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Emmy Makeup Guy: Beware Of HDTV!
The Emmy Awards' top makeup artist says the stars don't "look as good" in high-def.
By Phillip Swann

Washington, D.C. (August 30, 2006) -- Looking for a reason why NBC didn't broadcast Sunday night's TV Emmy Awards in High-Definition TV?

Well, some conspiracy theorists might point to the TV Academy itself after reading today's comments from the show's head makeup man. (The Academy produces the awards show.)

In an interview with The Associated Press, Emmy makeup artist Bruce Grayson said TV stars will face a new challenge if the show ever airs in high-def.

HDTV, he said, has an "infinitely sharper image...Skin doesn't look as good."

Grayson added: "More people have been seeing the shows on an old standard monitor - which makes people look softer, more beautiful and it's more forgiving - but that's changing."

The makeup guru said the stars will have to place more emphasis on good skin care than makeup, which he says looks flat in high-def.

Hollywood makeup artists have experimented with new techniques since the launch of HDTV several years ago. But most experts say the ultra-clear picture will continue to hurt celebrities who have relied on extra make-up and favorable lighting in the past.

NBC's broadcast of the 2006 Emmy Awards averaged just 16.1 million viewers, down 14 percent from last year.

Opposite the Emmys, ABC's repeat telecast of The Pirates of the Caribbean, which aired in HDTV, drew a surprising 10 million viewers. Fox's HD broadcast of Star Wars: Episode II had 4.4 million viewers.

Combined, the two HDTV movies nearly equaled the total audience for the Emmys, which is traditionally a ratings powerhouse.

Click TVPredictions.com to see the rest of today's Swanni Sez.

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Phillip Swann is president and publisher of TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in dozens of publications and broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox News, Inside Edition, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Financial Times, The Associated Press and The Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at swann@tvpredictions.com or at 703-505-3064.

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