• TVWeek, Tuesday, December 13, 2005 11:18 AM

TVWeek has posted an extensive transcript of its recent, wide-ranging Syndication Roundtable. It reveals, among other things, that the syndi market has much in common with cable, and that, as always, commercial success is largely predicated on talent, timing, and cost of production.

Michael Gelman, producer of "Life With Regis and Kelly": "We always keep focused on producing a hit show, and I think that is what you need to do. We always have our eyes open for new talent that's out there, but again, just because someone's a fantastic guest does not always guarantee that they'd be a fantastic host."

ICM agent Babette Perry: "You have to be really creative [when you pitch a show]. I have a situation right now where Rubbermaid has committed to me. If I can sell a show, they will commit 50 percent of the budget. That's a whole different sell than when you walk in and say, 'I have talent.'"

Read the whole story at TVWeek »