Brothers and Sisters: Bloggers and Sisters

On Set, Off Set

What was it like on set?  What do the writers do? Well, it is the writer’s job to be on set and be sure that, for every scene, the intention of that scene is captured.  So, considering that 112 is our script, we were on set all day, every day.  We worked with the actors, the director (a terrific and honorable gentleman named Fred E. O. Toye), Margery Kimbrough – our wonderful script supervisor, and the entire crew.  It’s our job to make and/or sign off on changes to assure that everything makes sense and works for everyone involved.   It’s a lot of work bringing an idea for an episode (from conception to pitch to script to rewrites to shooting…) to life.

There were plenty of small changes to be made.  Why?  Well, besides the fact that we’re not very good writers, there are issues of timeline and story logic that need to be addressed due to production time constraints.  (If you didn’t understand any of what was just said… good.  We hoped that would be as confusing as possible, so that we can hide the fact that basically, we were flying by the seat of our pants, and using our guts to guide us.)

During the actual filming, there was plenty of attention to be paid to each line of dialogue (we got some AMAZING performances).  But there’s a great deal of time, between scenes and when we “turn around” (a production term for turning around the camera, and getting a close up of a different actor) where the writer has no responsibility.  Sometimes these set-ups would take over an hour.  So we waited.  And waited.

You might be wondering, how in the world we passed the time…

Well, we got fat.  We ate free craft-service food.  It was delicious.  We drank a lot of coffee.  We played online Boggle (which, at midnight, is a surprising amount of fun), and we did crossword puzzles (I’m very bad at them, but Pete is worse).  We quoted movies, and watched youtube.  We developed crushes on dreamy producer, Michael Morris.  We got in the way of the crew (Pete was accused, by a grip, of backing up into the dolly when he was easily 10 feet away from it).  We discovered an online game called Line Rider.  Our B Camera 1st AC, Chris Taylor, has a gift for Line Rider and created a beauty that lasts for almost 5 minutes.  He also has a knack for designing funny t-shirts.  We spent some time laughing at his catalogue and buying shirts.  His company is called Jetset… check it out.  You will be amused.

Some of us smoked cigarettes, others played with their Blackberries.  We once got in a heated, passionate argument, about which extra was the hottest.  It started with just Pete and me, but soon, everyone from our creator, to Michael White got involved.  We had some attractive extras.

Maybe the best thing about being on set was getting to know all the nice folks here at Brothers & Sisters.  There are too many names to list at this time, but we have the coolest crew in the world.  Seriously, those guys and gals rock.  Everyone is so good at what they do, and they enjoy their jobs.  Being there, in the trenches with them, was inspirational.

Loose Change:
Pete loves comics, and has recently become obsessed with Galactus.  It’s kind of weird… Dave, our PA, has been seen holding his cardboard sign on the Disney lot, lobbying for PCA votes… There’s a cold that has been floating around the office.  We’re pretty sure it’s Dave’s fault… We get to see a cut of our episode in a few hours – both of us are pretty psyched.  That’s right.  I went back to 1992 and used the word “psyched.”  Wanna fight about it?...  While playing online Boggle, we never ranked above 25th, but we didn’t care: all we wanted was to consistently beat another user who went by the handle “shittymuffins”…  Oh yeah, and if you haven’t already today, please VOTE for us… show progress: 113 shooting, 114 is prepping, 115 is being written.

[Later addition: We're idiots.   How could we NOT mention Sally Sue?!  She was our beautiful, fantastic, hard-assed - in a good way! - 1st AD who made the hours between takes pass faster by her entertaining stories of working with artistic (aka crazy) feature directors.  We're lucky.  She'll be working on 116 with us.]

Save Dave

The stakes at the People's Choice Awards just got ratcheted up a notch.

Following a characteristic debacle at Starbucks, Dave the PA so angered B&S creator Robbie Baitz with his disgruntled response -- "Well, if you want a double latte so bad, why don't you just CREATE one?" -- that our titular leader decreed the following:

"If we don't win the Best New Drama award, I'm sending you back to Tucson!"

So please, PLEASE help us keep this Hollywood icon on the blog!

**VOTE for Brothers & Sisters and save Dave!!!***

People's Choice

You may have already heard, but we were nominated for the People's Choice Awards in the Best New Drama category.  Vote for us!

To vote, click here.

Or cut and paste this into your browser:
http://www.pcavote.com/vote/vote.jsp?group=tv

You can vote once every day, so don't be shy about going over and over.  Thanks for the support!

(And maybe if we win, ABC will decide to promote us.  Just a thought.)

We're Baaaack.

That’s right.  Cliff and I are back.  Well…  sort of.  We were assigned episode 116, which means we’re going to disappear again in the next couple of days as we dive headlong into another episode.

What about 112?  What about “Light the Lights?”  It went really, really well; of course, we had the standard hiccups (rewrites, production issues, etc) along the way.  We haven’t seen a cut of the episode yet – probably won’t until later this week – but Cliff and I feel positive about what was put on film.  In fact, we’re pretty sure it’s the greatest episode of television that has ever been produced. 

But let’s get back to more important things… like the blog.

First, the comments on the blog have been great.   Seriously.  They’ve been great. As one commentator pointed out, reading the responses to both parts of  “Mistakes Were Made” has been like watching a mini-episode unfold.  First, there were the individual issues that everyone had.  Then, there was fighting and a lot of tension.  Then, and most important, there was reconciliation.  It wasn’t resolution – with most of these issues, there doesn’t seem to be any suitable resolution for everyone.  But you know what?  That’s okay.  In fact, it might even be better.

At the risk of sounding like a children’s book, everyone is different and that’s a GREAT thing.  To paraphrase the pilot of Brothers & Sisters (hooray for narcissism!):  We fight.  But who cares as long as we can make a home with each other.

So if you don’t like what our characters say on this show… good!  We want to hear.  We just ask that you treat us, and everyone who disagrees with you, with respect – we promise to do the same.  As a few of our wise readers pointed out, we’re all in this together.

Second, we’ve received a lot of questions about Boston Legal being in our time slot.  Don’t worry!  We aren’t going anywhere.  The last episode you saw 8 days ago, was 111.  We didn’t finish SHOOTING 112 until Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving.  To put it on last night (or even this upcoming Sunday) wouldn’t have been possible.  We knew this all along; it was planned.  As for why Boston Legal is in our timeslot now… that’s a question we can’t answer – ABC makes those decisions.  We’ll be back on the 10th with “Light the Lights.”

Loose Change (Formerly Tidbits - thanks for the suggestion ilovemylife):
Last night was the first real rain of the winter in Los Angeles… Dave, Our PA, has decided to let me off the hook, and now remembers me when ordering lunch.  Instead, he’s set his sights on Jen, and has consistently forgotten to get her order… There was some horrible accident on the freeway this morning, and everyone was late to work… A majority of the people who’ve seen the new Bond agree that it’s great… I was in a mall yesterday, and I overheard a couple of friends talking about Brothers & Sisters.  It was one of the coolest things that could’ve happened in a mall – even better than getting that good parking space.  You know, the one right next to all the handicapped spaces that makes you want to raise your hands in victory when you get out of the car… Show progress: 112 editing, 113 shooting, 114 writing, 115 breaking.  Looks impressive, doesn’t it?  That’s right.  We’re rock stars.

Burning Question (mini edition): "What Happened to My TiVo?!"

Anyone else reading the comments generated by last Sunday's episode?  It's like the blog version of "Crossfire!"  But rather than weigh in and push my own Mexorean agenda, I'll just say this: I'm honored to work for a show that evokes an emotional response in its audience... that promotes intelligent debate... that actually has the guts to say something... and that makes people care to the point that they've come here to say something back.  Isn't that what good television is supposed to do?  Whether you love or hate the show, at least you're here with an opinion, good or bad... but boy do we love the good ones.

Gladys and I are trying our best to write up an edition of Burning Questions for tomorrow, but in the meantime let’s address the #1 question on everyone's mind...

What happened to my Tivo?  Why didn't it tape last week's episode?!?

The short answer is that, up until Sunday, Tivo mistakenly classified "Mistakes Were Made, Pt. 2" as a repeat.  Unless you had the option to record repeats selected under your Brothers & Sisters season pass, Tivo didn't record it.

The long answer as to why this happened...  well, it starts about three weeks ago.  When the two-part "Mistakes Were Made" was first written, it actually existed as two separate scripts, the first entitled "Glass Jumps" and the second "Mistakes Were Made."  Upon entering the revision process, however, we realized that the two episodes were very much part of the same whole and decided to reflect that in the title.  Since "Mistakes Were Made" was the most thematically appropriate name, we went with it.

Creatively, it was a great idea.  Practically, a little less so.  Since the original titles had been in circulation for about three weeks by this time, changing them caused a bit of confusion.  Media publications thought we were scrapping "Glass Jumps," bumping up the original "Mistakes Were Made" to take its place, and then running a repeat of "Mistakes Were Made" the following Sunday.  By the time we realized the error, it left very little time to make the necessary changes, thus resulting in the "Great Brothers & Sisters Tivo Snafu of 2006." (That's one of the oddities of TV – for as fast as the industry operates on a day-to-day basis, certain other processes can take *forever.*)

Sorry to everyone who missed the episode.  We're doing our best to find out additional viewing options (re-air date, website upload, etc).  The second we find out anything we'll be sure to let you know.  We'll also try our best to, you know, not change any more titles in the future.

See you tomorrow,
Oscar

The Section Formerly Known As Tidbits
Dave the PA is famous! A quote from his blog (in case you missed it, here) appeared on page 9 in the latest issue of TV Guide (with McSteamy and Addison on the cover). He was the talk of the office... and then he had to buy groceries... 

Sparky is still a bit sore from her ice-induced slip'n'slide in the kitchen...  Cliff and I bet on the USC/Cal game, which he lost, resulting in him being unable to smoke for twenty-four horrifically irritable hours...  Since he's been on set, everyone thinks Peter looks like a director... And we're all really looking forward to the Thanksgiving Holiday. We need the break.   Episode Update:  112 shooting, 113 prepping, 114 writing.

Mistakes Were Made

I was asked to put something up today... you know just to keep the blog rolling as we slide into Thanksgiving weekend. But all I keep thinking about was last night's episode and the combined power of "Mistakes Were Made" 1 & 2. So few people actually speak their minds or express themselves courageously in a public forum, and those that do too often are motivated by self-aggrandizement, or worse, vindictiveness to get at any universal truths.

I know that working on this show for these talented people makes me biased, but I believe that Brothers & Sisters has landed, and if the last two weeks are any indication, we are looking at a television classic.

uh oh...

Greg Berlanti just read this over my shoulder and maintains that I'm campaigning hard for a script in the back nine... he may be right. But then again, he may just have no soul.

-- Ben

On Subjects "If I Did It" And Others

Hello there, inhabitants of the Brothers & Sisters blogosphere.

Our valiant creator, Robbie Baitz, has left another delicious breadcrumb floating through the blogosphere. Read it here.

Also, immediately after we nominated him for "PA of the Year," Dave the PA dropped three ice cubes in front of the fridge, allowed them to melt, and then laughed like a hyena as Associate Producer Sparky Hawes went down violently  on the kitchen floor. The sad thing is, he'll still probably win the award.

Enjoy Rob's debut this weekend in Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim's fantastic episode, directed by Ken Olin.

xo,
Dan.

Where The REAL Work Takes Place

 

Hello bloggers, welcome to the fifth floor of our lovely Brothers & Sisters stages. The fifth floor is where the REAL work takes place. It’s the home of the production staff. I’m Emily, a resident PA up here, and I’d like to take a moment to fill you in on fifth floor debauchery. Up here in our own little piece of heaven, the hard working production staff strive daily to prepare for each episode to shoot. We do banal things, like filing deal memos… We also do exhilarating and rewarding things, like … (thinking… really thinking… my brain is starting to hurt)… well I couldn’t think of anything but my fellow Pas, Matt and Art assure me that we are of the utmost importance.

Wow I haven’t thought that hard since college. Did I think that hard in college?

Back to the office, Matt (who hails from Maryland and has recently married – there goes another one) and Art (another East Coast compatriot and our wonderful PA with just a bit of Cuban sass) help to comprise our wonderful little family that would not be complete without our bestest bosses with the mostest, Jon and Charissa. Feel free to congratulate Jon for just having the two most adorable twin boys ever. Thomas and Everett. Classic huh? Jon is the APOC, which means he’s the assistant to Charissa’s Production Coordinator status.  Charissa keeps us all in line with her delightful tales of growing up in the rural middle of nowhere. Literally. When the postman came by it was an awesome month. I’m pretty sure her grandfather drank moonshine.

Speaking of good times, if you come up here at the right time on any given late night in the office (it is not unheard of for the office to be bustling at three AM), you may just see some of the other members of the fifth floor having a laugh and gab fest while waiting for wrap. It’s quite a family that we have developed here at Brothers & Sisters. WARNING: CORNY MOMENT AHEAD:  In the last four months our motley crew has come together, which is awesome for me, since I quite literally moved here right after I graduated from Washington University in St. Louis (It’s part of the name, Ben!). I am however from the wonderful Garden State (NJ), which despite opinions to the contrary is NOT the armpit of America. So needless to say, although I guess I am saying it, it has been quite a transition. With that in mind thanks to everyone who has made my first four months rock the rock rock (and thanks for dealing with my hyperactivity!). Everyone reading this should realize that not only is our show about a family but it is being created by a group of people who are, although unconventional, a family at heart!

OKAY no more corniness! Keep reading and watching!

Xoxo

Em Silver (who almost was an actress! thx Robbie and Craig)

PS: some words from Jon: “You’re interviewing us? Do I get to be snippy with you like I always am? Don’t put that in there.”

The Sickening Suspense of Softball

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME (of softball)

So it is my duty to weigh in on the fate of the Brothers & Sisters Softball Team since last week’s do-or-die game.  First and foremost, we had record-breaking attendance with at least thirty devoted fans.  Second, the game itself was a gut-wrenching, stomach-turning, blood-letting nail biter.  By anyone’s estimation, it was one of the great athletic events of our time.  Perhaps any time.

All week, scouts had been reporting that team “All of Us” was a bunch of bruisers. Previously, they had not won a game by less than six runs, their pitcher was downright nasty, and Le Monde alleged that their third baseman had tested positive for doping.

When the game commenced, the opposition immediately began a vociferous smack-talking campaign to intimidate us, assuming we were cut from a daintier cloth.  At first, it seemed that we were.  The pressure, the opposing muscle, and the taunting all looked like they were taking their toll.  After the first two and a half innings, we were being battered 10-nil.  Dan Silk veritably wilted when the second basewoman called him a “string-bean.”  Heads were held low, and our fans had fallen silent.

But it was then that we recalled the words of our fearless leader, Jon Robin Baitz:   “Brothers & Sisters was the little show that everyone had written off.  A show mired in low expectations and doubt, yet we never gave up.  So today, as you take the field on the precipice of greatness, do not be afraid to soar.” 

Okay, so that may not be exactly what Robbie had said, but the message was the same:  Keep plugging away…  And that we did.

After leading off the third inning with a base hit, I was moved to second by the bat-wielding Welshman Matthew Rhys.

    

  With two outs, Silk seized the opportunity and lashed a ball through the infield, bringing me home to score Ojai’s first run. 

Then, with the bases loaded, Gerrit Furutani cracked a deafening drive to left that found its way over the retreating outfielder's head. Grand S-L-A-M.

   

Led by the impassioned cheers of young Margaret Morris, the crowd roared, and we were off to the races.

With every inning, our fair team clawed its way back from what looked like an insurmountable deficit.  Mind boggling infield plays (Annable & the Nun) were matched by outfield gymnastics (Silk, Scotty & Kirsten), grittiness on the mound (Pyper), and strength at the plate (Furutani & Balderrama).

 

The writer’s assistants had a fine day, batting 1000, with Gladys scoring on Derek’s line drive from first base with a courageous slide-fall over home plate.

Our trusted skippers, E-Silver and Nicole, kept the team on track as we whittled away at the lead. Going into the last inning we the score was in their favor 17-10, but in an unlikely string of hits, once again powered by the later part of the line-up, we were making a run at them.  Under the pressure and sheer volume of our supporters, All of Us was falling apart, missing plays and letting us back in the game.

With two outs in the final half of the last inning, we had scored six and were down by just one run with a man on third,  and that is where the dream came to an end.  The final score: 17-16 All of Us.  We had fallen one run short.

It was a devastating loss and meant the end of the season, but we left it all out there on the field.  As disappointed as we were, our fans were not.  The game had been pure entertainment gold, and the team from Ojai will not soon be forgotten.

--  Ben (Writer’s Assistant / Utility Player)

P.S.  Our ever-disgruntled PA, “Dave,” was not in attendance.  He is being punished accordingly.

Sunday

Hey all,

Cliff and my episode started shooting at the end of last week, and will continue shooting all this week... which means long days, and longer nights.  But, when it's over, we'll be taking back our blog (actually, we're going to keep having our office write entries - I mean, haven't they been great?   Who knew we had so much writing talent in our offices.   Imagine that.)

Hope everyone enjoys tonight's episode.