Still Interested?

[InsideR]

a2z said:

Motorcycle man is coming?!?

Yes. And soon.
-R

[InsideR]

jazzyb said:

InsideR,
I want to echo my thanks for your contributions to this forum. It is fascinating to learn how a television is put together since we rarely appreciate all the hard work and hours that go into "entertainment". You've alluded to the casting staff in one of your earlier posts and that has always been the most intriguing aspect (to me, anyway) about CC. Sorry, if the questions seem naive but here goes:
(1) How soon after a script is approved must you begin auditioning/casting actors for that particular episode?
(2) Honestly, some of the facial similarities have been so striking you would swear these actors are related. Does the casting crew utilize family photos to determine what a character should have looked like in the past? Or are they really just genetic geniuses?
(3) Heaven forbid, you think you've found the perfect person for the part and they get sick, miss shooting, lapse their SAG card or worse yet -- they CAN'T ACT! With a hundred different things that can go wrong, how does casting seem to always get it right?
(4) I've noticed several of the guest actors popping up in other shows (Eliott from "Red Glare", and Johnny from "House"), commercials, etc. Are any of these successes directly related to an appearance on CC?

One last question that may have been answered already so, I apologize for the repetition. How long does it take, approximately, to shoot each episode?

The casting people are brilliant, but there is no one trick. I'm not aware of an occasion where we've cast the older actors first then used photos of them in their youth - but it's not a bad idea! Everyone is happy if they are even plausibly the same person and can act. Some are better than others.

I once overheard one of the producers say that he was glad that the show often gave breaks to really accomplished actors simply because they looked like other, more established actors who had already been cast.

As for being sick...an actor has to be at death's door to miss a job. They will run a high fever, yet show up to work, act brilliantly...and look great. To give you an idea of the casting timeline, Wilkommen is in the final stages of casting. It will begin shooting in a week and a half or so and air a few weeks after that.

BTW, there is going to be some really heavy duty talent coming in for that one!

As for how long it takes to shoot a show, the answer is about eight shooting days over a week and a half. But there are weeks of prep and post as well. At any given moment four or five episodes are in various stages of completion.

-R

[sonny]

Wow thanks for the info InsideR, it really is interesting to know how the whole show works, and you guys certainly work hard.
Ooooo I'm now wondering who the heavy duty talent is??? That is gonna be exciting.

I would like to ask you InsideR if the season finale has been written yet, by whom and if in your opinion it is going to be as gripping and excellent as last seasons 'The Woods.'

[jazzyb]

Glad to hear from you again, InsideR; can't wait for the new episodes to air. I think you mentioned sometime in the past that CC runs 44 minutes as opposed to 40 minutes for other "hour"-long shows. What would be the probability of CBS allowing a 50 to 56 minute episode say as a season finale? Before you fall down in hysterics, it would seem to the average viewer that all the Jerry Bruckheimer productions on the air have generated enough income for CBS that they would be willing to break from the usual format. I assume this is a big, big deal money-wise and I don't know how that works with lining up sponsors and the large dollars they'd have to pay. Just a thought.

[sonny]

Hey InsideR, I know you have some questions above to consider asking but I have something I'd really like to know. I don't know why I hadn't thought of asking you earlier, although you may have no idea.

Anyway it's a question about Kathryn's or should I say Lilly's clothes. The big question being her black coat with the pink lining. Was the coat made for her or if not where is it from? Also she wears such great shirts, that fit so well, are those made for her or bought? In all honesty I'd love to know where every item of her fabulous wardrobe comes from but that would be difficult to answer! The wardrobe people do such a great job of finding interesting outfits for her to wear.

Hope you can help. ;D

[sukkerspinn]

Thank you so much, InsideR, for the info above!!! It's so awesome that you take the time to answer these questions we have! And poor actors who are not allowed to be sick! I imagine the acting skills plays a good part there..
And I have to ditto Sonny's question about KM/Lilly's clothes! They kinda look tailor-made to me. But what do I know..

[InsideR]

jazzyb said:

What would be the probability of CBS allowing a 50 to 56 minute episode say as a season finale?... I assume this is a big, big deal money-wise and I don't know how that works with lining up sponsors and the large dollars they'd have to pay. Just a thought.

Funny...this almost came to pass on the 8 Years episode. There was an edit of the story which was a bit more than an hour long. It would have taken an extra half-hour of air time. The network gave it a thumbs down for all the obvious reasons, but it was not settled for sure all the way until a couple of weeks before it aired.

I hope someone saved the long version - it will be a collector's item someday.

As for KM's outfits...I can't tell you specifically. I can say that, in general, the costume dept. uses whatever works, from off the rack to made from scratch. But everything is carefully fitted and modified for the regulars, especially KM.

-R

[sonny]

Uh what a shame you don't know more about the clothes but thanks anyway. I'd kind of assumed that some items of clothing would be altered cos everything fits Kathryn so well.

Wow what we wouldn't give to see that longer version of 8 Years!! Perhaps if a DVD is EVER relaeased it would be on that. I can keep wishing can't I! ;D

[sonny]

So you know what the next question is gonna be ;D
Is Ray [MC guy] gonna be back???

[eurache]

sonny said:

So you know what the next question is gonna be ;D
Is Ray [MC guy] gonna be back???

and not once or twice..but more? :smile20: :smile21: :smile91: :smile92:

[InsideR]

This is one that is definitely up to the fans. If people like Ray, he'll be back. Then again, Kite's leading man role didn't pan out, so maybe he'll do a "Mr. Big" and come back, too. It would be fun to have both wouldn't it?

If you've ever even liked a musical a little bit, be sure to tune in for the upcoming episode "Willkommen." It's about a murder that takes place in a community theater production of Cabaret. It guest stars Adam Pascal from Rent and Laura Bell Duffy from Hairspray. They're still shooting it, but all who've seen Adam and Laura say they're spectacular.

-R

[boxman]

insider said:

This is one that is definitely up to the fans. If people like Ray, he'll be back.

Oh good. I have more to say about this guy. If you've noticed in the Episodes thread, I already said a lot, but I have other specific criticisms... I'm at work, though, so I'll just prepare something in my head for later....

Thanks, InsideR. I'm sure everyone here really appreciates the chance to give feedback.

[sonny]

insider said:

This is one that is definitely up to the fans. If people like Ray, he'll be back. Then again, Kite's leading man role didn't pan out, so maybe he'll do a "Mr. Big" and come back, too. It would be fun to have both wouldn't it?

-R

Are you hinting that they are trying to get Kite back??? OMG that would be so awesome. I guess all you folks at CC must be aware of how much Kite is still talked about??
Personally I would love to see Ray back again. It's weird though, fans really do have a love or hate thing for this guy [and whole story line]; there doesn't seems to be many, if any in betweeners!! Bring him back is what I say! Mind you if I had to choose, I'd like Kite back even more!

Thanks for the info InsideR and as always, it leaves me wanting more! ;D ;D ;D

EDIT: I've just e-mailed CBS pleading for the return of Josh and Brennan!!!

[ewka]

insider said:

Then again, Kite's leading man role didn't pan out, so maybe he'll do a "Mr. Big" and come back, too.

:smile69: <squeaking with happiness> :smile69:

[cherzee]

Hello Insider,

as you had said in one of your early posts-the character of Kite left because of Josh Hopkins' cast as a lead in another tv series, you also said that he left on good terms,and that he and Kathryn Morris got along very well. Other then fan input,and scheduling conflicts what determines if a character returns to the show?Personally, I would love to see him come back-so many story potentials. Also, you said fan input factors into if a character might return-is a forum such as this ever influenced a decision the show may make regarding a storyline?

[germanccfan]

Hey InsideR!

I'd like to know how long it takes after an episode is filmed till it aires? What exactly happens after all scenes are filmed?

Hope this questions are not too stupid to ask but I always wanted to know - and so far nobody could help me...

[InsideR]

cherzee said:

Hello Insider,

as you had said in one of your early posts-the character of Kite left because of Josh Hopkins' cast as a lead in another tv series, you also said that he left on good terms,and that he and Kathryn Morris got along very well. Other then fan input,and scheduling conflicts what determines if a character returns to the show?Personally, I would love to see him come back-so many story potentials. Also, you said fan input factors into if a character might return-is a forum such as this ever influenced a decision the show may make regarding a storyline?

[InsideR]

Whoopsie...I was trying to reply to the quote in my last post and hit reply by accident.

I can't tell you a specific decision made because of fan feedback - apparently the eavesdropping devices I placed at Meredith's and Les Moonves' places weren't on that day (that is a JOKE, kids). But I do know that, in general, the show producers and CBS are both sensitive to fans' desires and keep tabs on sites like this one, at least informally. The traditional rule of thumb is that a handwritten letter is equivalent to a thousand viewers. I don't know if emails are weighted as heavily, but the principle is the same.

I don't know what Josh's plans are. I know he was well liked but a continuing role on even a great show like Cold Case is less appealing than a leading man regular part. So, it would be a gamble on both his and the show's part to bring him back. But faith - and piles of letters - can move mountains.

-R

[sonny]

Thanks InsideR, I have e-mailed but perhaps I'll send some more!

Any scoop on the season finale?

Can you also confirm the show will be back for a 4th season. We have seen one article that says it will. And will Kathryn be continuing on as Lilly? . ;D

[InsideR]

gemanccfan said:

I'd like to know how long it takes after an episode is filmed till it airs? What exactly happens after all scenes are filmed?
[

It's about three weeks, though it can vary. The film must first be transferred to videotape (this is done daily during the shoot) and a complete story assembled. This is a big task as there are many, sometimes dozens, of takes of each scene. Some are shot to get different performances, some for different camera angles. This first assembly is tyically way over-length. As the editor pares it down - being checked on by the producer as he or she goes - choices about viewpoint are made, cuts are substituted, parts of scenes cut, ENTIRE scenes cut, inserts of specialty shots added, and, on occasion, reshoots done and inserted.

There are also special effects shots that have to be created, everything from snow falling to trucks going over bridges. The more complex the shot is (i.e. the aforementioned truck from Best Friends, which was done with models) the more lead-in time.

Oftentimes there are songs initially chosen by the writers which can't be used because they are too expensive, can't be cleared, or just don't fit the mood of the finished work. The music supervisor must then find, and legally clear, alternates.

The composer gets involved about ten days before the show airs (although he has, presumably, already read the script) and must compose and produce the music before the "dub". The dub is the final balancing of the dialog, audio effects, and music. Similar timeline for the audio effects people.

Plus dialog must often be "looped", that is replaced by actors if the original has a technical or interpretive problem.

The dub takes two days and is done by the end of the day (or night) on Thursday before the show airs. There are final changes made to the film before it is duplicated and distributed.

At all of these stages approval must be given by the producers and the network and changes are often implemented.

I've probably forgotten about a hundred steps. As you can see, a lot gets done in those three weeks.

-R