People in the local showbiz loop can tell you that there hasn't been a major star in a very long time. Recent reality shows have failed to produce a new Kimerald or a new Sam Milby. That's why, they say, a show like Shout Out should be welcomed enthusiastically.
Shout Out is the new teen variety show from ABS-CBN that airs live at 5:15 p.m.
The show features some of the freshest faces in the Kapamilya network's stable of talents, and it's hosted by established young stars like Enchong Dee, Sam Concepcion and Erich Gonzales.
On Mondays, viewers will be entertained by the Mondeerifics group composed of Ryan Bang, Jenny Kim, Julia Montes, Ann Li, Tippy Dos Santos, Martin Del Rosario, Aria Clemente, Makisig Morales, and Rhap Salazar.
Tuesday is reserved for the Tuesdelicious group—James Reid, Devon Seron, 3AM (James Torres, Mica Caldito, Kyle Amor), Imelda Schweighart, Emmanuel Vera, Inno Martin, and former StarStruck V avenger Piero Vergara.
Bret Jackson, Fretzie Bercede, Miles Ocampo, Jane Oineza, Mikylla Ramirez, Kathryn Bernardo, John Manalo, Paul Salas, and Sue Dodd will perform every Wednesday as the Miyerkulitz.
On Thursday, the Friends-Thurs group composed of Ivan Dorschner, Trisha Santos, Nel Gomez, Young JV, Jaco Benin, Benjamin De Guzman, Anna Bianca Casado, Yen Santos, and Linn Oeymo will have their day.
Every Friday, it's going to be an all-star party as the hosts and the rest of the barkada hang out and perform with special guests.
According to the show's production team, Shout Out will feature production numbers of the "teen-mates" with an intra-group competition happening within the show.
Sounds like the format of the legendary That's Entertainment? Yes, indeed.
Based on the pilot episode, Shout Out updates the classic show with a more modern and hip look—giant sneakers on the stage and a giant PSP serving as a monitor for VTRs.
What's also different is that the show didn't include any veteran actor or actress to anchor the show, as German Moreno did in the original That's Entertainment.
That makes Shout Out a show truly for the young and hosted by the young!
TRAINING GROUND. In the past, TV networks used to churn out reality shows left and right in an effort to find the next big star. The first season of the show usually succeeded.
But then the interest starts to fizzle out and the show's participants never get to see the light of day.
Now, ABS-CBN is turning its attention to what it already has instead of looking for the fast and instant route. Shout Out draws from its storehouse of in-house talents, giving them their own chance to shine in the limelight while the big stars dominate other shows.
Finally, the "age of discovery" has ended and developing talent has begun.
The networks should have been doing this—cultivating talent and making it grow—a long time ago.
Kudos to ABS-CBN for spearheading this concept.
I have known talent managers and talents who complain to me that they have become the "frozen delight" of a certain network. "Frozen delight" is a term used in showbiz circles to connote talents who signed exclusive management contracts with a network but have waited and waited for their chance to be included in a project.
Some are just given one chance and others, not even a single opportunity. Ultimately, they are at the mercy of the network's management because they can't secure any work outside of their contract. There's the risk of "breach of contract" lawsuits.
A show like Shout Out becomes a venue where kids can get jobs and become the well-rounded talents they aspire to be.
In the Western world, stars can afford to specialize—meaning, if you're an actor, you concentrate on being an actor. The industry is so big, there's a lot of room for everyone.
In Asia, a star must know how to act, sing, dance and host to succeed. Local stars are expected to be more versatile and that is why a show like Shout Out is very much needed. It's a training ground for future stars.
CHALLENGES. Shout Out faces certain challenges in order to succeed. First, the 5:15 p.m. timeslot is tough. This TV timeslot has been dead for the longest time. When That's Entertainment aired more than a decade ago, things were quite different.
The landscape and viewing habits of audiences have changed. But I can understand why they placed it at the afternoon timeslot. If it was placed before the noontime show, it would have targeted housewives. Putting Shout Out in the primetime slot would have been too risky and quite a big burden for the show. Weekend programming would defeat the purpose of a That's Entertainment-like show.
The 5:15 p.m. time slot targets the young crowd the best when they are home after school. But ABS-CBN has to remember that teens today are quite different from the days of German "Kuya Germs" Moreno. They have more options now and, therefore, become more distracted.
There is the Internet, there is the rise of cable TV and many more things that compete for their attention. If ABS-CBN succeeds in capturing the youths' loyalty, it would be a sure win for them. The teen market has great influence and purchasing power.
Just look at the Twilight phenomenon and you know what I'm talking about. I just hope this program does not end up like the previous variety teen shows.
Also, ABS-CBN must ultimately succeed in making some of the cast members certified big stars, like the network did for Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu. A show is only as good as its product.
Star Magic is one of the best talent management arms in the country today. That's a big advantage for the teeners under its wing.
In the end, it does not matter if Shout Out is the new That's Entertainment of this generation.
What's important is the bigger picture—the local industry needs stars!