Before going on, it’s important to point out that The Debaters WILL live on in it’s birthplace: CBC Radio One where it is enjoying a large loyal weekly listenership and an extremely enthusiastic following at live tapings (the most recent of which were back-to-back tapings at Winnipeg’s Burton Cummings theatre this past weekend). So we’re very happy and grateful for that.

But of course, hearing that a tv show that you’ve worked very hard on (grow up) will not be coming back is like receiving a running kick to the groin: you’re surprised and left with an immediate dislike for the person who kicked you.

It would be easy to be frustrated with the Conservative government (a popular CBC stance) and the CBC (a popular ex-CBCer stance), but I also realize you can’t always blame everything on everyone else.

When I found out that we were doing The Debaters on television in the winter of 2010 I was excited but immediately nervous: How would we make the transition? Would it translate? Would I have to wear pants now?

I was assured the tv show would be “just like the radio tapings”. Which of course in the end turned out to be “just not true”.

The vision for the show was changed from that of its creator Richard Side and those who had worked with it for many successful seasons and manipulated into something it was not. It became too static, lost its intimacy and left no space for audience enjoyment. This is partly the fault of mis-direction from a network exec (who was fired from the network in the midst of  the tapings),  partly the mistake of the directing/editing team and partly the blame of me for not seeing what was happening and stopping it in its tracks. After all I was a “consulting producer”. I should have insisted on being consulted.

The feedback I got immediately from fans across Canada was “it’s not as good on tv” and they were right. It wasn’t. The audience was too far away and under-utilized, the editing left out a lot of great moments that should have stayed in and the overall feeling of each episode was the same as the taste of a good wine that is not given time to breathe: it’s not horrible, but it could be much better.

That’s where we failed on the production side.

On the network side we faced an even tougher challenge: having executives assigned to the show that didn’t know it, understand it or care to understand it. Hence zero (and I mean ZERO) attention paid to the show from a developmental and promotional standpoint. There were opportunities to correct this, such as when we taped the show at the Glenn Gould Studio IN the CBC building and invited the tv executives in charge  to come down the stairs and see it, which they did not. If you can’t convince someone to come to your show that is taking place in a packed theatre in their own basement, there’s really nothing else you can do.

So I’m left with an interesting tv experience and some valuable lessons learned:

1. When you are a “consulting producer” make SURE they take action on what you say…or walk away.
2. Make damn sure your show is getting the promotion on the network that it deserves doing anything it takes (except sleeping with network executives. That would be completely wrong)
3. As an on-air personality, if something doesn’t feel right to you it probably isn’t.
4. Don’t try to make a season of television in a week (which is what we were forced to do)
5. If you have the stomach to kiss ass to tv network execs, pucker up.

In the end, we’re just another “failed Canadian tv show” which no one except those directly involved with it, their families and a handful of dedicated fans ultimately care about.

But I am most disappointed because we were a chance for Canadian stand-ups to have their thoughts heard and faces seen in a format that isn’t quite stand-up but proves how much more compelling an argument can be if it is funny as well as factual. In short, it was a great chance to show how funny can also be smart.

But we didn’t succeed in getting through to the cbc tv side.

I’m proud to be part of the team that will still be bringing The Debaters to the radio airwaves for Canadians on CBC Radio One. I’m proud of the incredible stand-up comedy talent Canada produces that we will still proudly showcase. I thank the creator of The Debaters, Richard Side, for creating an amazing format which I still think could work on television if the right people gave it a fighting chance. I thank Brian Roberts for his passionate efforts to bring it to television, (which is no small feat in this country!). I thank all the crew who worked very hard on the show and the thousands of fans who came out to live tapings in Vancouver. I can honestly say, I wish you were running CBC television. Above all I promise, I’ll keep on trying to create and contribute to new opportunities for Canadian stand-ups to shine on. And I wish the best of success to the comedy programs still running on CBC TV. I can honestly say now, I don’t know how you do it.

1. I didn’t go to film school

2. I didn’t fail out of film school and become a professional movie reviewer

3. I’m not bitter, having failed out of film school, so I can still appreciate a good movie without being envious that I didn’t make it.

All that said, I’m reviewing “The Hunger Games”, a movie based on a series of books that is intended for female youth readers and which I only went to see because my wife is female and youthful…(but is NOT a teenager. Let’s just be clear on that. I have her papers.)

In any case, we went to see The Hunger Games on Saturday afternoon at the Humber Cinema which is not exactly state-of-the-art and for that reason is not exactly packed with people which is exactly how I like it.

I had zero expectations going into The Hunger Games except perhaps I would leave with that same “I guess I would like this more if I were a teen-aged girl” feeling I felt after my wife dragged me to Twilight.

Much to my surprise, The Hunger Games hooked me right away, with a believable not-too futuristic story, a competition element with “Rocky-like” overtones and an accurate portrayal of our infatuation with reality tv and the ridiculousness of the rich 1% douche bags of society.

I’m not going to give any part of the movie away (I hate when movie reviewers do that) but I will say that the movie was well written, well paced and well performed from all aspects. There were a couple of moments when I thought to myself “as if that would ever happen” but I’ve also experienced those moments watching live Sports coverage (Sydney Crosby’s overtime goal at the 2010 Olympics comes to mind) so my disbelief was easily suspended.

In short, I left the movie thinking not only “that was a great movie” but also thinking “that was a great social commentary on where the world could be heading if we don’t smarten up”. A feeling that I think was echoed by many of my “fellow” movie-goers (the audience was mostly female). It also made me question again why no one ever dies in a game of “Survivor”? They should either let someone die or change the name of that show.

But I digress. The Hunger Games is a movie well worth seeing whether you’re a teen-aged boy or girl or in your twenties or thirties or forties or fifties (those in their sixties and above, I’m not counting you out either. I was just trying to keep this review as short as possible…which I have now failed at).

And even the very rich and obnoxious, whom this movie does a great job of holding a mirror up to, will be entertained if they can temporarily remove the giant stick from their giant asses and slither down from their pedestals for a couple of hours to sit among the riff-raff.

Good talk everybody.

Dear babies born on February 29th,

Let me wish just you the happiest of happy birthdays you beautiful little freaks of nature.

While the rest of us of any adult age long ago stopped celebrating birthdays with the gusto we used to as kids, you have the freedom to celebrate birthdays like a kid your whole life.

Indeed it’s quite a responsibility a leap year baby’s birthday party. Since it only comes along once every 4 years you are obliged to celebrate in Olympic proportions. So you’re going to need to light a massive torch to pass around, invite the whole world to watch and every active participant should be so energetic they’ll be accused of taking performance-enhancing drugs.

What an advantage you leap year babies have. While the rest of us turn 72 you’re just turning 18…(albeit the most-saggy, least cologney-smelling 18 year olds in the world, but still, technically, you’re 18). That means you can reap the benefits of being a teenager much longer. Like having infallible wisdom, making fun of “old people” and living off of your parents.

Of course, there is also a downside. Bouncers don’t technically have to let you into bars until you’re a senior citizen. And by that time, what’s the point of even going to a bar. You are NOT going to pick up. And by the time you sit down for a drink…you have to pee again.

But overall I think being born on February 29, would be a giant leap from being born on any other day of the year. Even if none of you are likely to live beyond the age of “twenty-five.”

Yours truly,

Steve Patterson

In previous 3 day trips I have gladly walked through Times Square and gawked at all the sights, marveled at the magnitude of mundane businesses made better by exciting signs (the Red Lobster in Times Square looks like most concert arenas in Canada). But not this trip. This time around I find myself walking down to the outskirts of Times Square, looking at the swarms of people jostling in line for half-price Broadway tickets and say to myself “Hmpf. Bloody tourists” (that’s right. I say “Hmpf”. With a p.) then turn around and head back to “my neighbourhood” in the Upper West Side (important note: I am very fortunate to be staying at a buddy’s house in the Upper West Side. Otherwise I would almost certainly be rooming with cockroaches in an abandoned warehouse that has been converted into a hotel.

The real adventure for me so far, other than attending a taping of “The Colbert Report” on Tuesday night….well, hold on, that’s definitely the highlight so far for me. Colbert is by far my favorite nightly comedy host and the show in general I think is the best nightly comedy on television thanks in no small part to CANADIAN head writer Barry Julien (thanks again for the VIP treatment Tuesday night Barry!). I’m happy to report that the show live is just as funny as the end product on TV and that’s with very, very minimal coaching of the audience. Everyone really wants to be there, all the jokes are funny for real, what they’re saving on applause signs they’re spending on top talent. Anyway: Colbert taping. Highly recommended. Enough said.

My other adventures so far as a “1 week local” are in trying to find the right trains back Uptown from various locations.

After attending the Colbert taping with my buddy Adam and then celebrating with a few post-show cocktails I got on a train that was supposed to take me to 79^th St, a scant 2 blocks from where I’m staying. Instead I ended up in Queen’s, a large borough away. Then last night, after doing a short set in the East Village I boarded a train that was supposed to go to 81^st and ended up at 125^th in The Bronx. Those who know me may think this is due to falling into a drunken slumber aboard the train and missing my stop but actually the train system is partially to blame here (along with my stupidity). Not all trains stop at all stops at all times. This is elementary to actual New Yorkers. But to a guy who grew up in Toronto where, if you guess the right direction you’re on the right train, this is not as intuitive. There are “express trains” here (in New York even the inanimate objects are trying to outrace each other) which only stop at certain stops. I’m still not sure of the exact system for the express stops but if I had to guess it would be “any stop but Steve’s”.

So now, as I sit in a café near where I’m staying I am very excited to report that the club I am playing tonight, “Stand-Up New York” is a very few short blocks from where I’m staying. No trains for Stevie tonight. They are “expressly forbidden”…(sorry. I thought that and had to say it)

OK, good talk everybody. Hope wherever you are you’re on the right track…

Please support this great cause by attending one of the three Ontario shows or by making a donation.

Featuring: Frank Spadone, Meg Soper, Pete Zedlacher and Steve Patterson

Dress Code: Business Casual

London, Ontario
Date: April 24, 2012
Time: 6:30pm Reception, 8:00pm Showtime
Venue: The Hilton London Ontario
Tickets: $95 each; VIP table of ten: $1500
To purchase tickets, visit Comic Vision London

Oakville, Ontario
Date: April 25, 2012
Time: 6:30pm Reception, 8:00pm Showtime
Venue:Le Dome, 1173 North Service Road East, Oakville, ON
Tickets: $150 each
To purchase tickets, visit Comic Vision Oakville

Toronto, Ontario
Date: April 26, 2012
Time: 6:30pm Reception, 8:00pm Showtime
Venue: Kool Haus, 132 Queens Quay East Toronto, ON
Tickets: $200 each; VIP tables of ten $3000
To purchase tickets, visit Comic Vision Toronto

Thank you for your support!

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Pub Comedy Show #1
The Lower Deck, Historic Properties
Hosted by Steve Patterson featuring John Buehler, Rebecca Kohler, David Merheje, Tim Rabnett, and Nathan MacIntosh
Must be 19+ for admittance
Time: doors open 12:00pm, show 1:00pm
Cost: $20
For Tickets, click here

Pub Comedy Show #2
The Lower Deck, Historic Properties
Hosted by Steve Patterson featuring Dave Pryde, Rick Currie, Tim Nutt, Julie Kim, and Brian Aylward
Must be 19+ for admittance.
Time: doors open 2:15pm, show 3:00pm
Cost: $20
For Tickets, click here

Gala Finale
Rebecca Cohn Auditorium at the Dalhousie Arts Centre
Hosted by Mark Critch featuring Sean Lecomber Chuck Byrn, David Pryde, Rick Currie, Tim Nutt, Steve Patterson, Greg Proops, Eman Elhusseini and David Crowe Tickets are $39.00 and available at Dalhousie Arts center by phone at 494-3820 or 1-800-874-1669
Time: doors open 7:00pm, show 7:30pm

For other shows with some of Canada’s best comics, visit http://www.halifaxcomedyfest.ca/

Friday May 11 at 8:00pm
The Rosseau, JW Marriott Resort and Spa

Hosted by Steve Patterson
Featuring Headliner Pete Zedlacher (NBC’S Last Comic Standing)
with Kristeen Von Hagen (Russell Peters Comics Without Borders), Tyler Morrison (Bite TV), K. Trevor Wilson (Winnipeg Comedy Festival)

Box Office Ticket Sales:
Toll Free: 1-866-943-8849
Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (EST)
Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm (EST)
Sunday & Holidays: 11:00am – 5:00pm (EST)

Local Ticket Sales and Information:
Tyler Morrison
705-644-9850
cottagecomedy@gmail.com

Visit www.cottagecomedy.com for more information.

The studio audience is very important as they will vote to choose three finalists! Once aired starting June 16, the viewing audience will ultimately vote for the top film. The CBC and sponsors will be offering a prize made up of cash and production services to be used by the winning filmmaker towards his or her next film.

We would like you to be a member of the studio audience for one of our four evening tapings at the CBC building in Halifax from Tuesday, May 15 to Friday, May 18.

To be a member of the studio audience, please call 902-420-4752 or
send us an e-mail alberta.dube@cbc.ca

Steve Patterson and The Debaters are coming to the Broadway Theatre
Tuesday May 29th.
Tickets available at Broadway Theatre Box Office or by phone 652.6556 X3.
Show Time 7:30 pm

Some of the debates will be, whether Deifenbaker or Tommy Douglas is Sask’s greatest politician, whether PC or Mac rules and whether it’s harder to be a youngest or oldest child.

The Red Tie Affair is an elegant social evening of fine dining and entertainment. Following a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception at the Crowne Plaza Fredericton Lord Beaverbrook, guests enjoy a gourmet meal prepared by Chef Brent Conlin, and the comedy of Steve Patterson, followed by dessert and an evening of dance with local legends The Downtown Blues Band. All funds raised through the Red Tie Affair will benefit AIDS New Brunswick’s Support Programs for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Tickets are $125 each and include a complimentary glass of wine, hors d’oeuvres, appetizer, entree, dessert and entertainment. Tickets to the dance portion of the evening will also be sold at $25 each. Tickets can be purchase by on-line, calling AIDS NB at 1-800-561-4009, by email redtie@aidsnb.com or visit us at 65 Brunswick Street, Fredericton, NB.

We look forward to seeing you at the Red Tie Affair.