Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

#1

Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/21/06 at 6:21pm

Something I really wish would happen: I wish that IBDB included pictures and triva with their actors and also had photos from the shows on file. And maybe more info on the shows certain performers have been in (not just on Broadway but in tours, regional, London etc.)

Just thought I'd throw this out there.

#2

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/21/06 at 6:26pm

That would be cool. Then there could also be message boards about actors, shows, theatres, etc.

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If Percy Blakeney were in Les Mis....

Percy: Sink me! If it isn't Javvurt!
Javert: Zsah-vair, it's pronounced Zsah-vair.
Pecry: But it's spelled J-A-V-E-R-T Javvurt.
Javert: Repeat after me Zsah...Zsah....
Percy: Oh! Zsa-Zsa! Like the Gabor sister! Well I personally have always prefered Eva.
Javert: (Looks for gun)

#3

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/21/06 at 6:28pm

But there are message boards right here :|

#4

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/21/06 at 6:30pm

They're really not all that great with the dates a performers been in a show. They don't have the dates when Tim Curry, Alan Tudyk, David Hyde Pierce, Sara Ramirez, etc. left Spamalot, when I could search for press releases right now and find all of those dates in five minutes. That's just for one show too.

I think it would be great if they could get headshots for each actor.

#5

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/21/06 at 6:30pm

Would love Off and Off-off, but that could make the database HUGE!! But fun...

Pictures would be nice. How new is this site? The more we contribute might help build up their database...

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"It's not so much do what you like, as it is that you like what you do." SS

"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana." GMarx

#6

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/21/06 at 6:30pm

It costs a huge amount of money to run IMDB and it is supported by an incredibly high volume of web hits and also a premium subscription based service. It has become an industry staple that the entertainment biz uses as a valuable tool in day to day deal making (despite being filled with inaccurate information).

Frankly, there isn't the same kind of audience for a Broadway website and IBDB is really just an archival base.

#7

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/21/06 at 6:37pm

And here is your Off Broadway data base.

http://www.lortel.org/lla_archive/

#8

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/21/06 at 6:39pm

I really wish there was a West End Database.

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"I have this mental image of Patti barreling down the street and pushing tourists out of her way." -colleen_lee

#9

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/21/06 at 6:49pm

IMDB Pro is supposed to be a great tool for agents, producers and casting directors.

I don't think Bernard Tesley (Am I spelling that right?) needs IBDB for those reasons.

#10

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/21/06 at 7:45pm

IBDB is growing. They now include the Drama Desk Awards won by shows (as well as the Tonys), and has more info about marriages, etc. between performers. Give it time.

#11

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/21/06 at 8:44pm

at least now ibdb lists the role the actor played for each show they wer in on their page.
shorterned example: (i'll use amy spanger and just 2 of her credits)
old version:
The Wedding Singer- Performer
Chicago- Performer (Replacement)

new version:
the wedding singer- Also starring: Amy Spanger (holly)
chicago- Performer: Amy Spanger [Roxie Hart] - Replacement;
Performer: Amy Spanger [June] - Replacement;
Understudy: Amy Spanger [Roxie Hart] - Replacement;
Understudy: Amy Spanger [Velma Kelly] - Replacement

speaking of that subject did anyone ever see amy as velma?

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"Grease," the fourth revival of the season, is the worst show in the history of theater and represents an unparalleled assault on Western civilization and its values. - Michael Reidel

#12

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/21/06 at 8:46pm

Yeah, IBDB is VERY bare-bones.

#13

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/21/06 at 8:47pm

Use the Lortel Archives along with IBDB for the best theatre resource.

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"Have they come yet?"

#14

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/21/06 at 8:48pm

Use the Lortel Archives along with IBDB as a theatre resource

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"Have they come yet?"

#15

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/22/06 at 9:32am

imdb is owned by Amazon. It has big money and clout behind it. It can afford to be as big as it is.

#16

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/22/06 at 9:43am

And there are hundreds of thousands more people/reasons to search IMDB than IBDB.

#17

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/22/06 at 10:42am

"I really wish there was a West End Database."

There is one but unfortunately it only goes back to 1994.
London Theatre Guide

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"Smart! And into all those exotic mystiques -- The Kama Sutra and Chinese techniques. I hear she knows more than seventy-five. Call me tomorrow if you're still alive!"

#18

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/22/06 at 11:04am

IBDB once had an actor be listed as dead even though he was in a show for the past twenty years, despite being listed as dead at that time.

I don't understand why they're so bad with dates though. I don't feel like they realy pay attention. They should have someone watch playbill.com or whatever once a day and list dates, et cetera, if they're really that serious about it.

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How to properly use its/it's: Its is the possessive. It's is the contraction for it is...

#19

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/22/06 at 11:08am

London Theatre Guide is asking for a username and password??

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"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle

#20

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/22/06 at 11:14am

^Same thing is happening to me.

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How to properly use its/it's: Its is the possessive. It's is the contraction for it is...

#21

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/22/06 at 11:29am

Yeah IBDB needs saving. I think that all of us here should apply for jobs and BAM. IBDB will get better and we'd get paid for sitting at a computer working on the subject we love.

Wow, I really do need a job. This sucks.

#22

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/22/06 at 11:47am

Be happy that it even exists.

#23

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/22/06 at 1:22pm

"London Theatre Guide is asking for a username and password??"

Yes, that means you have to join. It will cost eight pounds a year to become a member. You can get a one week trial access to the members area but then if you want continued access you will have to join.

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"Smart! And into all those exotic mystiques -- The Kama Sutra and Chinese techniques. I hear she knows more than seventy-five. Call me tomorrow if you're still alive!"

#24

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/22/06 at 1:30pm

First Henry Higgins asked, "Why can't a woman be more like a man?" and now this.

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"I've lost everything! Luis, Marty, my baby with Chris, Chris himself, James. All I ever wanted was love." --Sheridan Crane "Passions" ------- "Housework is like bad sex. Every time I do it, I swear I'll never do it again til the next time company comes."--"Lulu" from "Can't Stop The Music" ----- "When the right doors didn't open for him, he went through the wrong ones" - "Sweet Bird of Youth" ------------ --------- "Passions" is uncancelled! See NBC.com for more info.

#25

re: Why isn't IBDB more like IMDB?

Posted: 7/22/06 at 3:28pm

IBDB at least needs to add the "major" shows that were off Broadway. It's awful IMO to have Little Shop be an "original musical" in the 2000s with it's revival.