Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, January 21, 1995 TAG: 9501240020
SECTION: SPECTATOR PAGE: S-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LOS ANGELES LENGTH: Medium
The hour-long programs, including Tuesday's ``What About Your Friends,'' sympathetically take on youth's thorny problems - from classic loyalty dilemmas to very modern perils of sex.
Encouraging discussion, not giving pat answers or endings, is ``Schoobreak's'' aim, says Judy Price, the executive brought in (from ABC's children's programming) to develop the CBS series.
``These specials are the catalyst for dialogue between teachers and young people, between parents and young people, between grandparents and young people,'' Price said.
``We don't pretend to solve the problems in an hour drama. But we do try to illuminate, to examine issues without taking an advocacy position, so there can be discussion,'' she said.
The series, aimed at junior high and high schoolers, debuted in January 1984 with ``Dead Wrong: the John Evans Story.'' The drama told the real-life story of a young man, executed for murder, who left behind a videotape warning others away from the mistakes he made.
``John never was accountable for his actions, never took responsibility,'' Price said. ``The drama made the point that teen-agers have to be aware of the consequences of their actions.''
``Schoolbreak'' went on to air programs about the unfolding AIDS crisis and its impact on teens; incest; teen-age pregnancy and violence. Last year's ``Kids Killing Kids'' aired in prime time on CBS and Fox Broadcasting Co. in an unusual joint effort.
Occasionally, ``Schoolbreak'' ventures outside drama. One show detailed efforts by children to help the environment.
Boldness has its drawbacks: some topics have made advertisers or affiliates uneasy, Price said. One station initially refused to air ``Babies Having Babies,'' about teen-age pregnancy. But after the drama won accolades, the station manager aired the repeat broadcast.
``Issues are dealt with honestly and are tough. We don't skirt them. How do you skirt molestation or teens having babies?'' Price said. ``We handle it tastefully but we don't pull any punches in terms of being honest with the issues.''
The series is not trying to usurp the role of parents, she said.
``I understand that parents don't want television to teach their children about sex. The best thing for parents is to sit with their children and watch, to discuss it,'' she said.
``Schoolbreak'' takes its obligation to its audience seriously, Price said. Specialists, including professors from the Family Institute at Yale University, serve as advisers.
Not all themes are provocative. ``What About Your Friends'' stars Monica Calhoun, Lark Voorhies and Malinda Williams as three young women, best high-school buddies, intent on keeping the trio intact at college.
Economics interfere and the friends have to confront their fears of being separated and losing their special bond.
Price noted, with pride, that the producer (Cleveland O'Neal), writer-director (Gina Prince) and cast all are black and that the drama carefully reflects their perspective.
``At the same time, it's just a real rite-of-passage story that crosses over racial lines,'' she said.
The specials have featured such well-known actors as Martin Sheen and Annie Potts. Others have worked behind the camera as directors, including Steve Guttenberg, Henry Winkler and Diane Keaton.
Often they were making their directorial debuts. Price likened ``Schoolbreak'' to a ``training bra'' for first-timers.
``If a person can do one of these specials they can do anything,'' she said, given the challenges of shooting a low-budget production on a tight schedule.
Although the specials debut first on CBS - with nine to 10 broadcasts annually including some reruns - they have an even greater reach through schools.
Printed guides listing related books and featuring suggested discussion points are distributed free for classroom and community use, Price said.
She noted the specials consistently lose money but retain CBS' strong commitment.
``We do feel a serious obligation to young people, especially given that we do make money off them [in other programming]. We have Saturday morning programming that is responsible but commercial. This is a balance.''
For Price, ``Schoolbreak'' even yielded a personal dividend.
``When I first started these specials, my daughters were teen-agers and I used the specials as an excuse for them to talk to me [about issues] without talking mother-daughter,'' she said.
``That's really what I think is important about the series. I've gotten letters saying `We had a lively discussion at the dinner table last night after viewing your special.' Which meant there was not total agreement, but it got the dialogue going.''
``What About Your Friends'' airs Tuesday at 4 p.m. on WDBJ-Channel 7.
by CNB