Live shows

So I got to work on the show Whitney for CBS a few days ago.  Obviously I can't tell you anything about it or I will get sued, but I can tell you it was the first shot in front of a live audience gig that I have done, without me being in the audience.

It is an interesting day, much different than the usual shoot and wait.  With live audience work they have all the sets already set up and then they just move the cameras down the line and shoot the scenes that are being shot that day.  So the way it worked for me was we got in early-ish and went through wardrobe as usual and then the 2nd 2nd AD meticulously created blocking for us (we were in a cafe).  Then we rehearsed a little while, which didn't amount to much since the main actors or stand ins were unavailable.  Then a long break, then another quick rehearsal before "lunch" with stand ins.  (I put lunch in quotes because in this business it can happen anywhere between noon and 5pm depending on when you arrive.)  Then lunch and then go stand on the stage and wait for your scene to be up.

The scene itself took maybe 45 minutes to shoot, with multiple takes.  The takes weren't the same as in film.  These were long takes that were supposed to take up the entire scene, but often were stopped for various reasons (i.e. screw ups).  It was definitely fun to be in front of a live audience because there is that energy, but for the more bitter BG it does feel like a lot of time wasted.  I personally liked the formula though because it had that nice work and then rest pace to it that keeps my energy up, but gives me lots of breaks.

After we were done performing we went back to holding where we had to wait to see if they liked what they got.  Apparently if they don't think they got the scene well enough they finish shooting and send the audience home and then shoot the scene some more. 

In the world of ladies, which I know is why you all read my blog, I have now advanced to meeting women on set who are really cool...  and married.  In a weird way, I kind of think that is progress.

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What to watch for!