Almost 90 viewers complained about the first episode of Irish-English co-production ‘Ripper Street’, Broadcast reports. The first episode, which aired on BBC One on December 30, featured scenes of a sexual nature involving Irish actress Charlene McKenna. The Monaghan-born actress featured heavily in the first episode, which saw cops Adam Rothenberg, Matthew Macfadyen and Jerome Flynn come to her rescue. A BBC spokesperson said: “A piece like ‘Ripper Street’ is a strong and gritty series but is clearly signposted, including on-air continuity announcements, to ensure the audience knows what to expect from the show.” The show, which was co-produced by Ireland’s Element Pictures and the UK’s Tiger Aspect and Lookout Point, and filmed in Dublin, broadcasts at 9pm on Sunday nights. The first episode pulled in 6.09m viewers.
Ben Affleck’s ‘Argo’ Wins Best Picture At Critics’ Choice Awards… Just yesterday, Hollywood was up in arms after Ben Affleck’s third directorial effort ‘Argo’, failed to make the Oscars nomination list. Last night however, the director and actor, who won an Oscar in 1998 along with Matt Damon for their screenplay ‘Good Will Hunting’, picked up the Critics’ Choice Awards for Best Picture and Best Director, beating Steven Spielberg and Ang Lee. Daniel Day-Lewis won Best Actor for ‘Lincoln’ while ‘Skyfall’ was also honoured, winning Best Action Movie.
Advertising Rates Rise For Oscars Air Time… ABC, the station broadcasting the Academy Awards next month, is reportedly selling advertising slots for $1.65m to $1.8m, for ads to air during the ad breaks of the ceremony. Ad Age reports that the 2013 Oscars ad rates are the highest they’ve been since 2008, when ads went for $1.82 million per 30-second slot. The Oscars ad rates are still not as high CBS’ rates for ads during the 2013 Super Bowl, which are reportedly being sold for more than $4 million. The 85th Academy Awards take place on February 24.
If you watch one trailer today… We’re in awards season mode here at IFTN, and with the Golden Globes airing state side this Sunday, check out hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler talk hosting the 70th anniversary ceremony.