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TheBuzz
Erika Engle
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Bumatai buys out Bryan in NightTime Productions
JIM Bryan has sold his interest in
NightTime Productions and "NightTime With Andy Bumatai," Hawaii's only nightly TV talk show, to partner and host Andy Bumatai -- for undisclosed terms.
The pair parted business company amicably and are still friends, both men told TheBuzz.
He is helping Bumatai with the transition but has an overflowing back-burner to attend, Bryan said.
"I have writing jobs lined up and a film project in Canada." The writing includes a book adaptation and a screenplay, while he's been involved with the film project for years.
"I have obligations that have been long-standing that I can't neglect any longer," said Bryan.
Once "NightTime" is ready to go national, though, Bryan will happily help sell it, he said.
Bumatai now oversees all aspects, from sales and public relations, to crafting monologues, to set-up and break-down each day the show shoots at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Tropics showroom.
As such, he's talking with a potential partner, but absent a signed deal declined give a name.
"It could be the "Hawaii Calls" for the 21st Century," Bumatai said. "And what an outlet, if I can get this thing syndicated, to throw a Taimane Gardner, or some fledgling little singer or dancer or whomever," he said. "The world gets to see 'em. That's what made 'Hawaii Calls' so beautiful."
Bumatai feels strongly about keeping the show, "Hawaiiana, without it becoming wiki-wacky-woo. It's a hip Hawaii," he said.
The show debuted Aug. 6 on KFVE-TV where it airs at 9:35 weeknights, followed by a midnight airing on KHON digital sister station, the CW.
"People forget that this ... is two months old," and we're still working things out, he said.
He likens it to one's first day at a fast-food job with "three cameras following you around ... and please say Taco Bell instead of (another one) because it's one of our sponsors," Bumatai laughed.
Viewers who rave to him about the show range from senior citizens to 20-somethings. Eager to see results of the November Nielsens, he says sponsors are "all very happy."
The show recently relocated to the Tropics, but "with all the renovation (in Waikiki), I don't get too comfortable anywhere." Since the show provides promotional value but no revenue, another move is likely, Bumatai said. His choice would be, "a room out there that's sucking air," in the afternoons.
His wish list also includes TV production interns, who can contact him via e-mail at nighttime@bumatai.com.
On the Net:
» ntphawaii.com
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin. Call 529-4747, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210, Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached at:
eengle@starbulletin.com