Chuck Lorre is one of the greatest creator-writers in American television history. His rise to the top over the past 30-plus years has come by way of hit after hit, each moving with the times, yet staying the same at their cores. In lieu of the end of one era (The Big Bang Theory) & the possible beginning of another (The Kominsky Method), he sat down with Pete Hammond earlier this month to talk shop.
I had to take it in.
Lorre makes so many great observations about the craft & the intertwining aspects of assembling a show that will resonate with viewers. The most interesting point for me was his take on who you’re writing for. He views writing a show as “a contract with the audience”, referring to the viewers as “very much a part of the show”. He reflects on most of his comedies, shot usually in the three-camera, live-audience set-up, & talks about how they would stop the show to rewrite & re-shoot scenes if the audience was not responding as intended. Wow.
Then by contrast, in speaking about his latest project, The Kominsky Method, a cinematically formatted show, he speaks on the dialogue written as ‘not there for guffaws, but there because it felt like the right words’.
This is a sensational clinic. & one I think actors would gain insights from as well since he touches on working with thespians in both arenas.
It looks like Mr. Lorre may be on track for two Emmy nominations this year with the end of one ten-year run & maybe –just maybe –the start of another.
So much to learn from a creative on his level. Check out the interview here.