Comic-Con interview with The Office writers
Sunday, August 3rd, 2008 | 129 commentsSPOILER ALERT! This interview contains information about Season 5.
After The Office panel let out at Comic-Con Saturday afternoon, we headed over to the press room to chat with some of The Office writers, one on one.
- Part 1: Jen Celotta and Mike Schur chat about the Season 5 premiere.
- Part 2: Jen Celotta talks about her dream to be Schrute.
- Part 3: Greg Daniels and Justin Spitzer discuss holiday episodes.
- Part 4: Silly talk with Greg Daniels, Justin Spitzer, and Lee Eisenberg. NEW
Talking to Jen Celotta and Mike Schur in the press room after The Office panel. Credit: Matt
Jen Celotta and Mike Schur talk about the Season 5 premiere
tanster: I was wondering what, if anything, can you tell me about Season 5? We know that the season premiere is an hour long …
Jen: It is an hour long.
tanster: Can you tell me who the writer is?
Jen: Gene [Stupnitsky] and Lee [Eisenberg] wrote it. The Emmy-nominated Gene and Lee now, from ‘Dinner Party.’ And actually, for the first time ever, we’re going to see what happens over the summer.
You know how we usually jump forward in terms of the documentary and we skip a gap? We’re going to see the summer. Every act is a different week. So the first episode will be eight weeks long. It’s week 1 of the summer, week 2 of the summer, week 3, week 4, week 5, week 6, week 7, week 8.
And it’s weight loss. It’s a group weight loss competition. They’re competing against other branches in a weight loss challenge. And we’re going to check in with them. So instead of our traditional …
tanster: What?! Wait, wait, are you tell me a storyline?
Jen (laughing): Yeah. It’s going to be super fun. And very office-relatable. A lot of offices go through weight loss challenges.
At this point Mike joins in on the conversation.
Jen (to Mike): I was just telling tanster about Summer and the fact that it’s going to be an 8-week episode, and that it’s about weight loss.
Mike: Oooh. Look at you spoiler spoilery spoiling.
tanster: Is this episode called “Weight Loss”?
Jen: It’s between being called “Weight Loss” and “Summer.” My guess is it’s going to be called “Weight Loss.” Because later, when you think back, what was that episode, if we name it ‘Summer,’ it won’t make as much sense.
tanster: Are there six acts?
Mike: Eight if you include the cold open and the tag.
Jen: And right now, the tag is more of a traditional tag, so most of the focus is on the first seven weeks. And the cold open is a regular-sized one.
tanster: Is it going to be apparent to the audience that it’s a week per act?
Jen: Yes.
tanster: This is really unique!
Jen: It’s really cool.
tanster: Whose idea was that?
Jen: Greg’s.
Mike: Mine. (Laughs.)
Jen: Was it?
Mike: No, it was Greg’s.
Jen: I’m pretty sure it was Greg’s. And of course we’re going to check in on other stories … but that’s stuff I can’t tell you. (Laughs)
tanster (laughs): I know. I wouldn’t even dream of asking.
This Week
Watch 'Frame Toby' promos here.
Craig Robinson performs at Helium Comedy Club, Philadelphia Nov. 19-22. More events in the Calendar.
NBC Store
The Office Seasons 1-4 DVD
It's the ultimate package!
(That's what she said.)
Latest Updates
Search
headphone, that is an awesome idea. Just like a totally normal, completely embarrassed and angst ridden cousin or something. That would be funny!
Sweet interview! If I lived in San Diego… haha. But I have 2 healthy kidneys, if, say, John Krasinski needs one… )
I have a question. Can there be a normal Schrute? The whole family seems to live at the intersection of The Twilight Zone and The Shining.
This just keeps getting better and better! Two thumbs way way up for tanster and Matt!
I would TOTALLY put Lee up for a night (or longer…)- granted, I don’t live in San Diego…
Jen should be the pretty, normal shrute that dwight thinks is a freak!! That would be hilarious!
Three minutes? Pft. I’d bet an even minute :)
hahahahahaha 3 minutes for a kidney! I love it. (and psh… it’d be 2.)
oooh i like gretchen too. thanks tanster for all your awesome coverage!!!
Hi, do you post the audio of these interviews anywhere?
[from tanster: no, sorry!]
Tanster, you know how to deliver. Thanks for all the comic-con coverage. Reading this stuff has been awesome.
Though probably logistcally impossible, I think filming the “lost” christmas episode and leaving it in it’s raw form (no edits, bloopers and all) would be an OUTSTANDING bonus feature for the S5 DVD!
One can only dream!
I just hope they explain what needs to be explained this season. I know it will be funny as hedgehogs!
Dear Greg Daniels,
Please find a way to get the ‘lost’ Christmas episode script out for us to see it. I would love you forever.
Thanks for these awesome interviews, Tanster!
#108, Jen Celotta as Angela’s estranged sister is an AMAZING idea! And then what if her character becomes a Schrute because she marries into the Schrute family for some reason? It could be an interesting parallel to Dwangela.
I love holiday episodes! Tanster gets us the scoop!
tanster, this is so great. thanks for constantly giving us this great access and insight. and for getting an answer to my queries about how many episodes there will be. you rock.
Oh! Oh! OOOH! Part 4 sounds intriguing!
Reading these is like Christmas in July. Or August.
Jen should be the Marilyn of the Schrute clan (like from the Munsters) They all expect the worst and then she shows up and is nice and normal and no one can believe she is really a Schrute!