Rocket Science Laboratories

Rocket Science Laboratories
Company typeLimited liability
IndustryTelevision
Founded1998; 26 years ago (1998)
Founders
  • Jean-Michel Michenaud
  • Chris Cowan
Defunct2009
FateDissolved
Headquarters
Santa Monica, California
,
US
Websiterocketsciencelabs.com (archived)

Rocket Science Laboratories was an American television production company, best known for creating reality television titles throughout the 2000s. The company was founded by Jean-Michel Michenaud and Chris Cowan, both former employees of ZMC Productions; the two acquired ownership of ZMC Productions in 1998 and renamed it Rocket Science Laboratories. The company initially produced television documentaries, before shifting its focus to reality television programming with 2000's Surprise Wedding for the Fox Broadcasting Company (Fox). This special resulted in a close working relationship between the companies, in which Rocket Science Laboratories signed an exclusive deal to develop projects for Fox. Rocket Science Laboratories produced several successful titles, including Temptation Island, Joe Millionaire, and My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance.

History

1997–2003: Formation and breakthrough

In 1982, George Zaloom and Les Mayfield formed the production company ZM Productions. In 1997, one year prior to its dissolution, the company formed a television division, ZMC Productions, which was led by Jean-Michel Michenaud and Chris Cowan.[1] This division produced several projects, including Frank Capra's American Dream and the Emmy-winning Images of Life: Photographs That Changed the World.[1] ZMC Productions was meant to cease operation upon completion of its already-underway productions; however, Michenaud and Cowan opted to purchase the ownership interests of the company.[2] In 1998, the duo renamed the company Rocket Science Laboratories.[3] The company's first production was the television documentary film Dial H for Hitchcock: The Genius Behind the Showman, which was broadcast by Encore on August 13, 1999.[4]

While Rocket Science Laboratories continued to produce television documentaries, such as Influences for Bravo, its focus quickly shifted to shockumentaries. These productions included films such as Getting Away with Murder: The JonBenet Ramsey Story, After Diff’rent Strokes: When the Laughter Stopped, and Unauthorized: Brady Bunch, the Final Days, all produced for the Fox Broadcasting Company (Fox).[5] However, in 2000, the company's focus again shifted to the reality television genre; its first venture into the genre was the television special Surprise Wedding. Broadcast on November 2, 2000, by the Fox, the special depicted several men who were publicly faced with an ultimatum by their partners – propose or end the relationship.[5] Following the success of Surprise Wedding, Rocket Science Laboratories produced a sequel, Surprise Wedding II, and the series Temptation Island for Fox.

Temptation Island premiered on January 10, 2001. The series followed several couples who agreed to temporarily live at a resort where the guests tempted them to have an affair. Temptation Island experienced fierce backlash from conservative and Christian groups, in which advertisers faced pressure to boycott the series. Temptation Island, however, was a success for Fox, with its premiere receiving over 16 million viewers.[6]

In July 2001, USA Network announced that they had ordered a thirteen-episode series titled Mystery Mansion to be produced by Rocket Science Laboratories.[7] The series followed a group of 22 strangers who were relocated to a castle, in which they had to determine who among them was the "killer".[7] Mystery Mansion was set to begin filming on October 1, 2001, at Taymouth Castle in Perthshire, however, the series was cancelled over safety concerns following the September 11 attacks.[8] In 2002, Rocket Science Laboratories experienced another cancelled production with the CBS television pilot Culture Shock. Two contestants, Jill Mouser and Marcus Russell, sued the production company for allegedly injuring them.[9][10]

2004–2006: Fox deal and continued litigation

In July 2003, Rocket Science Laboratories signed a two-year, seven-figure deal with Fox.[11] The company's first project under this deal was My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance; the six-episode series followed an elementary teacher who was required to convince her family that she was engaged to an ill-mannered man.[12] The series was a ratings success, in which its premiere drew in 24.8 million viewers.[13]

Rocket Science Laboratories produced the television special Seriously, Dude, I'm Gay, which was intended to air on June 7, 2004.[14] The special depicted two straight men in competition over who could pass themselves off as a more convincing gay man.[15] However, Fox cancelled the special eleven days before its broadcast due to heavy backlash from the media monitoring organization GLAAD.[16]

Following this cancellation, Rocket Science Laboratories began production on The Partner, a ten-episode series following two teams of attorneys—some of whom were Ivy League graduates while others were from less prestigious schools—competing in a series of mock trials.[17] The series, which was set to air on November 7, 2004, was also cancelled; instead, Fox decided to move forward with My Big Fat Obnoxious Boss, a satirical spinoff of The Apprentice.[18][19]

In 2005, Rocket Science Laboratories was subject to a lawsuit filed by the Writers Guild of America. Known as Shriver v. Rocket Science Laboratories, the suit alleged violations of the California Labor Code and cited the following seven programs: Trading Spouses, Joe Millionaire, My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance, My Big Fat Obnoxious Boss, Renovate My Family, Seriously, Dude, I'm Gay, and Married by America.[20][21] In 2009, a settlement was reached between the two parties for $2.57 million, although Rocket Science Laboratories continued to deny all liability.[20]

2007–2009: Final productions and dissolution

Following the end of Rocket Science Laboratories' production deal with Fox, the production company signed a first-look deal with Yahoo![22] Mike Wood, director of business development at Rocket Science Laboratories, believed the deal was an opportunity "to translate the Rocket Science strength in storytelling to find new programming for the Web."[23]

The company's final project was When Women Rule the World, a reality television competition where a group of twelve chauvinistic men were required to be subservient to a group of ten strong-minded women.[24] When Women Rule the World was announced for the 2007–08 television season; however, after a series of delays, it was shelved by Fox.[25] The series was ultimately broadcast in Belgium and Finland on RTL Plug and MTV3, respectively.

In 2009, Michenaud and Cowan dissolved Rocket Science Laboratories. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the company was dissolved due to mounting debt and liabilities.[26] Following the dissolution of Rocket Science Laboratories, Michenaud and Cowan launched the production company Angel City Factory, a subsidiary of Banijay.[26]

Production filmography

Television films

Title Aired Original network Notes
Dial H for Hitchcock: The Genius Behind the Showman 1999 Encore
Influences: From Yesterday to Today CBS
Tripping Channel 4
Getting Away with Murder: The JonBenet Ramsey Story 2000 Fox
After Diff’rent Strokes: When the Laughter Stopped
Unauthorized: Brady Bunch, the Final Days
The 70s: The Decade That Changed Television ABC
Unauthorized: The Mary Kay Letourneau Story Fox

Television series

Title Aired Original network Notes
Temptation Island 2001–2003 Fox
Mystery Mansion 2001 USA Canceled
Invasion of the Hidden Cameras 2002 Fox
Joe Millionaire 2003
Married by America
My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance 2004
Trading Spouses 2004–2007
Renovate My Family 2004–2005
The Partner 2004 Canceled
My Big Fat Obnoxious Boss
Bullrun 2007–2010 Spike
Duel 2007–2008 ABC
Must Love Kids 2008 TLC
When Women Rule the World 2009 Fox Aired only in Belgium and Finland

Television specials

Title Aired Original network Notes
Surprise Wedding 2000 Fox
Surprise Wedding 2 2001
M*A*S*H: 30th Anniversary Reunion 2002
Married... with Children Reunion 2003
Seriously, Dude, I'm Gay 2004 Canceled

Television pilots

Title Aired Original network Notes
What's Your Life Worth? 2001 Fox Canceled
Culture Shock 2002 CBS Canceled

References

  1. ^ a b Karon, Paul (September 25, 1998). "Zaloom, Mayfield splitting". Variety. Archived from the original on January 17, 2021. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  2. ^ Schneider, Michael (July 9, 2003). "Fox fuels Rocket". Variety. Archived from the original on January 22, 2024. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  3. ^ Phipps, Jennie (February 19, 2001). "It is Rocket Science". TelevisionWeek. Archived from the original on October 22, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  4. ^ Cockrell, Eddie (October 31, 1999). "Dial H for Hitchcock". Variety. Archived from the original on December 8, 2022. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  5. ^ a b "A Listing of L.A.'s Biggest Players in Reality TV Game". Los Angeles Business Journal. September 10, 2000. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  6. ^ "Surrender to Your Desire: Temptation Island Premiere Is Here". E! Online. January 8, 2019. Retrieved January 20, 2024.
  7. ^ a b Grego, Melissa (July 10, 2001). "USA Net builds up 'Mansion' at TCA". Variety. Archived from the original on February 13, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  8. ^ "TV series shelved after terror attacks". BBC News. October 3, 2001. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  9. ^ Schneider, Michael (December 19, 2002). "Harnessing lawsuit". Variety. Archived from the original on February 16, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
  10. ^ Liptak, Adam (January 7, 2003). "Growing Rowdier, TV Reality Shows Are Attracting Suits". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 27, 2015. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
  11. ^ Ryon, Ruth (August 17, 2003). "'Goddess' dropping domiciles". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 13, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  12. ^ Fries, Laura (January 20, 2004). "My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance". Variety. Archived from the original on February 23, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  13. ^ Littleton, Cynthia (January 20, 2004). "Fox's 'Obnoxious' 'Idol' lineup wins the night". Today. Archived from the original on March 6, 2021. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  14. ^ Schneider, Michael (April 24, 2004). "Inside Move: It's straight to trash for Fox's 'Gay' spec". Variety. Archived from the original on April 24, 2022. Retrieved April 2, 2022.
  15. ^ "Fox Drops 'Seriously, Dude, I'm Gay'". The Washington Post. May 29, 2004. Archived from the original on August 20, 2020. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
  16. ^ Goodridge, Mike (October 12, 2004). "Seriously, dude, it was a joke". The Advocate. Vol. 924. Here Publishing. pp. 85–7. ISSN 0001-8996. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
  17. ^ Adalian, Josef (March 30, 2004). "Fox reality skein courts auds". Variety. Archived from the original on February 13, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  18. ^ Adalian, Josef (October 31, 2004). "'Swap' a good deal; Fox ditches 'Partner'". Variety. Archived from the original on February 13, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  19. ^ Karnes, Korey (November 19, 2004). "'Obnoxious Boss' is mean, funny --and smart". The Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  20. ^ a b Dehnart, Andy (January 22, 2009). "Networks, producers will pay $4.11 million to settle reality workers' overtime lawsuits". Reality Blurred. Archived from the original on November 19, 2021. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
  21. ^ "Reality writers sue Fox over lost wages". Today. August 25, 2005. Archived from the original on April 20, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  22. ^ Welsh, James (August 8, 2007). "Yahoo signs first-look reality TV deal". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on February 2, 2021. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  23. ^ Wallenstein, Andrew (August 7, 2007). "Yahoo blasts off with Rocket". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on September 29, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  24. ^ Adalian, Josef (January 16, 2007). "Women rule new Fox show". Variety. Archived from the original on April 15, 2015. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  25. ^ Schneider, Michael (August 28, 2009). "Reality shows battle … reality". Variety. Archived from the original on February 15, 2023. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  26. ^ a b Leffler, Rebecca; Andreeva, Nellie (July 7, 2009). "France's Banijay sets up U.S. outfit". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 22, 2024. Retrieved January 22, 2024.