The Office writers at Paley Center
Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 | 109 commentsOther random notes
Writers are very protective of their scripts so when “better” jokes are suggested, they (cough, Mindy, cough) may get a little defensive.
Mindy said the “f-bomb” at least 3 times and was called out on it. She blamed it on the booze in the green room.
Someone asked who came up with TWSS. They answered B.J. Jen C. is the best at it — she can do it even if she’s on the phone doing something else.
I asked about the thought process behind having Dunder Miflin re-hire someone who defrauded them (Ryan) — they pointed out that he was not re-hired but working as a temp. They also said that there is a deleted scene where David Wallace calls and Ryan answers the phone and he recognizes his voice. Ryan then starts crying and apologizing.
Mindy breaks a lot on the set. If you see Kelly with her hand over her mouth, she is laughing.
Someone asked what the word Jim and Pam made up for something that gets stuck in your shoe. One of the writers jokingly replied — rock.
They mentioned there will be a Christmas episode this year — Justin Spitzer got a second chance. They joked that they started the whole WGA strike because they just didn’t have the heart to tell Justin they didn’t want to do his script.
Someone asked about making the doc crew a character — first in ‘Email Surveillance’ in outing Dwangela to Pam, and then in ‘Weight Loss’ with the audible sigh. The writers acknowledged it was intentional.
Other coverage:
- For the most detailed report on the evening, check out the ladies over at Fancy New Whatever. Tons of details and photos!
- Leonora also took a nice set of photos.
- Entertainment site Fancast also covered the evening.
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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! :)