REVIEW AND BOOK GIVEAWAY
Review of: Making Masterpiece: 25 years Behind the Scenes at Masterpiece Theatre and Mystery! on PBS, by Rebecca Eaton
Making Masterpiece: 25 Years Behind the Scenes at Masterpiece Theatre and Mystery! on PBS, by executive producer Rebecca Eaton, is an informative and entertaining book both about the history of Masterpiece and a perspective on her own life. Eaton's description of a producer's role mirrors what she has accomplished in this book: "You must always push to reveal something new; an insight, a juxtaposition of images and ideas, a unique expression of an emotion, a piece of information."
The book details the beginnings of Masterpiece Theatre, through its renewal and rebranding in 2008 as Masterpiece with three distinct "seasons" of programming and a digital presence, up to its latest success with high-profile offerings such as Downton Abbey and Sherlock. Eaton shares many anecdotes about celebrities associated with Masterpiece including Alistair Cooke, Russell Baker, Robert Redford, Paul Newman, Kenneth Branagh, Eileen Atkins, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and many more. She ties many of the stories into what was taking place in her own personal and professional life.
Eaton provides insights into what a producer actually does and how Masterpiece, in particular, is developed, funded and promoted, and how that has changed over its 25 years. She celebrates the successes, discloses the disappointments and acknowledges mistakes along the way. The book is told from a very personal point of view by someone who you feel has a deep commitment to her work and high standards in bringing to American audiences television programs that inform, educate and entertain.
The book is written in mostly chronological order covering the past 25 years of Masterpiece. It takes us right up to the wildly popular Downton Abbey, on which Eaton devotes the last three chapters, with quotes from and stories about its actors. She also includes many fascinating insights from writer Julian Fellowes. The book contains 16 pages of interesting photos related to Eaton's family and Masterpiece celebrities. An added bonus is a detailed index with all of the names of people and programs that are mentioned in the book. It's easy to go back to find anyone or anything of particular interest.
Making Masterpiece is clearly written by someone who loves the subject. The stories Eaton shares are a must-read for anyone who has enjoyed any of the many delightful and engaging programs that Masterpiece has offered over the years.
The book details the beginnings of Masterpiece Theatre, through its renewal and rebranding in 2008 as Masterpiece with three distinct "seasons" of programming and a digital presence, up to its latest success with high-profile offerings such as Downton Abbey and Sherlock. Eaton shares many anecdotes about celebrities associated with Masterpiece including Alistair Cooke, Russell Baker, Robert Redford, Paul Newman, Kenneth Branagh, Eileen Atkins, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and many more. She ties many of the stories into what was taking place in her own personal and professional life.
Eaton provides insights into what a producer actually does and how Masterpiece, in particular, is developed, funded and promoted, and how that has changed over its 25 years. She celebrates the successes, discloses the disappointments and acknowledges mistakes along the way. The book is told from a very personal point of view by someone who you feel has a deep commitment to her work and high standards in bringing to American audiences television programs that inform, educate and entertain.
The book is written in mostly chronological order covering the past 25 years of Masterpiece. It takes us right up to the wildly popular Downton Abbey, on which Eaton devotes the last three chapters, with quotes from and stories about its actors. She also includes many fascinating insights from writer Julian Fellowes. The book contains 16 pages of interesting photos related to Eaton's family and Masterpiece celebrities. An added bonus is a detailed index with all of the names of people and programs that are mentioned in the book. It's easy to go back to find anyone or anything of particular interest.
Making Masterpiece is clearly written by someone who loves the subject. The stories Eaton shares are a must-read for anyone who has enjoyed any of the many delightful and engaging programs that Masterpiece has offered over the years.