(all of this is from
kp.savedisneyshows.org/page4.html )
The Problem
The History and Problems of the 65 episode curse began when Michael Eisner initially took over control of Disney in 1984. Disney was on the verge of becoming bankrupt and in fact initially Michael Eisner had a Way of Promoting the Quality Animation that Disney was known for. By introducing Afternoon cartoons made by Disney for the Masses. And it was in this way that the a number of Quality Shows Like Talespin, Ducktales, Darkwing Duck and others were brought to the masses. By putting these shows on for Syndicated purposes.
Eisner's Plan was simple yet in a lot of ways would come back to haunt Disney shows after Disney rallied back from the verge of Oblivion in 1984. He would let shows run on a policy that he created wherein the Show would run for only 65 episodes, or 3 Years or television Seasons, and after which time the show would be retired.. This was the initial basis of his "Disney Afternoon Series that was seen on a lot of syndicated Television channels and the public Reveled in the idea of having Disney Animation on to enjoy...
But like all things Time Changes everything and with the Advent of low cost Cable in the late 1980's and Early 1990's Disney looked for Other venues to take their animation to, and one of them was Cable Television.. Eisner created two Channels for Disney, One the original Disney Channel, where new shows could be put out for the public to enjoy, the other was Toon Disney, a Channel where these shows could also be put on after their run on Syndicated Channels was over...
However, Eisner wasn't looking with Quality in mind... He was looking at the economics of the company... and with that he kept a simple formula. Run a show till it reached 65 Episodes, then if Need be, sell it to syndication channels or allow the show to retire...
This idea was sound on paper, however after Disney started to turn over a Profit, did Eisner see a different purpose for this policy to be in place... the ability to rotate out shows that were not doing so well in ratings, yet saving the company the cost of extending a show provided there was enough ratings..
At this point, no one really complained... that was until 1996...
In 1994, a new show came into the Syndication and was released by Disney and at first no one really worried about the show, but then something happened...
People liked the show ... and it became popular...
What show was this? It was a show that was produced by Disney Animation and was called Gargoyles
However, Eisner thought Gargoyles was risky even though the ratings on Syndicated Television Channels said otherwise... so Eisner at this point did allow the show to go on to a third season on ABC Broadcasting, Which He had acquired in 1994, and this third Season is now known as The Goliath Chronicles.. However ABC Executives complained vehemently to Eisner and eventually after one season and 13 episodes later, was this show cancelled...
Eisner however had changed tactics at this point, he no longer cared about Quality and in fact within 2 years a New Medium for Television Marketing came out...Namely Video Tape and within a Year after that.. Digital Video Discs... or DVD's came out...)
And Eisner found a new medium to exploit by producing shows that were limited to just 65 Episodes, Eisner realized that he could cut costs of producing the shows, while allowing them to be mass produced for later released on DVD's and video..
And it was at this point the Dollar signs flashed in Eisner's Eyes . . . and Greed Set in.
And sure enough Eisner didn't care at this point Ratings, of a Show or who was watching... He thought of one thing... Mass Production... and release of numerous shows...
And between the end of 1997 and now Eisner has been on average cranking out shows at a rate of 1 a year... and just in 2000 the policy yet changed again so that now on Disney Channel Eisner Cranks out 2 New shows that carry the Disney Logo...
And things would have remained the norm... except Eisner did something out of the ordinary... He approached two people who had a rather innovative idea about a Teenage Cheerleader, who when a crises occurred would go out and save the world from the clutches of Evil... those two people were Robert Schooley and Mark McCorkle ... and their Idea was the Show that we came to love today.. Kim Possible...
However Eisner isn't thinking clearly recently in the last few years Eisner has stifled a lot of Creativity by enforcing the now what we call "obsolete" 65 episode or 3 Season (which ever comes First" policy.. and in fact it's Eisner's thinking that with just 65 Episodes, you can have a viable show..
That's the problem... and this is the where Kim Possible must survive beyond 3 seasons...
Eisner has done something else with Kim Possible that he hasn't really done with other Disney shows... He has "Mass Merchandised" Kim Possible. The Toys, the Games, the Videos, and all other merchandise is part of the Kim Possible universe... and in fact is part of the reason why Kim must survive...after all we are consumers, and we buy into the Kim Possible universe..
But already Eisner thinks Kim Possible is old Hat, its Passé, and is last year's big hit... Not true... Kim Possible since its premiere on June 7th 2002, has maintained extremely high ratings and has been one of Disney Prime successes... and yet Eisner wants to kill this show just like any other Disney show before it...
It is because of his thinking, he could in theory be killing a lot more then just a show...
Because behind Kim Possible, Just like Gargoyles had, there are FANS... People who enjoy Quality animation and quality Story Telling, and Kim Possible give this to the ultimate end to justify the means...
The Walt Disney Company is the ONLY Company that is known to cancel Shows after just 65 episodes or 3 seasons... No other Animation studio, Not Warner Brothers, Nor Fox have ever cancelled a Show due to just a rule like this... These Companies only cancel shows when viewship falters, and ratings slip... Disney however kills shows a lot of times when the show is in its Prime...and Kim Possible is one of these shows...
Furthermore just recently The Walt Disney Company Under Eisner has taken further steps backwards, abandoning traditional "Family values" roots and has turned The Walt Disney Company into a "Soulless" corporation the Likes of Microsoft, IBM, Enron and WorldCom. Eisner has also stopped promoting more traditional hand drawn 2D animation for in favor of Newer and Cheaper 3D Computer animation all for the benefit of the profit. Eisner because of this has also closed down the numerous Disney Feature animation Studios Located in Paris France, Tokyo Japan, and of course The Orlando, Florida studios as well leaving only the Burbank California Studios as the sole means of doing traditional 2D animation, as well as "outsourcing" other 2D animation to Studios in Korea and China.
However Kim Possible is done in traditional 2D Animation with some experimentation in 3D but Kim Possible is indeed a 2D show whose animation must not be scrapped. .
Another of the Main Problems with limiting a show with high ratings to just 65 episodes
is that it limits the creativity limits of writers and producers. Kim Possible is an ongoing Story that is evolving and developing, and if a show like this was just limited to 65 episodes, well then it limits the possibility of a show becoming popular.
The Fate of Kim Possible should not be left to the hands of managerial executives at Disney all for the sake of a Profit or loss statement but rather it should be left up to the ratings of a show... The fans should have a say in the matter, and not some executive sitting in California who isn't watching the show or evaluating ways to promote it's merchandising...
In America there is a Statement where "The Customer is always right and the ratings of a Show always determine it's success or failure... and there are numerous examples of some shows that were cancelled before they reached their prime... and yet there are other examples of shows that went too far... and lost interest after 10-12 years... yet the common factor is usually that an average show lifespan nowadays is about 5 to 7 years.. And 3 years or Seasons is way too short even for Disney shows... a Show should be carried out to its logical Conclusion...not just carried half way then terminated with out some means of being brought to a conclusion. For the CEO of Disney a lot of his thinking is that to give the fans just a glimpse, then when things get going good, to terminate a show even if it has the highest ratings ever. Eisner likes to tease... and for the fans it leaves them wondering one day ... "What happened to the Show that I loved?"
As Long as a Fan base remains strong, as long as a Show has good ratings, a Show shouldn't be cancelled, and with a show that has a merchandising base, this gives more of a reason NOT to cancel a show... it should flourish and survive, and the only way a show should end, is when the viewer says so. No Executive or Board of Directors should be allowed to make such a decision. After all the customer is always correct, and in Disney's case, the fan of the show has the final say.
After all Disney Channel's Motto is "Disney Channel, Made just for you," and the question is this, if Disney Channel is made just for us, don't we have a say in the matter of what shows are cancelled and which ones are not? After all this is a Democracy that we live in not an autocracy, we the fans have the last say on what stays and goes.. And we say that Kim Possible is one of the best shows that Disney has had to offer in about 9 years... A show like Kim Possible only occurs every 10 years... and usually when it does, it shouldn't fade away with the fond memories, or the rememberances of a joke or two.. Just Like the Star Trek Series, which was later revived... it should be cherished and embraced not by just one generation but by all who follow us... And that's why Kim should survive... after all her motto is "She can do anything" but it is the Fan that decides her fate... pure and simple.
Who is Kim Possible?
Never seen Kim Possible? Don't know if it's worth saving? Both? Well for those of you who are not familiar with the show here's the 'stitch!
The three main characters:
Kim Possible, "Smart, Athletic, Pretty, and Popular" It's Kim who saves the world, but Ron's help is crucial.
Ron Stoppable is Kim Possible's best friend, but they're JUST friends. "The Ron Factor" is an important part of Kim's success.
Rufus is Ron's Pet naked mole rat. Rufus is an important member of the team. He earns his nachos!
Kim and Ron live each day as typical high school students (well except for Ron's odd taste in pets) but they also save the world from bad guys (and girls). But unlike most spy/superhero type characters they don't have secret identities. Kim "never really got the whole crime fighter secret identity thing." And so the trio help those who need help with a little help from Kim's "computer buddy" Wade who manages her website. It's really amazing what one website can do. Her most frequent adversary is Dr. Drakken (in the mad scientist category) who by himself isn't much of a threat but with the help of Shego, always manages to cause trouble with his "take over the world" schemes. Of course there are other villains such as Señor Senior Sr. and his son Señor Senior Jr. the typical multibillionaire father-son team who dapple in evil as "a hobby."
So How Can I Help?
First of all, you need to realize our strength lies in numbers. There is not one of us here who can, single handedly, save Kim Possible, or any other show doomed by Eisner, from oblivion. That's why It's important for you to go tell two friends and then they'll tell two friends and we can get enough, organized support. So write letters, and make phone calls, and send emails (although real letters do work better). You can find the addresses below. Also head over to SaveDisney.com . Thank you for your support.
All addresses, phone numbers and the like are now located at help.savedisneyshows.org.
A Sample Letter
From: "rbrucecarter"
The only way to save KP from cancellation is to petition Michael Eisner. Here is a good sample letter. I think if they get 1000 or so like this (not exactly, but with the sentiments), it would save the show.
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Dear Mr. Eisner,
I am a fan of the Disney channel animated series "Kim Possible". I am gratified that in your January 5th address, you mentioned the importance that this franchise has to the success of the Walt Disney company. I would like to respectfully suggest that perhaps you are underestimating the potential of this franchise, and suggest that it be allowed to continue beyond the 65 episode limit. I would like to further suggest that the Walt Disney company proceed with a live action movie based on the series, utilizing top notch talent and special effects. Let me explain my rationale.
Kim Possible, being a cheerleader by day and international crime fighter by night, taps into the subconscious desire of young female fans to be empowered - to do vicariously the things that Kim does. This potential has also been tapped in the "Spy Kids" franchise and also the "Agent Cody Banks" franchise. Now that the Spy Kids have wrapped production of the final movie in the series, that fan base needs another outlet. Kim Possible could potentially pick up this fan base, transferring the revenue they generate to the Walt Disney company.
The Kim Possible franchise represents a large investment by the Walt Disney company, and has become a valuable commodity - generating a toy and clothing line. If Kim Possible wraps at the end of 65 episodes, there will be little to encourage continued interest in these product lines, which were quite expensive to develop and are costly to maintain.
Kim Possible also has a large, devoted fan base of adults who are tuned into the subtler aspects of the series - the "gags" aimed at James Bond fans, and at classic TV series of the past. These gags, which go right over the heads of pre-teen viewers, are appreciated by older fans. Not since the television series "Get Smart" has there
been a viable satirical vehicle for the spy / crime fighting genre of movies. By having strategically placed pauses in the action for a bit of nostalgia gag or dialog, the Kim Possible show keeps itself from becoming "campy", and does not take itself too seriously to have a bit of fun. The balance on this is delicate, and the creative team should be kept in tact to continue the balance.
It makes some sense to "wrap" series at 65 episodes, not letting anything become "stale" and lose viewer interest. Certainly, new series such as "Dave the Barbarian" have the potential of becoming hits, but Kim Possible is a proven commodity - a genuine hit - and I feel as a stockholder that the conservative approach here would dictate that the Walt Disney company milk this for all it is worth. There will come a time to end the franchise, but I believe that it has no signs of becoming stale at the present time, and should be allowed to continue until such time as the ratings decline. Certainly, Nickelodeon follows this approach - there is no limit to the number of "SpongeBob SquarePants" or "Fairly Oddparents" episodes - popularity has earned those series the right to continue. Shouldn't the same be said of Kim Possible?
I am aware of an effort by some fans of Kim Possible to continue the series past the 65 episode limit by backing Roy Disney in his opposition to you. This in no way represents all Kim Possible fans, and I apologize for any letters that you might have received on behalf of Kim Possible that seem rude, arrogant, or undermining to your position. The issue here is the continuation of a franchise that can be financially lucrative to the Walt Disney company, and of enjoyment to its fans. Any discussion of leadership of the company is irrelevant, and frankly I think misplaced on behalf of those fans. I cannot fault them for their devotion to their favorite show, and hopefully you will not be so offended by their actions that it would influence you to shut it down.
Thank you for your time spent considering this matter.
Respectfully Yours,
___________________
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That was my letter to Mr. Eisner. If you want to use it as a template, go ahead - but re word it in your own style. Remember, though, that it will only be read by some assisstant somewhere, Michael Eisner will probably only get statitics of how many people have written. He may get one or two sample letters, but that is all.
One more thing - If you are not a stockholder, be careful not to say you are, because they sometimes check out those claims.
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Another sample - A Universal Kimmie Letter
(A suggested letter idea! If you can, please expand, and change it to fit your own personal feelings!)
Dear (Enter Name),
I am a loyal fan of "Kim Possible". I watch this Disney program a lot, and I really enjoy it! The show is funny and very exciting. And Kim is a great role model for kids, because she's so kind, brave and caring.
Disney shouldn't end this show after only 65 episodes! There are so many new adventures Kim, Ron and Rufus could have yet. I still love Kim's show, and I want to keep watching fresh episodes all year.
A show like Kim Possible can make viewers watch the Disney Channel more often. When fans tune in to catch new Kim episodes, they stay to see the other Disney programs. Kim makes a lot of money for Disney! If she has new episodes, then fans will want to keep buying Kim Possible merchandise.
Kim's show shouldn't end yet, she's very popular! Fans like me don't want to lose thier heroine!
Sincerely,
(Name Of Kim's Friend)
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Yet Another sample
Dear Mr. Staggs:
It has recently come to my attention, as a member of an organization trying to return Disney to the original "magic" of the days of the great Roy Disney, that in the most recent Q1 report that you stated: "With hits like National Treasure and The Incredibles leading the way at the box office, and Kim Possible, Power Rangers, Raven, and W.i.t.c.h. exciting young TV viewers everywhere, we have great new franchise opporitunities that can be leveraged across our programming , parks and Consumer products businesses."
I applaud your statement, especially counting Kim Possible amongst those you consider to be a success for Disney. But I must ask you this. If you as Senior VP and CFO make such a grand statement about the success of Kim Possible ... then WHY has it been cancelled on ABC Kids and why are you still allowing the 65-episode rule to be in effect where this obviously money-making show is concerned?
The logic behind this just totally escapes me! How can you not put up an arguement to this when you obviously consider it to be a huge success, both in mercahndise as well as on the air? Time and again it's shown that Kim Possible has very wonderful ratings when shown at times that are easily accessible by her younger fans as well as those, like me, who are not in the "tween" or "teen" years. Yes, I am an adult of 39 years old and LOVE Kim Possible and think it is a GREAT influence on children of all ages as well as adults!
So why? Why remove such a great show? Why make such a statement only to, by the actions of Michael Eisner and other top executives at Disney as well as ABC, cancel and remove this show?
I invite you to check out our group ...
tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/Mission_Kim_Possible ... as well as our group that is trying to return tha "magic" back to Disney as a whole ...
www.savedisney.com ... and read what we are all about and what we are trying to accomplish. We are a small but determined group that wants to see Disney grow, thrive and prosper ... but not the way it is doing now under the Eisner regime.
Quality needs to be restored and Kim Possible is just one example of this quality that is lacking. Instead we are bombarded with lame shows such as Jake Long: American Dragon which plays on every pop culture nightmare out there in the world currently in a feeble attempt to win viewers while spewing forth "toilet humour" at every turn.
Or we are literally gagged with shows such as That's So Raven in an even more feeble attempt to turn a young actress into a commercial success along the lines of Lindsay Lohan or Hilary Duff. Talent is not created by constant exposure ... talent is a gift from God and Ms. Symone is just not in the same class as a Ms. Lohan or Ms. Duff, who are true success stories on their own talent with a gentle "nudge" from their corporate sponsor(s).
So please ... now that you have said Kim Possible is a success ... show it by fighting along side us to bring her show back from the dismal 65-episode rule cancellation and give new life to Kim, Ron, Rufus and the entire KP gang.
And just remember ... we may be small ... but our voices are united and we ahve one other thing behind us besides determination. We care! We are out here ... and we are watching! Stand behind your words and make a statement Mr. Staggs. If Kim Possible is so successful ... then bring her back!
Thank you for your time and I hope you will take this letter to heart.
Sincerely,
(name)
LoL KP rocks!
i know it's been on but i haven't watched it. I didn't think it'll be to good
[/glow]
