: February 12, 2007
Website Update
I have taken the time to revise the website so that it will work properly in the latest version of Internet Explorer, IE 7. If you were here on Sunday, February 11, 2007, you may have had a hard time viewing the site, due to the maintenance. Apologies for any inconvenience. Let me know if you have any trouble with viewing the site in your browser. Thanks.
Update: Saturday, February 3, 2007
All-New SCTV Group on msn.com
SCTV on DVD Campaign MSN Group
I have put together an SCTV on DVD Campaign group on msn.com. I hope that this will be a spring board for another group to rally behind the SCTV on DVD Campaign.
Update: January 21, 2007
Joe Flaherty in new series on Bite TV!
Veteran SCTV star Joe Flaherty was featured in a podcast on bitetv.ca on Dec. 22, 2006. Joe talks about his new series "Uncle Joe's Cartoon Playhouse" which will be on Bite TV and of course his years with SCTV. "Uncle" Joe Flaherty (SCTV, Happy Gilmore) plays the gormless host of this edgy new comedy show, featuring short cartoons aimed at an older (but still immature as hell) audience. Featuring an onslaught of recurring shorts guaranteed to tickle the offensive-bone, Uncle Joe's Cartoon Playhouse will take animated comedy to the next level... whatever the hell that means. You've got the howlingly absurd antics of our porcine protagonists in Big Ass America; the vicious political satire Becoming Georgie; the grotesquely funny super-powered she-males who make up TransForce; the rollicking misadventures of Chilly Beach's brain-dead Canuckleheads; and much more! Between shorts, Uncle Joe must entertain a live audience of squealing schoolkids, regaling them with sordid tales of his own depravity. He might be most inappropriate child entertainer since "Abuso the Cursing Clown" - think Captain Kangaroo, if the good Captain was a thrice-divorced, eternally hung-over misanthropist with a talent for siphoning gas. Check it out at bitetv.ca!
Update: January 15, 2007
Shout Factory Sale on SCTV!
Shout! Factory is having a sale on all SCTV sets from now through January 31st. You can see the sale at www.shoutfactorystore.com. While you are at it, why not fill in their contact form and let them know you want to see more SCTV on DVD in the future?
Update: January 14, 2007
SCTV on DVD Page
I have put together a basic page with all of the SCTV DVD releases from Shout! Factory so far. I have also provided links to amazon.com and amazon.ca so that you can check out the sales ranks for each release. This could prove interesting to see how well SCTV is doing on DVD.
Update: December 2, 2006
Music Cuts Page
I have now added a Music Cuts page and will eventually be creating a complete list of music cuts, as well as other alterations to the programs. This is definitely a long term project so don't expect too many changes to it right away. Thanks.
Update: November 19, 2006
Fair Rights Thread on HTF Closed
I have wrtitten another brief editorial on a thread I started on Home Theatre Forum entitled Copyright, TV shows on DVD and Fair Use Rights. I have only stated the facts regarding Fair Use Rights. Apparently, the people at HTF see my thread as some kind of threat. On the surface it seems that the DVD and Home Theatre industries are attempting to squash any discussion of this topic. See for yourself at Home Theatre Forum. I feel violated that my right to speak freely on this topic at Home Theatre Forum has been silenced. Was HTF being fair? It will not surprise me if this thread is completely deleted!
Update: October 29, 2006
All New Editorials Section
You can now read editorials on this site. When I have a topic related to SCTV to post, you can read about it in the editorials section. Agree or disagree? Pass along you comments by sending them via email. If you want, I can place your response in the editorials page. You can even write your own editorials and I will post them, too.Thanks!
Update: October 14, 2006
NBC Universal sign deal with Second City
to create new TV Series
It looks as though Second City may be creating it's own TV Network Channel with NBC Universal. You can learn more about the deal at www.secondcity.com.
Update: October 7, 2006
FAQ Page Updated
I have now written the FAQ page and I hope it will answer your questions and clarify the position of the campaign. Please feel free to email any question I might not have answered to Contact Shawn.
Update: October 8, 2006
All New Feedback Page
Submit your comments, questions and suggestions to the Feedback Page. Remember, this is Your campaign so let's share ideas!
Update: October 7, 2006
All New FAQ Page
I think many visitors may have questions about the campaign. Please feel free to email them to me at Contact Shawn. You can also check out the FAQ Page. There are no questions submitted yet so please be patient. Submit one of your own.
Update: October 3, 2006
New Petition
No more best of SCTV DVD sets - only complete seasons
Just as I was preparing this petition Justin Pate has also put together another petition. We now have two petitions to make our voices heard! Show your support and sign it!
Update: October 3, 2006
SCTV on DVD "Clear The Music" Petition
I have started the SCTV on DVD "Clear The Music" Petition and I hope all SCTV fans will sign it. Justin Pate suggested I start a peition for this campaign. Thanks for the suggestion, Justin! I am also asking that all fans who sign the petition would also get involved in the letter-writing campaign. Thank you.
Update: October 2, 2006
SCTV on DVD Campaign Promo Clip
I have put together a brief SCTV on DVD Campaign promotional clip and posted it at www.youtube.com. I have avoided using any materials in this clip that may constitute copyright infringement. However, if you are the copyright holder of any material in this clip and you feel it is infringing on copyright, I will gladly remove it.
Update: September 7, 2006
SCTV: The Best of The Early Years DVD Review
You can now get a sneak peak at The Best of The Early Years DVD with a DVD review by Colin Jacobson at www.dvdmg.com. There are a few music cuts as to be expected. We still need to support SCTV as much as possible by writing letters to the copyright holders and buying the SCTV: The Best of The Early Years DVD on October 24th! in the USA and in Canada on November 7th! You can even part in a "Viewer Film Ratings" poll there so stop in and cast your vote.
Update: September 7, 2006
All New!
Supporters Page
Banners Page
This site needs supporters like you to take part in the campaign. If you run a website dedicated to SCTV and want to me to post a banner or logo linking back to your site, contact me and I will add it to the Supporters Page. Feel free to use one of the logos or banners on my Banners Page and place it on your site to promote the campaign. I appreciate any and all supporters for the campaign. We can all make a difference to the campaign if we work together.
Update: September 3, 2006
I just spoke with Trevor Stenson and he is going to add a link to the SCTV on DVD Campaign on his very unique and fascinating Edmonton SCTV Locations website. Trevor has created photo galleries of many of the places in Edmonton where SCTV did location shooting. Galleries including "Shakespeare in the Park", "Tom Monroe on a New Wavelength" "Divine on Ice" (a.k.a. Dusty Towne's Sexy Holiday Special) and many others.
Update: September 3, 2006
SCTV on DVD Campaign Blog
I have completely revised and updated my SCTV on DVD Campaign Blog. I hope that you will stop in, post a comment and consider taking part in the Letters campaign. Feel free to leave or read a message in the Guestbook, send an email to me, or even sign up to the SCTV on DVD Campaign Mailing List. There are several ways to participate so you can pick the one(s) you like best. Most of all, your suggestions and ideas are also needed.
Update: September 2, 2006
What would You Say!
What would You say to the Copyright Holders like Led Zeppelin? Myself, I would say, "Guys, you know, it was really COOL how you let SCTV use "Stairway to Heaven" in the 1980's! That really showed how in touch you were with the public. A lot of people who love SCTV are also Led Zeppelin fans. And I just wanted to say it would really be cool if you allowed your music to be used on the SCTV DVD's. Not only would it impress your fans, but people who have never even listened to Led Zeppelin before might actually become new fans. You would make a nice little profit from this and you would be contributing to a Canadian Comedy legacy. It would also have a positive impact on your legacy as Legends in the History of Rock and Roll."
I would probably say something like that. Well, now we all do know that SCTV never did do any licensing for the music they used on the show. But that doesn't mean that Copyright Holders couldn't strike a deal now. The main point of this exercise is that although Shout! did the best job that they could, this also requires a positive message from fans as well. Copyright Holders need to get the message from fans directly. We need to become a positive part of this process!
Note: It is also important to note that this campaign is not asking for the music to be used on SCTV for free. It is only fair and right that copyright holders be paid for the use of their music. That is how they earn their livelihood. All we are asking for is a fair deal. The owners of SCTV would appreciate that and fans would also appreciate it.
And this campaign isn't just about Led Zeppelin, this is for all of the music that was never cleared for SCTV. I only mention Led Zeppelin as an example because they are known for not allowing their music to be used. If we can clear the music with Led Zeppelin, then other copyright holders would probably follow. I personally think it is because Led Zeppelin may have had some negative experiences with clearing their music. We need to prove to all of the copyright holders that they are missing an opportunity when they deny the use of their music. Let's not forget as well that much of the music used on SCTV was approved by copyright holders who gave Shout! a fair deal. Our deepest thanks to them for allowing the use of their music. The remaining copyright holders need to know that we want them to be a part of this too!
But what would you say? Why not take some time and share what you might say to the Copyright Holders in the ezBoard ezBoard. Remember that the best message is a positive one showing any of the Copyright Holders how worthwhile it is for them to be a part of this Canadian Comedy Legacy! Let them know how they are missing out on an opportunity to become a very important part of a Comedy Legend!
September 1, 2006
SCTV Letter Campaign!
I have put together two ready-made letters for your convenience. There are two letters I have prepared on the Letters Page. One is a request for the rest of the series to be released, the other is to let copyright holders know that allowing their music to be used on SCTV is good for everyone and that it would be positive, profitable and worthwhile for them to do so. Feel free to print one or both of them. You can read the complete letters on the Letters Page or you can download them here.
Complete Series Letter
Music Clearance Letter
August 31, 2006
Syndicated Series Guide
I have posted a basic Guide to the Syndicated Series of SCTV. I wrote this many years ago and it's a fun and enjoyable way to remeber the series. I do plan to edit it and improve it as time goes on. Enjoy!
August 16, 2006
SCTV on DVD Campaign ezboard!
I have put together an all-new ezBoard ezboard for you to take part in. We need to talk about what we need to do to improve the situation. Discussions can range from the Campaign, to Music Clearance, to your memories of the series. It's all waiting for you in the ezboard!
Update: August 15, 2006
SCTV: The Best of The Early Years DVD
Street Date: October 24, 2006 USA
Canada: November 7th, 2006!
The next set will be a collection from Shout! Factory called SCTV: The Best of the Early Years. Programs include some of the very best, including, The Municipal Election, SCTV'S 30th Anniversary Special, On The Waterfront Again, Thursday Night Live, The Irwin Allen Show, My Factory, My Self, Death Motel, Play It Again, Bob, Gaslight, Hollywood Salutes Its Extras, 1984 - Big Brother, Two Way TV/Pit Bulls, Midnight Express Special and Dick Cavett. Bonus Features include: Commentaries by executive producer Andrew Alexander, Robin Duke and Joe Flaherty, Looking Back with Andrea Martin, The Mackenzie Brothers - Take Off and SCTV At The Firehall. Let's make sure this is not the last SCTV DVD by taking part in the Letter Campaign and letting the Copyright Holders know that allowing the use of their music on SCTV is beneficial for everyone! Also, it is now more important than ever to support SCTV on DVD, so make sure you get your copy on October 24th! Canadians can secure their purchase for November 7th, 2006.
Privacy Policy
FYI: Privacy Policy
Your Privacy is important and you personal information is completely confidential. For more details, check out the sites Privacy Policy
Welcome to the SCTV on DVD Campaign!
The situation for SCTV will not improve unless we can stand together and make a difference. All we need is to spread the word! One way is to take part in the Letter Campaign. You can also grab those Guy Caballero banners below and place them on your page and anywhere else for that matter. The influence for doing this campaign is the campaign at www.moonlightingdvd.com. They were very successful in getting their favorite show on DVD complete and uncut. Will it hurt us to try the same thing?
August 14, 2006
You can use these really cool banners on your site to link back here and spread the word. Feel free to pass them on!
Letter Campaign
I have put together the first letter for the letter-writing campaign. Check it out!
Mailing List
I have put together a Mailing List for the campaign. Keep up to date by subscribing and receiving the campaign News Letter by email. I have also posted some Pre-Written Letters that you can just copy and paste into your word processor program and send through the mail to Shout Factory! All you will need to do is copy the letter of your choice, print it, sign it, paste a postage stamp on the envelope and drop it in the mail. Before Subscribing to the Mailing List You may wish to read the website Privacy Policy. Please feel free to email me or drop a message in the Guestbook regarding the Letter Campaign.
August 11, 2006
If you recall the TV Series Moonlighting, the fans for that show actually put together a much larger effort than a simple petition. They started a letter writing campaign so that the series would be released complete and uncut on DVD. Their efforts were very successful. They also had the support of stars of the show behind them, Bruce Willis and Cybil Shepherd. It is my hope that members of the cast of SCTV will also get behind this project. After all, if Joe Flaherty or David Thomas endorsed this campaign, would you not write a letter as well?
I realise that the task is a large one. However, time can be the great equalizer. If fans stand behind the show and write letters to Shout! Factory and the copyright holders of the music used in the series, then we may be able to save SCTV.
I am in the process of getting support from the individuals who put together the Moonlighting DVD Campaign. I hope that they can pass along some of their ideas and suggestions to make this campaign possible. But most of all, we need supporters like you to write letters.
Keep an eye on this space in the weeks to come as I am not going to abandon this project. I will post news and developments as they happen.
threerandot,
August, 2006
