TV producer Michael Filerman is responsible for the nighttime soaps
”Dallas,” ”Knots Landing” and ”Falcon Crest.” He also takes credit for luring such Hollywood legends as Ava Gardner, Lana Turner and Jane Wyman to roles on the tube.
Q–Have nighttime soaps run their course? Their ratings seem to be slipping.
A–They`re not as popular as they once were, their uniqueness has worn off, but they`re holding their own. I think they`ll hold up better than
”Miami Vice.” Networks have a way of proclaiming these self-fulfilling prophecies. They`ll say a show is failing and then move it to a new time slot where it`s bound to flop.
Q–Are we at the end of the Cosby-clones cycle?
A–I hope not. I prefer these shows, with their family values, to all the silly little sex comedies we`ve had.
Q–What is the next big trend in TV after soaps and family sitcoms?
A–I`d think we`re going to see more relationship dramas, the kind of thing that Steven Bochco is doing with ”L.A. Law.” I think we`re ready for a traditional medical show, something along the lines of ”Trapper John, M.D.” Westerns can have a comeback. It`s all cyclical. It`s just a question of how you package it.
Q–How do you get legendary actresses to work on television?
A–By giving them a good part and a good script, something they`re not offered every day. Something with stature and credibility, not a slasher film. And then knowing how to handle them. They like to be reassured that we understand the way they`re used to working and that we can ease them into the way we work today. We show them some concern, and they show us a kind of professionalism that`s rare today. I love to take advantage of this incredible pool of talent that Hollywood doesn`t notice until it`s too late.
Q–Are these actresses difficult to work with?
A–Everyone`s difficult to work with. Everyone has idiosyncrasies. Someone doesn`t like drinking out of a paper cup, while someone else doesn`t like celery in the tuna fish. Our job is dealing with it.
Q–Whom else would you love to bring out of retirement?
A–Doris Day. I`d have her play a really evil character, something totally away from her image. I`d like to work with the Great Garbo, too.
Q–There`s a story that TV executives sitting around their offices would kill a TV show if it`s ”too good.” Is there any truth to that?
A–I`ve heard that story from TV reporters and critics, but I`ve never ever heard it from a creative person at a studio or a network.
