MovieChat Forums > LazyTown (2004) Discussion > Open letter to Magnús Scheving: complain...

Open letter to Magnús Scheving: complaints for Lazytown in Latinoamerica

posted 16 years ago by Lone_Walker
11 replies | jump to latest

First of all Mr. Scheving I’m a big admirer of LazyTown: it’s a whole packet of good entertainment for kids, parents (and adults with open mind). It teaches well manners and healthy habits for kids and for grown up people too.
I really appreciate your effort in making of this show from almost 12 years ago. The best description that I can give from you (using the words of Tomas Thorvaldsson) is: you’re really the ultimate entrepreneur (in many senses).

Because of all mentioned before, I have to present a pair of complaints about how your show has been broadcasted for all latinoamerican viewers (specially kids).

1. In TV cable systems (the main ones) the second season’s episodes have been cut (specially songs and important parts of the stories) because of commercial compromises timing.
I opened before a thread for this reason (if you are so kind to check it out). I feel this is unfair when in other countries (USA, CANADA, UK, and so on) ALL episodes are presented completely (24 minutes per episode) without cuts.

2. In Mexico are launching right now LazyTown’s DVDs in spanish: that’s really great!! However, I have been notified that in those media the episodes are CUT ALSO!! That’s ridiculous (and unfair again)!!
I have bought LazyTown’s DVDs from USA and UK and every DVD presents 4 or 5 episodes: every episode is complete and well recorded as the original TV series. The Spanish version are cut and not well recorded (as it’s usual in DVD format).
An example? The original “Lazytown's Surprise Santa” show (USA version) has two songs (as should be a special show). The Spanish version only has one (like it was presented in TV show, with many cuts in the story).
Another example? In “Welcome to Lazytown” DVD the video quality for English version (UK) is totally different from Spanish version. What happened here?

With all respect for you and your work, I wonder:
1. Will you permit this situation continue? Of course, take your time to review my points exposed here.
2. Don’t you think the latinoamerican viewers have the same right than other world viewers have to watch your show (as you created it) without cuts?

Please, take actions about these situations.

Greetings,
Lone Walker.

P.S.: if you’re not Magnús Scheving but you can inform him about this matter I’d appreciate your help

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] 16 years ago

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[–] darkwander16 16 years ago

that comment is WAY out of line.

[–] Lone_Walker 16 years ago

Excuse me but you are...?

And only to be sure, are you talking about my comment or about LazyTown's haters comments?

LW

[–] darkwander16 16 years ago

not you. but the one who told you that you should be out picking cocane.

[–] Lone_Walker 16 years ago

Thanks for your reply, I only wanted to be sure about your comment.

We are so few who defend LazyTown openly and expressly that we have to be careful with all comments appeared here in IMDB (all LazyTown's detractors appear sometimes like they really are,
but in other occasions they don't).

So, I didn't want to be rough with you.

Regards,
LW

[–] dknighton 16 years ago

Not to be a buzz-kill, but I don't think your issue is with Scheving. It sounds like your local cable companies are aggressively commercial. Mr. Scheving has no control over how many commercials are run on his show by the independent entities who purchase them. You need to take this issue up with your cable company.

As for the DVD versions, I would imagine the distributors for your area are a better attack point. Again, Mr. Scheving is not in the DVD production business. Other than sending a strongly-worded letter to the DVD distribution company, your best course of action is to speak with your wallet, and not buy these poor quality versions of the product.

And please, stop throwing the word "rights" around like that. Just because you enjoy something doesn't inherently give you "rights" to it. Personally, I really enjoy seeing Angelina Jolie nude, but that doesn't give me the right to see her that way any time I wish. Save "rights" for the important stuff...freedom, liberty, justice and such.

[–] RSTowers 16 years ago

If you speak English, why don't you just buy the English DVDs and get back to work?

[–] Lone_Walker 16 years ago

Ok, let tell you dknighton. Before to say something else, I want to make clear that I respect deeply the Magnús Scheving’s work: LazyTown.

Before to write this topic I spent many tries to be heard: I did my job (as usually I do) and I tried first with Cable Company and then with the DVD distribution companies
for Latin-American (I have several months on it).

In both cases I got the same result: nothing.

That's the reason to write "an open letter to MS": he's owner of LazyTown rights (did I use right the word “rights” pal?) and maybe he could take some actions in this matter
because I believe he’s a noble and fair person.

I know there are a lot of created commercial interests in between (I'm not so innocent) but at the end of the day I hope the same thing that American and European public have: RESPECT,
respect to the Latin-American audience.

And that issue dear dknighton is their (my) RIGHT to ask it for.

Take care,
H.

[–] mojo2004 16 years ago

Why would you post a letter to him on IMDB.If it's a consumer issue (which really has nothing to do with him) it should be addressed in an email to the tv stations your referring to.Why should he check it out? Once the show is sold in syndication those stations can do what they please as far as cutting show time to add commercial content.

[–] Lone_Walker 16 years ago

Again, I did it already!!!

After nothing happened, I took the decision to expose it in public media: that´s the reason to write it in IMDB.

I´m not fool, I know the first and second season are lost (in terms of what I am complaining) but I hope MS can take some action on the next third season (obviously).

I never lose the hope about it (if you allow me).

LW