Embedded Files
As the cast toured Europe, The BBC, along with an Italian TV company started talks with MGM to find a way to continue the series for a third season. Eventually a deal was done and the BBC ordered two more seasons and the show went into first run syndication on American TV. Ironically by the time the deal was agreed the rating for the second season had begun to fall in the U.K. and the record sales also started to dry up as the shows popularity waned. Thankfully the money had already exchanged hands and new episodes were planned.
Following a press conference and party, on the Fame set at MGM studios Culver City, on 24th August 1983 filming on the third season of the show started on the next day on 25th August. With the first episode being broadcast, in first run syndication (a first for any TV series) in the U.S. on 15th October and 4 months later on the BBC in the U.K. on 15th February. The BBC and an Italian TV company had stepped in when NBC cancelled the series at the end of Season 2 to come up with a deal with MGM to produce more episodes of the show.
The uncertainty as to whether a further season would be made resulted in some casualties but 90% of the cast and crew, having held off from taking other jobs, waited for the decision on a 3rd season to be made, believing that the show would continue, returned to the set.
One of those casualties was Lori Singer. Frustrated by the lack of character development for Julie in season2 , Lori did look elsewhere for work. The show being dropped by NBC meant the casts original contracts needed to be renegotiated, which was a blessing for Lori as this gave her the ideal get out clause because she won the part of Ariel Moore in the film "Footloose". Lori decided to take a chance with the movie rather than signing a new contract with Fame and left the show. Morgan Stevens also found other numerous acting roles quickly and also decided not to return as a regular on the show but did return to guest star in 4 episodes of Season 3. There were questions as to whether Lee Curreri would return for the new season after he had issues with the producers regard music royalties for his performances on the show. However he did return although his appearances were limited.
Three new cast members were introduced into the show to create conflict for the existing characters. Ken Swofford came on as Quentin Morloch the schools new Vice Principal. It was never made clear as to why he wasn't just given the title of School Principal rather than Vice Principal particularly when his replacement in season 5 would have that title. Morloch's authoritarian presence gave the teachers and students something to rebel against which did add a new and much needed element of drama to the show.Cynthia Gibb joined as Holly Laird, a music major whom brought out insecurities and jealousies in Doris. This actually reflected the real life experience of Valerie Landsburg who initially felt intimidated by Cynthia. Valerie has openly admitted that she was mean to the newcomer but the two soon became firm friends.Billy Hufsey also joined the cast as Christopher Donlon a dance rival for Leroy.
A new character of Alicia Morgan was eventually introduced played by Phoebe Yardon-Lewis. However as a music major specialising in Opera, the character wasn't popular and dropped after 2 episodes.
Gene Anthony Ray's problems of lateness and not turning up to work at all seemed to manifest more in this season resulting in him being suspended from the show for 5 weeks. This meant that dancer Michael Delorenzo was frequently called upon to replace Gene. Bronwyn Thomas was also given more to do with her character of Michelle.
Erica Gimpel became increasing unhappy on the show and decided to leave on 28th October 1983 after the filming of the 7th produced episode "Break Dance". Erica remained in the titles for the rest of the season but her absence created a huge gap on the show and many fans see this as the point where the show lost some of it's magic.
There were 22 new episodes made for season 3 along with 2 concert specials. After the success of the season 2 concert special, MGM tried to recreate that with the Live in Israel special and the cast's first American concert special, looking at the music of 1983. The latter was filmed on 29th December 1983 at the Santa Moncia Auditorium, which was actually during the Christmas break from the show which took place between December 22nd 1983 and January 2rd 1984.
The music and production numbers on the show began to develop, looking more stylish and sophisticated. With the use of better lighting and effects they began to take on a music video quality. This would develop further in the future seasons. However, season 3 is where for the first time we began to see fantasy music sequences like "Rock n Roll World" and production numbers like "Drive Me Wild" where due to the props involved there was no way the number could just be performed and obviously contained many different set ups and edits. This made the show more visually appealing.
Morgan Stevens and Valerie Landsburg also worked behind the scenes writing episodes. Morgan wrote the script for the episode "Catch A Falling Star" and Valerie Landsburg co-wrote the the script for the episode "Signs"with Michael Hoey.
Debbie Allen would continue to develop her behind the scenes talents when she directed her first episode of the show titled "Lisa's Song" which started production on 6th December 1983. Debbie would go on to direct many more episodes of the show in the following 3 seasons becoming the director to work on the most episodes of Fame during it's 6 year run.
With production continued through until May 1984, the beginning on the Season produced some of the best episodes of the shows entire run. There was a renewed energy and U.S. rating began to take off. Sadly by mid season they couldn't maintain the energy and standards and the quality of the show seemed to suffer. Again there was a reliance on guest stars and with some mediocre episodes the season limped towards it's finale. Behind the scenes there was more uncertainty, Bill Blinn who at the time was one of the highest paid executives on American TV at $75,000.00
per episode was in dispute with MGM about his salary. The move to syndication had meant a cut in costs and questions were asked about the executives salary. A compromise couldn't be reached and Blinn left the show at the end of the season.
The Season 3 Opening Credits:
Additional Information:
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