The Office writers at Paley Center
Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 | 109 commentsCan you describe some of the production details of the JAM proposal scene from ‘Weight Loss.’
They used Google Maps to track down a rest stop on Merrick Parkway, which incidentally is not in between New York and Pennsylvania. Greg mentioned they shot some alternative scenes. I guess the original idea was to have the rain interfere with the mikes so we didn’t hear all of it.
The proposal scene was shot in a parking lot at a Best Buy.
As Greg was talking, his iPhone rang and it was Melora Hardin on the line! Greg tried to put her on speaker but as soon as it got near his microphone, there was too much interference so he hung up on her. Unfortunately, he never went back to the alternate scenes they filmed.
This gave tanster the perfect segue to survey the writers on their communication devices
tanster says, “raise your hand if you own an iPhone.” Then, “raise your hand if you own a BlackBerry.” Finally, “point to the writer who is most addicted to their iPhone or BlackBerry.” This is when this picture was taken. Mindy defended herself with “because B.J. isn’t here.”
Discussion of dream guest stars
They think it would distract from the realism of the documentary seeing Carol Burnett as Michael’s mother. Stephen Colbert as Jan’s ex-husband got very good audience reaction.
They would love to have David Koechner back to reprise his role as Todd Packer but it’s hard because he has such a busy schedule.
They talked about Amy Ryan — they love the Wire and coincidentally she called seeing if they had a part for her. They like the chemistry between her and Michael and that she’s just a big dork. Mindy said Holly sealed the deal with Michael with the Yoda impression.
Someone asked about Todd Packer — they said David Koechner is a busy guy but they would love to get him back. Due to scheduling conflicts, he can never find time to be in the show. “Which is a shame, because we were going to finally have Michael come out on the show.”
How often are you surprised by either overwhelming love for, or criticism of, certain scenes and storylines? Can you give an example of a time fan reaction was different than you imagined it would be — either positively or negatively? | Laura from the Twin Cities
The writers were surprised that some fans perceived Toby as creepy, as that was never their intention.
Do you think The Office would have been a huge hit 10 years ago? Without fan sites, downloads from iTunes, and other technology, maybe a “cult” show like The Office wouldn’t have made it past a first season. What do you think? | Stephanie in Atlanta
Mike Schur mentioned that it was a huge coincidence that they went on iTunes immediately after the Christmas episode aired where Michael bought Ryan an iPod. They also talked how there were no other comedies available on iTunes so everybody bought The Office by default, and it helped them with the network immensely.
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Thanks for the report tanster! What a great experience that must have been for you (:
On another note, I saw the link to the movie BJ will be in…it’s so intense, how did Mr.Comedy-Writer/Fire Guy get cast in that one?
Sounds like paley was amazing! and thanks for the fancynewwhatever link! i read their recap and i felt like i was really there!
Hey tanster,
thanks so much! you were so great! and looked great too!
i know bj was filming… but where was lee’s other half, gene?
thanks!
[from tanster: awww, thank you so much kaylie! gene got called away at the last minute. :( ]
Jennie ~ thanks for the fabulous coverage! I wish I could’ve been there to cheer you on, but I’m so glad the evening went well. I’m sure you will always remember this experience. :) We’re so proud of you!
[from tanster: thank you, laura! it was awesome. and it was nice looking down on my script every once in awhile and seeing the names of everyone who submitted questions. it was comforting. ;) ]
I’m tired of Holly. It’s time to send her away.
Thank you, Tanster! Your expression in the pic is priceless! Elation and nervousness all rolled into one.;) Good for you!
(Also, I love JAM together, but I agree that they can be together without being the main focus of the show. My favorite moments are always the interaction between groups: Jim and Pam pulling a prank on Dwight and Michael or Michael annoying everyone and Phyllis snapping back, etc. )
Thanks so much for the recap, Tanster! It was great to read answers to such interesting questions and not have to hear the usual (Yes, the actors improv some. Yes, some of us worked in an office. Gah!)
I was a little concerned, however, at the Jim/Pam backlash I sensed. I would argue that the writers would best take the focus off Jim/Pam by just letting them be together and NOT drawing things out like they are now.
OHH SOO awesome!
the gals over at fnw did a SUPER detailed recap of the event as well, from the audience perspective.
thanks for linking up to them Tanster!
So glad the writers get frustrated that fans care more about the JAM plotline than Michael’s. Michael and the comedy aspect have always appealed more to me than the JAM drama and I don’t like how episodes are deemed “bad” by fans because it doesn’t have JAM moments.
Great Recap! And thanks for the Fancy New Whatever link! It’s got some great information about Paley and the mods. are super cute (:
I personally don’t think that any one character “is the show”. Every single character brings something special and unique :)
Awesome report, tanster! So worth the wait!
i sooooooooooooooooooo disagree with 95….. STEVE CARELL IS THE SHOW!
Thanks so much for this awesome entry!
Sounds like it was an amazing evening with some amazing people:)
While I enjoy disliking Michael aka Steve Carell. I had gone with that it was a full cast effort. I don’t see Steve as “the star”.
I just finished reading the whole recap. It was so great, thank you so much Tanster! It must have been an amazing (and well deserved) experience for you.
Charlie is a very good looking man…
The top you were wearing was so cute, I want one!
[from tanster: thanks! i love that top, too, and was bummed i had to throw a sweater over it at the last minute, but i was afraid i'd be too cold otherwise ...]
Fantastic job Tanster! I bet that was a real dream come true. Excellent Q&A and pics.
That first picture, it looks like Paul is touching Mindy in a weird way. :)
How awesome that they asked for you specifically!
Is BJ Novak not a writer anymore? Maybe you mentioned this but I didn’t see it. I’d be sad.
[from tanster: B.J. was in Berlin filming Inglourious Basterds.]
Thanks for the links Tanster! They’re all really great. I’ve never been to the fancy new whatever site, and it’s really cool! :)