Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Islanders Illustrated on MSG Plus Premier 6-18-08


Shaky called him “Hollywood.” He may be living up to the name as Josh Bernstein and his staff have just finalized the first installment of Islanders Illustrated TV production, a slick ½ hour news and entertainment gem premiering tomorrow night at 6:30 pm on MSG Plus.

On Tuesday morning, at a Lowe’s theater, a group of Islanders’ staffers and a handful of guests were witness to the “world premier” of show number 1 of probably 18, or 24 if they make the playoffs next season. “Where are the sponsorship guys who are supposed to be selling this show?” asked Chris Dey as he surveyed the room. But then he smiled as I think he was just trying to rattle Josh just a little.

When the ITV staff was established, they probably never thought they’d be producing a full blown TV show. But as Josh said “We can, we did, and we will continue to.” The finished product is far better than MSG standards and they’re very excited about it. (We’ll see.)

Shawna Ryan is the host of the show, conducting certain interviews and introducing segments. I can’t tell you anything about her because I don’t have a face book account. She’s blonde, she’s pretty, and she’s a cross between a reporter and a flight attendant. She’s perfect for the gig.

The show that airs tomorrow covers the draft possibilities, the year in review and the I.C.E. tour. Steve Mears hosts a spot with Bill Jaffe and Chris King where Billy was clearly on fire discussing what he believe the direction for the team next season should be. Garth, take note as it was a lot of fun to watch.

Some of the content has been stolen from previous ITV productions, but not much of it. If Bernstein doesn’t garner another Emmy for this series, Billy Guerin just may. He’s quite the actor. There is also the Hungry, Hungry Hippos Two Man Advantage segment with Kyle Okposo, Blake Comeau and Jeff Tambellini which will give you a few laughs and a little bit of insight into Kyle.

But the draft day segment that everyone is looking for right now with Friday fast approaching basically recaps what we already know. Ms. Ryan conducts a brief interview with Garth Snow regarding his thoughts on this year’s draft and his memory of last season’s. There’s some combine footage of the draftees that is always good for a girlish giggle. But what will bring a tear to any die hard Islander fan’s eye is the year in retrospect which relived all the great moments (and yeah… there were a FEW) from last season.

The look and feel of the show is very youthful with its stencil lettering font, splashes of color and almost comic book graphics. For the rabid internet fans, there is even an IslanderMania Minute from their “official message board” which literally is a minute. If you blink, you may miss it.

All in all, it’s a good production from a really great staff. Check it out, but don’t forget that for all your Islanders draft day coverage for Friday and Saturday, it’s ITV on the web all the way. Also check out Islesblogger.com and TigerTracks as Mike and Tom will be on the floor in Ottawa with their first hand accounts of the day. The rest of us Blog Box bunch will be at the draft party or live blogging, so you never know what tidbits we may come up with.

So congratulations “Hollywood” on a job well done.

2 Minute Minor: Actually more like 12 minutes as those in attendance had to actually sit through SIX movie previews. The Love Guru, Rocker, Wanted, Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Hancock and Step Brothers. Now I know why I don’t go to the movies.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dee, when I first read this I thought you had taken over CB's PR job. Why all the free publicity for these people? They don't pay you to drink the kool-aid, do they? LOL! Anyway after I read you were invited to a preview it made sense. Glad you enjoyed the first episode. I hope I am home in time to catch it.

Anonymous said...

OopS! Just re-read what time it starts. 630PM. Do they think people don't work or what? I will just be getting off a train at that time. Oh well . . .

7th Woman said...

Mary: Yeah, I know. The Kool-aid is cherry and it mixes well with vodka. And they will be reairing the first episode, so check the MSG Plus website for times.