40 Films in Robotech: Network (1976)

 

May 25, 2025 marks my QVC 30th Workiversary.
Here's me, some 20 years ago, shooting B Cam for a QVC remote LIVE broadcast from Arizona.
Scroll down for more pictures from my 30 years in cable TV...
but first: our latest Film in Robotech: Network (1976).

I find it interesting that Network (1976) made it into Robotech since it’s not western or sci-fi  (although the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films did nominate it for Best Science Fiction Film in 1977!)…

 ROBOTECH MENTION:  

Episode 70 Enter Marlene has Rand on screen uttering the often-quoted catchphrase of Network. But it’s McKinney’s Robotech novelization (Metamorphosis,  page 65) that really does the Network quote justice…

 SYNOPSIS:  

From Jeremy Arnold’s TCM book The Essentials Volume 2: 52 More Must-see Movies and Why They Matter: “Faced with the loss of his job, a news anchor has a nervous breakdown and rants about society on the air, becoming such a sensation that he receives his own, increasingly outrageous, opinion show.”

 AWARDS & KUDOS:  

The New York Times labeled Network "One of the Best Films" of 1976. Network went on to earn four Academy Awards: Best Actor (Peter Finch), Actress (Faye Dunaway), Supporting Actress (Beatrice Straight), and Original Screenplay (Paddy Chayefsky).  TCM still considers it a “must-see movie.” 

 OTHER COOL FACTS:  

Still working in the cable television industry after 30 years (this Sunday May 25th marks my 30th Workiversary with QVC), I can honestly say Network continues to be referenced among TV professionals. Remember, this film came out in 1976 – way before social media, today’s opinionated news channels, and the like. Network captures the pressure and pandemonium of LIVE TV and news in one crazy ride.

 ROBOTECH REASON:  

Robotech character Rand is an often-frustrated Earthling with a passion for old movies. Rand quoting this movie brings joy to my heart. Love it!

To read my ⭐⭐⭐ (out of a possible 5 star) rating for Network on Letterboxd, click here.

As promised, some more pictures of my own cable TV network journey:

Early on in my career, I got to be on-camera with Bob Newhart in a  live skit on QVC.
That's me far left in blurry, red flannel. It was the 90s, after all.

At the turn of last century, I was a writer at QVC's website.
We ran a charity auction of costumes used in X-Men (2000). 
That's me holding Wolverine's jeans - which smelled pretty foul.
Pictured with me is Digging Star Wars: Fort Apache (1948) vlog guest Stephanie Frederick.

As a Producer, I led productions in 25 of the 50 United States and five shoots in Italy.
This is me in St. Mark's Square in Venice, Italy...
which was also featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989).

Once upon a time, we had Halloween parties at work.
That's me in my homemade IG-88 costume.

I love how QVC is supportive of my creative pursuits outside work. The company financed two of my award-winning short films, provided tuition support for my masters degree, and has me as their Summer 2025 Featured Artist in their onsite art gallery. This picture was taken by my daughter Lily in QVC's art gallery showcasing some of my writings and films featured on Digging Star Wars.
Lily's film (Not) Alone (2025) is one of nearly 500 films featured on my blog.

Hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane. 

Come back next week for another installment of 40 Films in Robotech!