24 -— Wednesday, November 6, 1$91 —- North Shore News ? SPO TLE Gee Critics can’t seem to agree From page 21 trying to be role models,’ says Orchard, creator of the CBC teen series, “You can’t have a show where everyone is good or kids would never watch it.” The 41-year-old TV producer had wanted to create a show using the skills he picked up when he was in England during the late ‘70s working on the hugely popular Eastenders. He wanted it to be about average teenagers, not good-look- ing lippy kids feund on typical American TV series. It’s this sense of realism, he says, that sets Nor- thwood apart from the popular TV show, Beverly Hills $0210. ‘iow can a character be real- istic when he doesn’t have one hair out of place?’’ says Orchard. He wanted to convey a gritty lock, so he filmed the show on videotape instead of the more ex- pensive film. As it turns out, Nor- thwood costs about half the price of a typical primetime drama to | produce. . Speaking in his Lynn Valley - production office, Orchard admits . it took audiences time to grow ac- customed to his approach. “When we first went on the ‘ air, people said the show looked cheap. Now,” he says, “they say they don’t notice it (the videotape) anymore. But videotape is still thought of as a poor man’s ap- proach to TV.” Orchard wanted to explore issues that haven‘t been discussed much on TV — things that mat- tered to teens, like date-rape and suicide. (The date-rape episode airs Nov. 11). Orchard doesn’t believe that such problems can be solved by simply ignoring them. “1 really wish these things wouldn’t happen to kids, but ! don’t think they’ll go away if we stick our heads in the sand,’’ he says. “It can be a fittle scary know- ing you’re going to get flak for it, but i really believe a show like this can be entertaining and educa- tional.’’ One thing Orchard was careful not to do is get preachy. For in- stance, ‘‘We don’t always say, ‘here’s what you do.’ Sometimes the characters make mistakes and learn from what they’ve done wrong.” So far, Northwood fans have responded favorably. The show’s first run Jast spring pulled in an average audience of 850,000 — a whopping success by Canadian standards. . Sue Coleman Internationally known BC. artist will be signing her book and prints on location at Bilton’s. Se Edition 450 s/n Dogfish Pole Size 13x20” Thursday, Noveraber 7, 5-5pm & 6-9pm Originals and signed and numbered prints will be on display, plus a selection of her poster art. Gallery: 985-4035 Talking Yellow Pages: 292-9000, 4035 109 East Ist Street North Vancouver This fall the numbers have peaked at 938,000 (Oct. 14), and Orchard is predicting one million to tune in as the season unfolds. Sixteen new episodes, all filmed in North Vancouver, will allow viewers to become more involved in the characters’ lives. It will aiso give Orchard and the show's 25- member cast time to develop a meaningful storyline. Orchard can‘t hide his optimisrn about Northwood’s future. Al- though he won't get the official word from CBC Toronto until Feb- tuary, he says he can’t see how they could pull the plug on the show in light of its positive ratings and low production costs. Orchard isn’t the only hopeful one. The reviews have been better too. In the early days of the show, critics complained that Northwood was too dark. The first episode, they said, was too gloomy. It dealt with teen suicide and focused on a funeral. . “One reviewer,” said Orchard, “wrote, ‘Oh God, doesn’t any- one have a good time on Nor- thwood?’ ” on show’s focus Another critic trashed the show in words Orchard said he had to look up in the dictionary. This time around he deliberately opened with a lighter theme, which is what he wanted to do with the very first episode. MONDAYS: TUESDAYS: WEDNESDAYS: FRIDAYS: Luxury White Goose Down Quil ¢ 10 YEAR GUARANTEE * BAFFLE CHANNEL CONSTRUCTION © 100% COTTON ¢ PRIME GOOSE DOWN Compare Queen Kin NOW Twin/X 226° 9Ss9° Boe FAQs “‘And one reviewer complain- ed that ‘Northwood used to have a dark edge,’ ” he faughs and rolls his eyes. Orchard has learned the hard way ta ignore the critics and be true to his school. Hot Wings Caesar Salad Check out our Steak Sandwich Special sone > IMAGE® PILLOWS} * non-allergenic e machine washable | f Compare NOW Twin 12% 5 Double aa 14° * 100% COMBED COTTON © 14 FASHION COLOURS SOFT, PLUSH TOUCHABLE RICHNESS Bath SAVE TO 55% ‘Al Compare NOW. Placemats All New Pattarns aa Now 1 49 ©. 7800 Alderbridge Way, (1 ilk. West of NO. “North Road, Coquitlam (nearLond a Drugs}: 936-2722 i 986-5203 583-5220 is? }CALAIS TOWELS e ALL FIRST QUALITY