• by Lydia Loizides , Op-Ed Contributor, July 24, 2008

So, I got in this morning from a week on the left coast. Exhausted and drained, I am happy to report that I am definitely encouraged.

You see, a year ago this time I was on maternity leave. I was watching way too much late-night TV and reacquainting myself with the perils of sleep deprivation. There was a looming strike (that did manifest itself a few months later), and we were entering the summer doldrums.

Now, a year later, I am still watching way too much late-night TV (my fault, not the baby's), sleep deprivation is simply a state of being, we are talking about another possible strike and well, the old adage seems to be holding true. You know, the one about how the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Except for the fact that the tone in Hollywood has changed. There is an openness for talking about things new and fresh; ideas and concepts that are different (save the broadcast networks that are still a bit hesitant). I am hearing words like multiplatform, integrated, showcasing, interactive, bold, character-driven, and edgy.

Granted, I have heard all of this before -- but this jaded and jet-lagged gal sees a very bright, interactive and compelling season of content coming for 2009. Stay tuned.