Very Bad News

[francesca]

You're right Dippy , we pay an exorbitant licence fee for what is for a large part " reality show " rubbish.
I feel angry but mostly I could cry!

[ekaterina]

ohhh!! cant believe it! ¬¬

i will borrow this little fellow too

...and fingers crossed....

[zenina]

One more
www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a305309/rufus-sewells-zen-axed-by-bbc.html

Rufus Sewell's 'Zen' axed by BBC
Tuesday, February 22 2011, 18:38 GMT
By Paul Millar, TV Reporter

Rufus SewellRSS
TVRSS
Aurelio Zen

© BBC
BBC One's Italian detective drama Zen has been scrapped after just three episodes, it has been confirmed.

The Guardian reports that the show - which stars movie actor Rufus Sewell - may be transmitted on a different network.

Left Bank Pictures, the production team which also makes Wallander, are currently "in discussion" with other broadcasters.

A spokesman said: "Left Bank Pictures are currently in discussion with other UK broadcasters about Zen.

"We were delighted that this fresh and stylish detective drama resonated with British viewers, television critics and fans of the novels alike and remain hugely proud of the three films."

However, while Zen averaged a respectable 4.7m across its January run, the programme shed viewers week-on-week.

[rai]

WTF - I just started to rewatch the eps last night on my DVD and was enjoying it so much more the second time. CRAP!!!! I am pissed.

The BBC are idiots.

Rai

[robela]

OMG I'm so upset - I cannot believe it!!!

Those of us in UK can complain as BBC license payers. Is there anywhere else we can all complain to online. At least it will help support some other tv station taking it on.

There is so much rubbish on tv I cannot believe that the one new programme which is refreshing and stylish and every
other good adjective anyone can think of has been axed. THIS IS A BIG MISTAKE BY THE BBC!!!

I am just stunned - I was sure we would see more of Aurelio! It was so well received some other tv station must take it on. - PLEASE!!!

We love Aurelio Zen.

[dippyponge]

The BBC points of view web page is full of annoyed BBC license payers having a rant.


Message 243, in reply to message 241.
Posted by Essential Rabbit (U3613943) on Tuesday, 22nd February 2011 (1 Hour Ago)

Cohen strikes again.

This man will turn out to be a disaster for programme quality on BBC1.

Reply to this message 43

Link to this forum: Zen (from the team that brought you Wallander)
Report message43

Message 244, in reply to message 243.
Posted by Rhocessirbenfro (U11212688) on Tuesday, 22nd February 2011 (1 Hour Ago)

This was quality and had ratings. How have they come to this decision? If they scrap Wallender they'll be a riot!

Reply to this message 44

Link to this forum: Zen (from the team that brought you Wallander)
Report message44

Message 245, in reply to message 244.
Posted by Essential Rabbit (U3613943) on Tuesday, 22nd February 2011 (1 Hour Ago)

Let's hope that the discussions with other channels bear fruit and someone with more taste and discernment than currently demonstrated by the new controller of BBC1 takes it on.

I suppose it doesn't feature enough sqealing girls.

Reply to this message 45

Link to this forum: Zen (from the team that brought you Wallander)
Report message45

Message 246, in reply to message 243.
Posted by Dame Bouncy Castle (U1358361) on Tuesday, 22nd February 2011 (1 Hour Ago)


Absolutely gutted.

And you know what?

"In talks with other channels" = bluddy Murdoch's lot will take it. You watch.

This is only a few of them.

[GreenEyesToo]

I am now in a VERY BAD MOOD!!!



Stupid bloody idiots! When Cohen was appointed late last year, I had a bad feeling about him. I can't believe, after all the postive reaction to the series, that it's not been recommissioned.

It's bound to get another broadcaster - if they're already in talks, either Left Bank knew the decision a while ago, or they were already thinking of taking it elsewhere. So, the choice is ITV = ads, or Sky = subscription only TV.

Oh.......GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dippyponge]

BBC Audience Services
PO Box 1922
Darlington
DL3 0UR

This is the BBC Address if anyone is interested in writing to them (I know I am going to be)

I might even write to ITV to let them know what a good program Aurelio Zen is. This is their address if anyone is interested.

ITV Plc
Gas Street
Birmingham
B1 2JT

[kissmekate]

They will get some very angry mail from Germany too!!

[cazbaz]

No!!! this is bad news

I'll be keeping my fingers and everything else crossed that it gets picked up by another channel - I don't know about ITV though - Left bank are filming another TV detective series this year for them called DCI Banks - and as much as I like Stephen Tompkinson and Yorkshire I wanna see Rufus and Rome!!!!!!!!!!! and sunshine!!!!!!!!

God, I really hope this is not the end for Zen

[GreenEyesToo]

Thank you, Dippy!

[robela]

Thanks for the addresses Dippy. I will be writing to them and I will be complaining to the BBC as a license payer.
There is very little on the television that is worth watching these days. That is if you (like us) don't like stupid reality programmes and when a really thrilling, exciting, classy, well made, beautifully photographed, well acted and exceedingly watchable programme with good actors and starring Rufus Sewell is axed. They simply must be out of their heads and they will suffer for it. I AM SO MAD.

[rueful]

Thanks for the research, Dippy.

I don't have a Facebook accout, but if anyone does, there's a Zen fan page. Maybe other people on that page would be interested in tweeting or lobbying other broadcasters:

www.facebook.com/pages/Zen/129905420405264?v=wall&filter=1

Also, there seems to be some sort of twitter campaign:

RT @crimeficreader: Pls help save #ZEN TV series & tweet @simonmayo 2moro PM using "MORE ZEN PLEASE". BBC are ditching this great series.

You can find a lot of twitter posts about this by searching "Rufus sewell" or Zen BBC on twitter.com.

Can I say it again? B@stards. Also, @$$holes.

Sorry, I know it's childish. It's my only outlet right now.

[ruthie2910]

Can't believe this news, was convinced that Zen would definitely be back on our screens and on the BBC. I can't see ITV taking it up, I feel that it will probably end up on Sky1, which although it would not be great for everyone, at least we would get to see more of Rufus as the delectable Aurelio Zen!

Let's get writing girls......

[GreenEyesToo]

Sadly, I don't think writing to the BBC will make a scrap of difference - the Corporation has long since had a reputation for deliberately ignoring the wishes of its viewers, even though they largely fund the BBC (so much for "he who pays the piper calls the tune"!) - perhaps Mr Cohen should realise that he's supposed to be catering to what those viewers want, not imposing his own ideas of what we "should" watch.

Anyway, let's look to the positive:

The decision by the BBC not to renew Zen doesn't mean the drama won't return. Left Bank Productions, who also make Swedish detective drama Wallander for the BBC, are searching for a new broadcaster.

It's possible the drama could move to ITV or even Sky who might step in quickly to acquire a drama the BBC has cast aside. Sky is currently trying to boost its drama output through the recent launch of Sky Atlantic and more commissioning of original, UK drama content. Therefore to Sky Zen might look like a promising and exciting acquisition. Other possible UK broadcasters include Channel Four - who are also seeking to boost its UK drama output - and Channel Five.

www.atvtoday.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=818:no-more-zen-for-bbc-one&catid=1:tv-media&Itemid=3

Channel 4 showed Pillars and also part-funded Vinyan, so maybe..........?