Editor’s Note September consisted of many great surprises in addition to the return of many of our favorite TV shows. Like every year, the Emmys were the biggest TV event, one that couldn’t be issued. This year will be the year that Jon Hamm finally won his Emmy for his role on Mad Men. It was an opportunity to revisit one of the most unique TV shows, one that can only be described as timeless. More TV also had the chance to travel to La Rochelle, France for the French TV Festival and attended the screening of the two new episode of a France 2 TV show, 10%. At the festival, we met the show runner of 10% Fanny Herrero and this issue features the interview with her that we are very proud to show our readers. Enjoy!
contents
06
the list the (perfect) ending
10
10 questions allen maldonado, black-ish
12
mad men a piece on the end of an era
18
the big interview fanny herrero, 10%
26
discussion time travel
29
interview laura regan, minority report
32
review minority report
34
interview Mozhan MarnĂ’, blacklist
More MORETV TV
Contributors
Julien lesbegueries
Stéphane bernault
I have an appetite for all the tv series since M6 (french tv channel) is airing again and again the tv
I am multidisciplinary: I’m a TV show addict, blog-
series from the eighties. Besides, I dream to go live
ger on “Geeks and Shows,” and I tweet sometimes.
in the New Jesey, to work for the Sopranos and to
Although I am a young legal practitioner, I dream
travel in the Tardis. But for the moment, you can
of becoming a journalist or a radio host. I was glad
find me on Les Plumes Asthmatiques.
to have written something for the readers in the eMag and I hope you all will like it.
Cross Over US Maxime Pontois
Friends for more than ten years and both passio-
nate about TV, Typh and Alex created “Cross Over US” about six years ago. On this blog, they share
As a globetrotter and student in international
their passion by writing reviews on almost every
management, I dream of becoming a producer. I
show on air.
have been addicted to TV shows from a young age. You can find me on Twitter: @MrChirac.
Yann K.
Editorial team Chief Editor - Jérôme Raffin
TV lover who didn’t admit it was one before Twin
Co-Editors - Mélanie Seree, P rutha S. Patel
Peaks, I did my coming out through a blog that I
Artistic Director - Jérôme Raffin
opened 4 years ago. I defend two main theses. Yes,
Public Relations - Mélanie Seree
the tv series can and must become formally better
International Relations - Prutha S. Patel
than the cinema. And yes, the music supervisor is a
Sub-Editors - Aude Métayer, Mélanie Seree, Mathilde
genius!
Gray and Michele Bignard Translators - Cindy Thibaut, Julien L esbegueries, Florian Etcheverry, Mélanie Seree and Thania Jakobsen
More TV You’d like to participate for the next issue ? Email us your idea or article at team@moretv.fr
the (perfect) ending
Throughout a series’ season, somewhere along the way, we get attached to the series and characters. When the season comes to an end, we unfortunately have to bid them farewell. H opefully, this hiatus lasts only for a few months, but sometimes, for more. Showrunners work hard to make each series’ season finale the best of the lot, the goal being the creation of an unforgettable ending. Let’s discuss what we feel rank high on our list of some of the best series finales. by maxime pontois Ending a series and satisfying the
succeed in closing in a way that justifies
Season finales often see more praise
audience at the same time is no easy
the many hours the viewers have spent
than series finales because of the repet-
task. A single series can sometimes
keeping up with the series up until that
itive cliffhangers that make the view-
tally up to conclude with several dozen
point.
ers hold their breath until the next sea-
hours of storyline exposition. There
It would perhaps take too long to discuss
son (Wouldn’t you say, Jon Snow?). It
can be many characters, all of whom
ALL of the good series finales, choices
is very difficult to put a nice ending to
have been developed throughout the
like this are very subjective in nature,
such large fictions, but fortunately, we
series and it is often difficult to put
and because series exist for decades,
have had many great examples and the
together a well-received ending. Due to
and some, although old, also had very
future will probably reveal even more
the d ifficulty of this task, on one hand,
innovative and surprising endings but
brilliant series finales. THAT, we are all
there are many season and/or series
remain obscure for younger readers and
excited for.
finales that are bound to sadden and/
viewers. For example, The Bob Newhart
Among the many choices out there,
or frustrate viewers. On the other hand,
Show, which had a very daring and
here are the particular six chosen to be
some...manage to satisfy viewers and
original finale in and of its own.
discussed.
breaking bad (felina)
sons of anarchy (papa’s good)
Let’s start with what we consider “ a relatively new
After seven tumultuous seasons spent with Jax (Charlie
classic, ” the series finale of AMC’s hit show, Breaking
Hunnam) and his SAMCRO bikers’ crew, « Papa’s Good » puts
Bad (2013). After five seasons, the series bowed out with
an end to the series through a logical outcome. This finale’s
explosive. The episode, entitled « Felina », brought about a
particularity, and moral of the episode was a lot like the
brilliant conclusion to the series and its characters. It also
one in the finale of another Kurt Sutter series, The Shield.
offered up some of the series’ most mythical scenes to date.
Majority of the main characters are men who heavily sinned
Walter White (Bryan Cranston) uses his genius one last time
throughout the seven seasons and must now answer from
for our viewing pleasure in an ultimately extremely moving
their crimes. The purpose of both series differ, but in the end,
scene that is likely to make the Baby Blues song heard in the
it can be felt the same. A bit of a side note, Michael Chiklis,
background to be forever memorable. For the B reaking Bad
who acted as Vic Mackey, the main c haracter in The Shield,
fans who miss the series, AMC’s currently airing Better Call
makes an apparition in a quite ironic role here as well.
Saul spin-off show which delves into the past of Saul (Bob Odenkirk), Walter’s dubious lawyer, may serve as a great gateway show. That finale was good dope, bitch.
parks and recreation (one last ride)
For seven years, we grew
three years in the future, the
to love some of the residents
series’ finale puts an end to the
within the the Parks s ervice of
stories of each character through
the charming fictional town of
many moving flashforwards, all
Pawnee, Indiana. To put an end to
full of, you guessed it: humor.
a comical series is always delicate
Some f an-favorite c haracters
task. It is a question to say goodbye
even returned to make their
to the characters in a proper form,
final appearances. Bye bye Li’l
and Parks & Rec did it very well.
Sebastian !
After a season that takes place
six feet under (everyone’s waiting)
About ten years ago, one of the most original series’ finale to date, HBO’s Six Feet Under aired. How was HBO to end a series that literally speaks of death in every episode? The answer lay in the question. Just like Parks and R ecreation, the series ended with flash-forwards showing not only the future of the characters, but interestingly, the very last moments of the characters’ lives. In a very moving and philosophical way, the series stands to show that in the end, every human, lives and dies, even the Fisher family.
the sopranos (made in america)
house M.D. (everbody dies)
The Sopranos series finale, is perhaps one of the most
After eight seasons, the satirical clown that the American
daring and discussed finals of late. Throughout the sixth
audience fell for, left our screens with a series finale entitled
and final season, Tony Soprano, embodied by the late James
« Everybody Dies ». A final ode to friendship, a type we may
Gandolfini, remains under pressure and the finale concluded
have had never seen before, brought our dear G regory House
with a cliffhanger that left viewers with their choice in how
(Hugh Laurie) back to his turbulent relationships made over
to interpret the end of the series.
the last eight years. Teary eyes surely are appropriate as the series ends with one last ride.
8
More TV Join us on Twitter and Facebook
10
questions with
Allen
maldonado by Prutha S. Patel photo Joseph Rene Briscoe 10
Prutha S. Patel: What’s your favorite part about being on
You’ve been involved in many different parts of television
a show like ABC’s Black-ish?
and film production beyond just acting, including writing,
Allen Maldonado: The cast and the camaraderie of the crew,
directing, producing – is there one in particular that you
all the way down to the grips and cameramen, are my favor-
could definitely see yourself sticking to “forever.”
ite parts about being on the show. We’re like a family. We all
Oh, forever? Wow! I think acting is my first love, that’s number
really enjoy making the show and I think this translates very
one and everything else (writing, producing, and directing)
well on screen. It’s a good, clean, whole-hearted show that
is a means to get to acting. Of course, I appreciate them all
people really gravitate towards.
because they get me to that end point, but being an actor is my love and passion.
Can you tell us a bit more about your role on the show?
“ As an up-and-coming young kids, who are the new generation of millennials dealing actor, I enjoy watching and with fresh ideas like texting and social media. I face issues with a fresh perspective as opposed to the way Anthostudying a great actor like ny’s character would. Along the way, Curtis has a lot of Anthony Anderson ” fun messing around with Dre and his old fashioned perCurtis is the new assistant to Dre, Anthony Anderson’s character. He’s kind of the bridge between Dre and his
spective on life. You also appeared in a Marvel One-Shot as Fletcher Heggs What’s it like working alongside someone like Anthony
a few years ago, if you could play any superhero, who
Anderson? He seems like a very funny and sweet guy.
would it be?
You have to stay sharp and stay on your toes, it’s educational. As
That’s a fantastic question. I was a huge Teenage Mutant Ninja
an up-and-coming young actor, I enjoy watching and studying
Turtles and X-Men fan so I think I would want to be Raphael
a great actor like Anthony Anderson. Growing up, I watched
from Ninja Turtles or Wolverine from X-Men. Those two
each of his moves and took mental notes of how his career
characters were my favorite growing up.
has b lossomed into what it is today. If you could be a part of any film franchise, which would What’s one thing that you can share with us that no one
it be?
really knows about?
Easy. Bad Boys. Boom boom.
I think the world has yet to see how great Tracee Ellis Ross is. She is something special and the world is catching up to her
What about a particular role or character in general?
marvelous and phenomenal talent. As a comedian, her come-
I would love to play a role in the movie Bad Boys. Just being
dic timing is flawless and the way she bounces off of Anthony
apart of that Will Smith/Martin Lawrence world, playing the
is the perfect formula for success. I think that’s her biggest
role of an illegitimate son would be hilarious. They’re magic!
secret and she’s become one of the most notorious top-notch
The comedic timing between the two is fantastic, so definitely
comedians.
something with them.
Why should people be watching Black-ish?
And lastly, is there anything else you’d like to say to the
It’s a show that everyone, particularly families, can watch and
readers?
really enjoy together. It covers situations we all go through,
I’d like to share my mantras, “Be obsessed with success” and
not just the African American community. It crosses so many
“Success is not suggested, it is demanded.” These are two
barriers—which I think significantly contributes to the growth
phrases that I live by and whatever you want to be, those two
of the show. The conflicts we touch upon are so relatable. The
things will take you there. Also, “Believe in your dreams.”
show offers a fun viewpoint of what things go on in everyday
I came from a background of poverty and growing up in a
life and how an individual like Anthony Anderson’s character
rough neighborhood, so I never imagined I would be where
would handle those situations. Life can be so comical when
I am today.. Constantly having those two phrases in my mind
you have a father who is so attuned to himself and his kids.
is what has really elevated my career.
11
12
the end of an era
Mad Men by yann k. photo doug hyun
13
the end of an era
14
In the very first episode of the series,
an average view, but for those viewers
other more important channels.
Don Draper (Jon Hamm) enters his office
who chose to pay more attention to the
After its first miniseries was broadcast
with Roger Sterling (John S lattery).
finer details, this is still evidence of a
(the Broken Tail western with Robert
Draper had spent the night with his
strong sensitivity for cinema.
Duvall), the channel took a bet on the
mistress and starts his day with a fresh
Mad Men started in July 2007 on AMC.
project of a scriptwriter that had just
new shirt. As he went to Series Mania
American Movie Classics is, as its names
finished with HBO’s The Sopranos.
that very same year, Matthew Weiner
shows, a network for films. Broadcast on
Matthew Weiner crossed the Hudson
explained that he insisted a lot for the
basic channels, it did not have as many
River, leaving Jersey, and arrived on
sequence to include a brief shot in which
exclusive creations as its competitor TCM.
Madison Avenue. Seems like Madison
we can see the pile of neatly folded shirts
The channel had to create its own content
Avenue is where dreams are made of,
in a drawer. It may seem unnecessary to
so it would not get isolated among all the
both on and off the screen.
doug hyun / amc networks
Upon the series’ finale of Mad Men, many of us once again used the phrase « the end of an era » because it had been skillfully suggested by the network. How could a series that never really reached very high audience numbers leave such a huge mark on modern television? The are three point to answer the question: cinematographic influence, marketing, and time-related influence.
As early as 2001, Weiner began to show a script, focused on marketing companies in the ‘60s, one he’d been working on for quite some time, in fact. Unfortunately, there weren’t any takers for his project. Nevertheless, The Sopranos’ showrunner liked his style and hired him in his writer’s room, thereby making him a scriptwriter/producer. Weiner’s script remained in a drawer. Chase tried to propose it to HBO, although in vain. In 2005, he got into the limelight thanks to AMC. The continuity is obvious. AMC likes classical movies with o mnipresent male heroes. The daily routine of p ublicists in the sixties, with the dark and attractive c haracters naturally found its place on a network. The network at the time, was was still far from considering a certain zombie idea... Paradoxically, Weiner himself only
edward hopper / amc networks
watched a few series in his childhood as his parents were very strict about television
his arm are casually laid beside him. The
overall. Instead, he frequented drive-ins
picture appears in the opening credits is
for familial outings and attempted to see
very eloquent but the process was then
as many movies he could. Weiner studied
a c omplete novelty on television. At that
cinema at USC. He went unemployed the
time, it may have seemed nonsensical to
first few years following his graduation,
use so much time on such shots without
but found the energy to create his first
faces or any dialogue whatsoever.
independent movie after he saw Kevin
In a more subtle way, the camera angles
Smith’s Clerks. He did not manage to sell
are taken from closer to the ground,
his movie, but the experience resulted
which makes the imposing figure of Don
in a director who was on the rise. His
Draper, even more imposing. Mad Men
career had some success during the
unveiled perhaps its biggest cinematic
time following his experience, and as
influence in the second season. Matthew
he got hired as a scriptwriter for a CBS
Weiner finally found the external look
comedy entitled Becker. Despite very
he was missing thanks to Christophe
busy days, W einer made time to write
Manley. The head cameraman took all of
his own script, the one that would go on
the advantages of wide-angle shots, just
to become Mad Men. Mad Men focused
as the showrunner had wanted. With the
on the world of m arketers and his p roject
series’ multiple points of view, M anley
is d eeply m arked by his love of films.
managed to inspire a striking atmosphere
Mad Men did not use publicity as a
This influence could seem ordinary, but
to the sequences, that reminded viewers
running board. Despite a season’s finale
in reality, it is a real s ingularity, the one
of the painter, Edward Hopper. Besides
that brings Don to a lack of interest in
that precisely won AMC over.
the composition, Manley has talent
himself through a hippie community, that
In order to fully understand it, one has
for lighting. Thanks to him, the series
is the complete opposite of a consumerist
to observe the very beginning of the
evolved and offered some of the most
society, Weiner admires the trade and
series. When Draper’s back appears, the
beautiful shots in poor lighting (half-light,
sincerely respects most of the brands
camera stops on his figure, his neck and
warm/cold) of the whole story of series.
he quotes.
“
Some people think money is our n ational religion, I think it's selling, and it's beautiful, and
”
we do it better than anyone
Matthew Weiner
15
Kodak’s slide projector with a circular bank (The Carousel)
16
When we compare it to other works
choose Lucky Strike at random. C igarette
disdained today. Weiner’s work puts back
of the genre, we can see that Mad Men
sellers were at the time dealing with
into question our cynicism towards a
strikes because of its simplicity. There is
their first struggle with public health,
publicity whose stream intensity prevents
no gangster as in The Sopranos, no cops
so they focused on p ublicity. Don found
us from differentiating the good grain
or gangs as in The Wire, no president as
in extremis the idea (“ it’s toasted ” is a
from the ryegrass. From Lucky Strike
in The West Wing. Don Draper is only a
slogan that really existed, but in 1917)
to Coca-Cola, no matter what we think
publicist, sometimes brilliant in his work,
able to provoke emotion. He describes
about those products, Mad Men managed
but desperately normal otherwise, until
his work as the c reation of happiness,
to highlight an authentic approach, a
the very end of the series, that avoids
an idea of freedom taking advantage
the dramatic ending the credits seemed
on fear. No need to say that publicists
to announce. As if the characters of Mad
are easily won over, and so forgot the
Men withdrew before a more important
imperfections of reconstitution. If Draper
ideal, as far as their trade is concerned,
is a representative of the creative dimen-
since it was at the time in constant
sion of the series, Mad Men will also
evolution.
insert the necessary collective in order
In the postwar years, people were still
to fully use all advertising concepts. It is
obsessed with the sole finality of s elling
not what makes the authenticity of how
and with the speech that goes with it. Mad
the trade is represented in the series, but
On August 15, 1965, the Beatles gave
Men coincides with the emergence of new
the care it takes to describe the creation
one of their most famous concerts at the
conceptual and imaginative campaigns.
of a slogan, an idea: the invention of a
Shea Stadium (baseball stadium in the
Goals became more ambitious. The
magical formula. When Kodak struggles
Queens, NY). More than 55.000 people
notion of branding takes its full extent
to sell a slide projector with a circular
were there, including Don Draper and his
on the long term and the highlighting
bank, we observe the thought process
daughter Sally. In the fictional reality of
of the product is not enough anymore.
that leads Don to feel the emotion and
Mad Men, we won’t see her screaming out
The “ Think Small ” and “ Lemon ” for
to translate it into a name: The Carousel.
loud among the other groupies, but the
Volkswagen, which were briefly shown
Often, the i ntroduction of the concept to
event is very skillfully put in the series.
in the episodes, are such inventive and
the client partly blocks the slogan’s intel-
It builds a crucial moment in S ally’s
avant-garde campaigns. The slogan
ligence, simplicity or efficiency (or all of
evolution. Her teenage years and her
must also provoke a reaction and bring
them) but the work n eeded has never
parents splitting up makes her contest
a solution. The ad man must be singular
been eclipsed in the episodes. Even if
authority more than ever. Don tries to
enough to enter the collective imagination
the temporal discrepancy keeps us
win her over by getting tickets for this
for a long time. That is why in the very
distant, Mad Men manages to s ingularly
amazing concert. The cultural event is
first episode Matthew Weiner does not
restore the magic of a trade that is often
also meant as a temporal landmark.
“
sincere expression.
keep it up, you’ll be creative director by 1980
” amc networks
pete campbell
Jamie trueblood / amc networks
By the mid 60s, Americans are strongly
are coming and going in time, as the senile
Ginsberg). The discrepancy between
influenced by the English and Mad Men
father of Betty for instance, who emp-
the b ackward-looking attitude and
is no exception.
ties Don’s whisky into the sink, b elieving
modernity has a significant part in
Obviously, the agency was bought by
the Prohibition is still on. The little
the show and reminds us how much
an English company (Putnam, Powell
details are what makes us observe the
it is worthless to deprive oneself from
& Lowe). Over the ten years covered by
evolution of mentalities, wonder about
questioning.
the series, other events will punctuate
social b ehaviors and think about the
No other series managed to stick so
the character’s path. Some are very
issues going across times. Some people
much to the passing of time. The serial
significant, such as the assassinations
probably associated the impression to
type is more appropriate for statu quo.
of Kennedy or Martin Luther King, others
have an image of the trade that has been
Even when a series managed to last, it
are more symbolic, such as the first steps
altered by the certainties of our time with
hides most of the marks of time on their
on the moon, and finally, some are just
a condescending look, but in the end, it
characters. In Mad Men, on the contrary,
facts, such as the fight between Liston
is only a reminder of out-of-time issues.
Peggy’s transformation is spectacular.
and Clay or the assassination perpetrated
Of course, there is no way today a doctor
Bobby had to be played by four actors
by Charles Manson, the serial killer.
will ask for the presence of the husband
when Sally became a teenager under
Within the description of a time, Don
to announce something serious to the
our nose (Kiernan Shipka). It shows very
Draper will be a social mirror. Survivor of
wife, but how could we not think about
well the remarkable patterns of a series,
the Korean War, he came back changed.
man/woman inequalities, especially on
that used a lot in the issue of time in its
He despised his original identity and
the workplace, when we see the daily
speech.
became Donald, leaving Dick Whitman
struggles of Joan and Peggy and we notice
behind. We leave him as he seemed to
that these same strangleholds still hinder
In the first episode, Don seduces the
have surrendered to the hedonism of
a woman’s status. Mad Men is a way to
Lucky Strike bigwigs thanks to his sudden
meditation, ten years later. We are in
better understand the current challenges
inspiration. The next episode could be
the early 70s, a time linked with the first
by measuring the progress that has been
another ad, another publicity equation
individualisms, but Weiner chose the
made since the 60s.
to solve or another client to win over.
opposite and ended with a collective
By the way, the fidelity to a historic
Mad Men would have become some kind
picture, a cosmopolite ad for Coca-Cola.
transition is right because it opposes
of House on Madison Avenue in the 60s.
Instead of focusing on the long-term loss
tradition and revolution. When he first
Audience rates could have been better
of landmarks his character experienced
gets the “ Think Small ”, Don does not
than they have been. Instead, the show
during seven long seasons, he denied
care, as he is convinced that the humor
found its own way in a singular and
the black screen and summoned an
will not be appreciated. When one of the
episodic structure, but is still very close
optimistic and sharing vision for the
very first computers (IBM) got installed
to a sitcom or a fiction that managed to
conclusion.
in the agency, the still blurred changes
stay faithful to its time, by freeing itself
In addition to Draper’s path, all characters
it brings bothers many (especially poor
from temporal limits.
17
t he big inter view
Fanny Herrero
It’s a sunny day in La Rochelle, France and 10% has been warmly welcomed at the French Fiction Festival screening. MORE TV had the honor to meet up with Fanny Herrero, the creator and head writer for the show. She has previously worked on Un Village Français, Les Bleus, Fais Pas Ci Fais Pas Ça and Kaboul Kitchen, and the latest addition, 10%, is her big break into the limelight as she collaborates with renowned French agent Dominique Besnehard. Fanny Herrero walked us through her experience on 10%, her role as creator and head writer and ultimately, a show that is very close to her heart. by stéphane bernault photo Hervé Lassïnce
18
19
Stéphane Bernault : We know there were many bumps in the road before 10% got on the air. Can you tell us how the show was developed? Fanny Herrero : Originally, 10% was
“ I felt that I had to make the show and the characters mine but I had to gain enough self-confidence in order to impose my ideas ”
an idea by Dominique Besnehard, who was a talent representative for a very
rather pleased with our draft. So much
treatment. I have to thank N icolas for the
long time. He eventually quit to become
so, in fact, that it became the blueprint to
work he did because some things were
a p roducer and from the get-go, he
the tone they were looking for: a mix of
very good. But this makeover wasn’t
envisioned making a show about talent
drama and comedy, a d ramedy, but not
about throwing it all away for fun, it was
agencies and agents. For both of us, it’s a
too cynical. When Nicolas left to develop
more about capitalizing on what was
neverending source of stories, and there’s
his feature film, both the network and
already good about it.
a great comedy to be written out of it.
the p roducers talked with Quoc and I
I redid the pilot with Sabrina B. Karine.
So he first went to Nicolas Mercier, who
about being co-head writers. It could
We took the time and we went a bit mad
wrote Clara Sheller (France 2 channel
have ended there, but it didn’t. Quoc left
trying to figure it out. About a year had
series), and asked him to set up the
to be head writer of Kaboul Kitchen and I
passed between the time when I was
project. Canal+ was interested, but as
found myself alone at the helm. Basically,
brought on the show as a writer and the
it goes, it didn’t quite work out. There
I was quietly promoted. Nobody came
moment when we had actually comple-
were delays and issues about finding
to me asking that I become the head
ted pilot. At that moment, the network,
the show’s lane. Everybody got a little
writer for the show. Once I was on my
the producers and I were all on the same
sick of it, I think. Dominique ended up
own, as there were time constraints, I
page about the show. We had found our
postponing the project.
had to earn the network’s trust as fast
range, our characters, our lane. Then,
Later, he teamed up with Harold V alentin,
as I could. Those were some difficult
it got way easier: we worked on the
a former programming e xecutive at
times. I felt that I had to make the show
remaining 5 episodes with the writers
France 2, who had just set up his own
and the characters “ mine, ” but I had
room for a year. Things went a lot faster.
production company. He had a little bit
to gain enough self-confidence in order
of experience in making shows, such as
to impose my ideas. So I went back to
How did the writing process of 10%
Clara Sheller and Fais Pas Ci Fais Pas
the drawing board, and I redefined my
go? How did you manage the writers
Ça that he was overseeing for France 2.
approach and the content. That’s when,
room?
Harold thought that the public service
in agreement with Harold Valentin, we
Luckily, the show found its own identity
network could be interested in 10%, as
recruited a new writers’ room: Sabrina
over time. We were actually very pressed
he knew their needs pretty well. So the
B. Karine, Camille Chamoux, Cécile
on time and I couldn’t set up a real
project got back in track, with Nicolas
Ducrocq, Anaïs Carpita, Benjamin Dupas
writers workshop. But that’s what we’re
Mercier still at the helm. But then again,
and Eliane Montane.
doing for season 2. I took lessons from Un Village Français, where the workshop is
there was trouble with the definition of
20
the identity of the show in its writing...
Did a lot of things change between
very effective, very well managed, set up
In the meantime, Nicolas had begun
Nicolas’ version and yours?
very nicely. On a show like 10%, it may
developing his first feature film. Then,
Quite a lot, despite the fact that Nicolas
be less important, because we’re on a
he decided to stop writing 10%.
had laid the groundwork. We had the
semi-independent structure and each
As far as I’m concerned, I became attached
format (6x52mn), the arena (a talent
episode has its guest star, so we can have
to the project at that time as a writer.
agency), we had the three agents and the
writers pretty much writing stories on
Nicolas didn’t want to write e verything on
death of the founder at the beginning of
their own. Basically, in season 1, I was
his own, and he decided to be surrounded
the season. Then, working alongside the
overseeing every episode: we talked with
by four or five writers, including myself.
writers and the producers, I reworked the
the writers about everything what was
I was co-writing an episode with Quoc
characters’ personas, I created Camille’s
going to happen, the guest star storylines
Dang Tran, one of the longtime writers
character, reworked the storylines and
and the personal storylines about the
on Fais Pas Ci Fais Pas Ca and Kaboul
defined a new range... The subjects of
private life of the agents. I’m responsible
Kitchen. As it happened, it was going
the first two episodes were already set by
for the continuity of the show from one
great on our end, and the network was
Nicolas, but we did reworked the entire
episode to another.
Gregory Montel (Gabriel), Camille Cottin (Andréa), Thibault De Montalembert (Mathias), Liliane Rovere (Arlette)
So we would break the story, structure development process. How did that outlet to tell universal stories: and I the episode, then the writers would go relationship go?
enjoyed that idea.
off to work, with constant back-and-forth Let’s be clear, the network is hands-on in So we had a healthy collaboration with between them and me -- until we got a the process, as they are the ones paying the network. Fanny Rondeau is not first draft with the dialogue. Then, I would for it. Being involved for them is logi- intrusive, she didn’t come in to tell us write all the final version, rewrite the cal. But we were very lucky that Fanny what we should write or stories we should dialogue to make them seamless in tone Rondeau, the network executive who tell. Some networks do – Canal+ is known and humor. Since it’s comedy, it’s all about followed the show for France 2, set up a to be very hands-on with the writing. style and musicality. The writers can put real partnership with us. Her entire role Sometimes it’s useful, but sometimes it’s a joke in that makes them laugh, but often is about keeping the “France 2” identity too much, it ends up being overbearing. it won’t work on me, so I decide not to safe: a mainstream series, quite modern We want to tell the executives: “ I do leave it in. Humor is kind of subjective, and universal. France 2 is not cable, it’s want a diagnosis, but don’t try to find a so it has to be someone’s job to be the not niche, or hip. At the beginning, that cure, that’s my job! ” A network being too judge. But I wasn’t dictatorial about it. was sort of frightening for me as we were involved in the writing forces the hand, Emmanuelle Jacobson / FTV
If the writer did it, he had a good reason set to tell the lives of talent agents, a very taints the writing, and at the end of the to, and I’m trying to figure that out. But I uncommon job, that the public doesn’t day, you risk ending up writing something always kept this in mind: “ Is it really 10% know much about, in a very Parisian that the author will not feel himself or or not? ” And I would adjust depending and wealthy background... and we had herself. That waters down the matter, on that belief.
to avoid being a “boutique” of that or the tone, and that’s why we often end excluding parts of the audience! But I up with series that don’t have a heart,
uestion because too many people – that surely When we see a project like this, we went for it immediately, I didn’t q do tend to think the network must it, I knew that was a good idea. My whole meant well – interfered and gave their have had a hands-on approach in the reasoning is that we had a very specific opinion, and put their touch on the show.
21
On 10%, Fanny Rondeau doesn’t impose anything. She’s not specific. She gives her opinion, tells us the problems she sees, but still keeps a bigger picture in mind, the famous “ France 2 identity ”. She follows the writing every step of the way, but also the entire production of the series, until final cut is locked. She’s there to shepherd us in bringing the series to proper fruition, she makes sure that we remain within the network’s guidelines. Did you think about the guest stars before writing? Exactly. We were lucky to have Dominique Besnehard with us. He knows everybody. He has long-lasting
Fanny Sidney (Camille) and Cécile De France (herself)
relationships in the movie industry, he has thousands of stories and anecdotes we used. At the start, he gave us names of actors he knew very well, some of whom he discovered or turned into stars, and he was certain those people would
“ There were moments that were delicate to handle, because if somebody refused, we had to do a rewrite for somebody else, or change the theme of the episode “
appear on 10%. So we, the writers, wrote storylines t ailor-made for those people...
episode completely. We were worried...
with comedians that represent a variety
But we soon realized that despite bonds,
But fortunately, it was only for one or two
of movie fields : Cécile de France, Line
friendships... (she ponders): Actors are
episodes, while some other actors gave us
Renaud, Françoise Fabian, Nathalie Baye,
very peculiar people. The more famous
a frank and enthusiastic approval. That
Laura Smet, Audrey Fleurot, Joey Starr,
they become, the more peculiar they
uplifted and e ncouraged us.
Julie Gayet and François Berléand.
of thought that we can actually use for
Who were the people you were
Who would you love to have as a guest
the show, but still, dealing with them
choosing?
star in season 2?
in real life is complex... Despite Cédric
The people we were interested in
If we can dream big, I’d like to have
Klapisch and D ominique Besnehard
were those who were not doing TV fre-
a few iconic female actresses, such as
being on board, some refused to guest
quently. But as the image of France 2
Catherine Deneuve or Isabelle Huppert.
star on 10%. We took all these rejections
is supposedly less “chic” than Canal+,
The Big Movie Star, the Grand French
in stride! We went through what we
it was more d ifficult to attract them!
Dame. I would like to have a big p opular
wrote about the actors. Doubts, change
We were relying on Dominique’s list of
actors like Omar Sy or Jean Dujardin. Or
of mind, r equirements... S ometimes
contacts, all the while considering the
Luchini! Perhaps younger comedians,
what we wrote about them didn’t amuse
network’s desires and our own desires as
fresher faces, lesser-known and
them at all... We all ended up doubting
writers, which were s ometimes pulling
interesting like Adèle Haenel or Vincent
ourselves: me about the scripts, Klapisch
us in opposite directions. For France 2, a
Lacoste as well. Up-and-coming talent.
and Besnehard about their network or
comedian that s tarred in arthouse films
If I could, if we had those in France, I
their aura! There were moments that
a little left of center, it’s a little “niche”...
would like to write an episode about a
were delicate to handle, because if some-
So, we had lists and we would dream
child star. Unfortunately, that seems to
body refused, we had to do a rewrite for
up some names. And in the end, we
be complicated... We would also like to
somebody else, or change the theme of the
found what I feel is the right balance,
have an international superstar!
22
Christophe brachet / FTV
become. They can be stuck on a train
But it’s up to the audience! Let’s talk about the cast of the show. How did you cast Camille Cottin? Camille’s name popped up really quickly, once Andrea’s character was consistent enough for us. I sort of knew Camille in real life, so when the casting director said her name and that auditions turned out great, it was obvious that she would be the one playing Andrea. That was before the success of Connasse, the short program on Canal+? The program was already on the air, Joey Starr (himself) and Camille Cottin (Andréa)
but not the movie, Connasse, Princesse Des Coeurs. The entire creative crew on 10% was a big fan of Camille Cottin.
“ Camille’s name popped up really quickly, once Andrea’s character was consistent enough for us ”
But we didn’t want Andrea to mirror “ Connasse ”, even if there are winks here and there. In Connasse, the character doesn’t have a personal life, or f eelings; while Andrea is ridden with flaws,
An international star that speaks
that are better served by French TV series
doubts, she’s an intense and nervous
French?
and that make a career out of it. After
woman. She’s touching that way. 10% is
Yes, Natalie Portman lives in France, she’s
all, why not!
an ensemble show in a big way: even if
married to a Frenchman, she must speak
christophe brachet / FTV
French, so why not... One can dream.
guests in every episode are generating You are already talking about season
attention, the show is first and foremost
2 and season 3, how long do you see
about the ordinary life of these agents.
Scarlett Johansson is also married to
the show lasting?
They have a glamorous profession but
a Frenchman!
I think we have enough human and
there is more to each of them. They are
If we managed to get Scarlett Johansson,
general dramatic material to write
all also played by amazing actors.
our feet won’t touch the ground for the
several seasons. This is a comedy about
next two years at least!
manners and ultimately human comedy
The first episodes [that we saw in La
so for me, it’s endless! The actors embody
Rochelle] show those characters to be
Are there any TV comedians that you
a magnifying glass of our ordinary
sensitive...
are interested in?
quirks, we are far from running out of
That’s my train of thought when I’m
Yes, but the way 10% is different is pre-
material. And then, we have our main
writing a show. A television series is the
cisely the movie industry, hiring people
characters that are anxious and have
greatest example of a character-based
that rarely appear on the small screen...
enough neuroses that their lives will
medium, because that’s what keeps us
That being said, I love Thierry Godard
always be paved with obstacles: the ones
coming back episode after episode. They
(Engrenages, Un Village Français),
they create for themselves are sometimes
must fascinate us with both their good
Philippe Duclos (Engrenages), Simon
the most interesting... Our secondary
and bad sides. I don’t like heroes very
Abkarian (Kaboul Kitchen, Malaterra),
characters deserve to be fleshed out too.
much, I prefer antiheroes. To me, the
or Constance Dollé (Un Village français,
Granted we’re still inventive and sincere,
keyword for any TV series is empathy.
Les Revenants). There are really names
I guess we can map out a few seasons.
We took great care that we were moved
23
“ My biggest models are Friday Night Lights and Six Feet Under. There are very emotional, very empathetic shows with really strong characters ”
24
by that in the writing of 10%. Not to
the Festival [La Rochelle]: e verybody was
fight so much for people to listen to us
say that we will succeed, but that’s
on stage - the producers, the d irector,
while we are the creators. In France,
ultimately what we were aiming for. In
the writers, and several actors, if I recall
there is a very strong culture of the auto-
my e xperience, as a television fan, the
correctly. Anyway, everybody is there.
crat movie director, sometimes co-writer
best shows are the ones with the most
And who introduces the show? The
of his/her own movies, that is used to
empathy. Characters you relate to like
producer, the network executive and the
oversee everything. But on a television
friends or family, whose fates deeply
director. Both of the writers, the two who
series, the director comes in while the
affects you. My biggest models are Friday
had came up with the original idea, and
show has been already written! On 10%,
Night Lights and Six Feet Under. These are
developed the writing for several years?
when the team of directors showed up,
very emotional, very empathetic shows
They don’t get the mic handed to them.
5 out of the 6 episodes were written...
with really strong characters. We want to
I think that’s insane!
And often, directors change from one
see how these characters live. I wanted
The American model, where writers
season to another, while the creator and
10% to be the same.
became the bosses of their own shows,
head writer remains on board. So, on a
proves that you can’t possibly cut the
series, way more than on a movie set,
Since we’re on the topic of American
source off of any series: its author. It’s
the authority must be split between the
TV shows, can we say that you’re a
an aberration, it’s very counterproduc-
producer, the writer-creator and the
French TV showrunner? Do you like
tive. There is a slow change in France,
director. I can’t believe there are still
that word?
but we’re still treading waters, we’re still
projects where it’s not working like that.
What I like about it is that it allows wri-
in prehistoric times as Frédéric Krivine
The status of “ showrunner ” must be
ters to be granted authority. The idea is
would say! A few writers start to “ head ”
claimed. But we must want it. As far
not about having that title, because it
their own show, and take charge of the
as I’m concerned, I like that, I like to
doesn’t really exist in France, but it’s to be
artistic coherence: Eric Rochant for Le
communicate what I put on the page,
considered an essential pillar of a show’s
Bureau des Légendes, Frédéric Krivine
to discuss it with the d irectors and the
writing. In France, it’s still commonplace
on Un Village Français, Fanny Robert and
cast, I like to be confronted to other to be
that a writer that develops his/her project
Sophie Le Barbier for Profilage, Anne
the fairest and as accurate as possible.
for years, therefore being the creator, is
Landois for Engrenages, Fabrice Gobert
I think it’s very useful so that the show
then excluded of the making of the show
for Les Revenants... Rochant and Gobert
maintains its quality and its coherence.
once writing is completed. The authority
are also directors, which helps matters
I started that work during the course of
then rests in the hand of the d irector,
if you want to become a showrunner.
this season, and I wish to go further in
who just arrived, and didn’t have any
The most sensitive matter is going from
season 2.
particular relationship with the pro-
writing to directing. When you have
ject, its characters, etc. The name of the
both those skills, you avoid a lot of
Would you be interested in directing?
writer is often left off the programs, the
tensions. On 10%, I didn’t have such a
Not for 10%, that would be madness. It’s
billboards, everybody will promote the
role, because of Cédric Klapisch being
a whole different job. No, I like where I
show but him... I was shocked during the
there, but I struggled to remain there
am, but I still stand my ground and I’m
presentation of Trepalium [a new Arte
at every step of the production. What
very combative for this position to have
show that will be broadcast in 2016] at
seems crazy to us writers, is to have to
the value it deserves.
Cédric Klapisch
christophe brachet / FTV
“ They’d rather promote a Cédric Klapisch show than a Fanny Herrero show! It sells more, it’s okay. It doesn’t mean that I don’t mind, but it’s a losing battle “ For 10%, we’ve talked a lot about and
directed by... ” or “ created by.., artistic
have read many articles that sell the
direction by... ”. Writing is appreciated
show as being the brainchild of Cédric
nonetheless, it appears in the reviews
Klapisch and/or Dominique Besne-
as real assets to the show, so I’m elated
hard. That must be a bit frustrating
by that. But you need to put yourself in
It’s all a matter of communication. I know
the network’s shoes too. They’d rather
what we owe Cédric and I thank him for
promote “ a Cédric Klapisch show ”
it. He’s coming in with tons of experience,
than “ a Fanny Herrero show ”! It sells
an amazing crew, a great DOP, and he
more, it’s okay. It doesn’t mean that I
manages to bring our scripts to life with
don’t mind, but it’s a losing battle that
a lot of elegance. The show wouldn’t be
I don’t want to face upfront. I’d rather
miss an opportunity to talk about w riters
what it is without him. What stings a little
be didactic towards producers, execu-
and the essential work of creation they
is the conclusions people make. It’s not
tives within networks, journalists, press
accomplish. At the moment, from the
very complicated to write: “ Written by...,
relations people, the audience, I never
shadows...but not for much longer!
25
Time Travel As another anniversary for Doctor Who approached, we felt it was time to analyze the different uses of time-travel, as seen on television. by julien lesbegueries
topic of fascination for mankind. It has
The “Linear but Paradoxical” Presentation
there is of course Doctor Who. We can also
presented itself in all forms of media,
Among the three big schools of
consider Supernatural and Torchwood,
with television shows neglecting to
thought for time-travel, the first is to be
but there isn’t a big use of time-travel in
escape this fact. Whether it be in the
called the “Father Paradox.” To further
the latter. Those shows don’t mention
form of novels, films, comic books,
explain, let’s begin with a hypothetical:
timelines, they don’t use that technique.
or even theatre, t ime-travel offers an
Imagine a character who goes back in
Most of the time, the w riters use a lot of
opportunity to create various different
time and marries his mother. A child is
scientific words, a lot of mumbo jumbo,
(amazing) storylines and plots. Well, per-
born out of this union. That child would
to explain and justify the time traveling
haps, so long as it doesn’t fall into the
then become the time-traveling c haracter
problems a plot can have. Doctor Who
many traps the topic presents. Travelling
himself. Gross, I know. It’s a paradox,
for instance gives us intergalactic d ouble
back in time in a p articular storyline,
that an event creates itself, when the
fazers to explain what is happening. This
with the added element of suspense,
character rationally shouldn’t exist.
technique is a way of concentrating on
can bring a higher level of tension to
Think about Interstellar for example.
just one timeline, even if technically
any episode. Sometimes, with more
Cooper manages to save the people of
there are others. The show only looks
detailed and planned out writing, this
earth using technology that the future
at one of them and the c onsequences
can also last the course of a full season.
form of humankind allows him to use.
of the actions of the characters on that
Although time-travelling has been seen
If we go deep enough, we realise that
timeline.
on many TV shows, not all of these shows
had C ooper failed, there wouldn’t be any
Look at River Song’s wedding for exam-
have t ackled the topic in quite the same
future humans to c reate the t echnology.
ple. The episode takes place in a dying uni-
way. As such, there seem to be three big
The event is creating itself, it’s the “ father
verse where “ all of history is happening
schools of thoughts.
paradox ”.
at once ”. Once the plot was resolved and
Time-travel has remained a c onstant
26
Which tv shows use this paradox? First,
“ Doctor Who often tell us that time can be rewritten ”
the world was saved, the characters went back in their universe, the normal one, and we never spoke about that parallel universe again. In Supernatural, it’s a little bit simpler; it’s the “ father paradox” plain and simple. Remember when Dean went back in time in season 4 to save his mother? (who isn’t Sarah Connor). He not only fails to save her but he becomes the one who put in motion the events he was trying to p revent. To justify this paradox, Castiel tells us that “ time is fluid ”. Another scientific mumbo jumbo. In those shows, time travel doesn’t affect the reality of the world. In an episode of the Simpsons, Homer kills a fly in the Stone Age and when he comes back, his neighbour, Flanders, is the master of the universe. This type of thing won’t happen is those shows. Doctor Who tells us that “ Time can be rewritten ”. Every time it is rewritten, we don’t see a d ifferent timeline creating itself to coexist with the main timeline. At best, a new universe is created, like the one Rose Tyler is trapped in. If things change in the past, the future changes too, but we can’t go to the original future because it doesn’t exist a nymore. It’s one of the r easons for the Doctor’s journey: he runs to things
bbc network / the cw
before they fade.
Doctor Who
Supernatural
Nonlinear tv shows, the concept of parallel reality
big or small, creates a different timeline.
Those shows are based on d ifferent
world also believes in it. Conduct some
timelines to make the plots more
research on google, it’s pretty fascinating.
interesting or to make a character appear.
Now that you understand it, at least I
Here we can name Fringe, Stargate, and
hope you do, imagine what it can bring to
soon, The Flash. In this last one, (without
a plot. Scientific mumbo jumbo is always
spoilers), the second season will be full
necessary to explain what is happening
of interaction with characters who fell
but you’ve seen with Doctor Who, science
from the black hole. Similar to the first
isn’t really a big deal in tv shows. That
season, with the characters who
writer technique can bring c haracters
were struck by the lightning ball.
who would’ve disappeared back,
This year we will have characters
introduce new ones, or even make two
who came from parallel realities
versions of the same c haracters m eeting.
or different timelines.
It’s likely that that last trick will be use
To explain exactly what I’m talking
to introduce Killer Frost in The Flash.
about, let’s take an example from
It’s a solution that can be described as too
your day-to-day life. When you go
easy. Characters appear from nowhere
to work or to school you some-
with a lazy explanation, a little bit
times say to yourself: “ If I took
“ timey-wimey. ” But if it is done right,
that road/if I left five minutes
it can be really interesting. When you
earlier, things would have been
don’t mess with the timelines, it can also
different. ” Imagine what would
be interesting. If we look at the season
happen if you had made that
finale of The Flash, when Barry goes
choice or not, that is a different
back in time to save no one at the end,
timeline. Every decision we make,
we spend half of the episode discussing
It isn’t just a writer’s trick, the scientific
27
whether it’s a good idea or not to mess with the past. We can either look at this as a lack of ambition or a genius idea. It’s a tease to us during the whole episode that everything is going to change and at the end of it, nothing has.
The flash-backs tv shows Finally we have of course the shows with flashbacks, that happen in the past or the future. Those are often historical shows like The Tudors, Downton Abbey, and many more like Revolution, Star Trek, and even Forever. Those shows do not make the characters travel in time, but
The Flash
the viewers. They bring us to bygone or imagined periods to make us travel and wonder. It is after all the main goal of the media, to make us forget our lives during a certain time, to distract us, and maybe even educate us. It is for me the goal of this shows: to tell us a past or future story, maybe true stories, to entertain us. That is one of the reasons I loved The Tudors so much. We all know that Henry VIII existed, but we don’t know who he is and why he is so famous. After viewing the show it all becomes very clear: the weddings, the
Forever
wars, and the fights with the pope with all their repercussions. Everything is filmed
“ Time travel always intervenes at the heart of a precise screenplay vision ”
in beautiful sets and with marvellous costumes. If you are lucky and you get to go to Dublin one day, visit the cathedral. You can see their some of the costumes, and the places that were filmed there.
But there are also the shows where were Those moments don’t make the plot move showrunners have to anticipate. There simply assists to flash-backs of a charac- along particularly well, but they help us not only needs a goal to be accomplished, ter who has lived very long. I here think understand those characters. We explore but a scientific explanation too. This last of Henry Morgan in Forever or of Captain their past (which can be our future) with element can come for just one episode, Jack Harckness in Torchwood / Doctor the goal to explain what there are doing like in Supernatural, or be brought to us Who. Those characters, both immortals, in the show.
slowly in the course of a season, like in
are going to become pretext to bring us
The Flash. One thing is certain: this travel,
shows us Britain in its slavery period or in
A common ingenuity
when it is done well, makes the viewers
Whatever the way, time travel always happy and is a way for many shows to
the two world wars, Jack brings us to the intervenes at the heart of a clear and diversify themselves. 1890s Cardiff, Ellis Island in its prime and precise screenplay vision. Time travel also the future of a galaxy far far away. isn’t used easily. It is something that the
28
warner bros
to past periods in man’s history. Forever
MORE TV
interview
Laura Regan by prutha s. Patel photo Marc Cartwright
To start off, congratulations on the
As the show is based on the feature
series pick up for Minority Report!
film directed by Steven Spielberg,
What are some things you are most
who is now serving as an executive
excited about for this season?
producer on the show - how does it
I am most excited for the path Agatha
feel to add to the lore of a well-re-
takes starting in episode three. She
ceived film?
embarks on a very personal mission,
It could be daunting, but with Steven
and you will see her use her power
Spielberg himself behind everything
almost mercilessly to get what she
we are doing it is just thrilling to be
needs.
able to play in this cool world he established.
How about things the fans should be excited for?
What makes playing the role of
Fans should definitely be excited
Agatha, a “pre-cog,” so interesting
for the amazing future technology
for you?
employed in the show. One of my
Agatha really has the richest backstory
favorites is an update on the ‘spiders’
you could ask for as an actor. She has
from the film; they are key to catching
had such a strange and isolated past,
the perpetrator in the pilot.
and this combined with her unique gift of seeing the future has made her
What are some things you hope the
into a complicated person. She is a
show will delve into over the course
grown woman, and yet in some ways
of the season and beyond?
still innocent. In other ways she can
One of the central issues of Minority
seem callous about human life, hav-
Report is privacy and how it relates
ing witnessed so much death. She is
to law enforcement. Are we will-
driven and calculating, and will pro-
ing to, or do we have to, give up
tect her freedom at any cost. She does
our privacy in order to be safe? At
not doubt herself, since her ‘sight’
what point does this surveillance
gives her complete certainty and con-
and tracking make us change
fidence. It is SO much fun to play her!
change the nature of society?
On Twitter recently, there was a pic-
And is that for better or for
ture of you in the makeup trailer
worse? I hope the show con-
as you’re about to be “made into a
tinues to deal with this, as
piñata.” Can you tell us a bit more
well as with issues of free
about the process? How long does
will vs destiny. I also hope
that take?
the show will continue to
I had to have a “lifecast” made – basi-
address the issue of climate
cally a mold of my entire head down
change – you will see that
to the base of my neck. First, they glue
the island Agatha lives on
hair hair down in sections to make it
used to be part of the main-
as flat to your head as possible. Then it
land but became an island
is basically like having “papier maché”
when the water rose, leav-
painstankingly applied over your
ing an industrial graveyard
head, leaving just two little pinholes
underwater.
30
at your nostrils so you can breathe.
fox broadcasting
our behavior and eventually
Once fully applied, it starts to get hot and it had to stay on for
these siblings, but we have very different ideas about how to
about fifteen minutes. When I could just about not take the
preserve our freedom. Arthur and Dash do defer to Agatha
claustrophobia and the heat, they cut a seam in the back and
in some regard, because she has the greater power of vision,
gently pulled it off. We did this to make a prosthetic baldcap
but if you asked her she would say it is not enough!
for me, for flashbacks to when we Precogs emerge from the photon milk. And if there is ever a need for any other facial
Despite the short amount of time you’ve had with the cast
prosthetic makeup, they have a p erfect mold of my face.
and crew, the Minority Report cast already seems to be very close – beyond the shooting schedules, has the cast
This show seems likely to be very VFX-heavy. What is it
hung out together much?
like working with the green/blue screens? Has it been dif-
Yes, we actually love getting together and just do not get to do
ficult for you to work without some of the physical pieces?
it enough! We have had some fun evenings out in Vancouver,
I have been lucky in that so far most of my scenes have been
and celebrate birthdays together. Meagan, Li Li, and I have a
in actual locations and sets. And really stunning locations,
running WhatsApp thread, so we can keep in touch when we
because Agatha’s cabin is in a beautiful natural setting. But
are shooting on different days or on different sets. With the
I also really do not mind green screen – it is a fun challenge,
whole group we have these very funny long email threads.
especially when it is only once in a while.
Nick’s emails are the most pithy and zany, Wilmer’s are often long and hysterical to read!
Marc Cartwright
With Stark Sands and Nick Zano playing Agatha’s brothers, what is that dynamic like? What should fans expect
What are some things you do when you have some time
from the relationship between the three siblings?
away from the busy filming schedule?
Earlier in the summer Stark, Nick, and I recently spent a day
When I am not on set I am with my kids as much as possible,
together shooting a flashback in the Precog tank. There is
and trying to keep up with activism in preparation for the
nothing like lying in a hot pool in spandex suits and bald caps
UN conference on Climate Change in Paris at the end of this
to bond with your cast mates! We started making up lines of
year. I am very interested in renewable energy and I think
some imaginary Precog musical, which Nick and Stark will
its adoption as widely and as quickly as possible is crucial to
now launch into anytime we are all together. They make me
the health of everyone on the planet!
laugh constantly. Working with them is so much fun it can barely be called work.
And lastly, anything else you would like to say to the
But in the show Agatha is either trying to control her brothers,
readers?
or scheming around them. There is a lot of love between
Start watching now because things are about to get crazy!
31
review
p i lot
Minority Report futuristic visions
By choosing to adapt Minority Report for television, FOX has taken rather a huge bet on a presumption that the procedural will work. Unfortunately, the mix of genres p resented in the unbalanced pilot wasn’t a complete success.
32
Two years after Sleepy Hollow’s per-
often the case with network shows: there
are very predictable and therefore not
haps, moderate, success, FOX decided to
is a need to hook the audience within
the most appealing. One will p robably
adapt another film for the small screen.
the first few minutes in order to avoid
have to watch a couple of episodes before
It is understandably quite a challenge
them s witching to another c hannel. This
finding out if they’ll break out of the
since, in this case, we are talking about
is rather a pity since it prevents a com-
enforced molds.
taking a fairly complex universe from the
plex show like Minority Report from lay-
Nevertheless, the Minority Report pilot
Steven Spielberg movie (itself a dapted
ing important foundations. It is therefore
tries to build a story arc with a c liffhanger
from a Philip K. Dick novel) released back
frustrating to see the most interesting
at the end of the episode. Unfortunately,
in 2002 and starred Tom Cruise, which
and original elements of the show being
many fans of this genre will know that
would then have to manage to entertain
expedited in perhaps the most lazy way
the cliffhanger is nothing but a hook: this
viewers itself week after week.
possible (a voiceover narration of the
storyline might be hinted at from time
The show follows the three “ precogni-
hero t elling the viewers his story as if we
to time but won’t be resolved until the
tives, ” Agatha, Dash and Arthur, who
were watching a “ previously on ” at the
end of the season.
work for PreCrime, an organization
start of a new episode). In the end, the
However not everything in this episode
that prevents murders before they are
basis of the show is not that c omplicated:
was negative. Within the established
being committed, thanks to the visions of
the lead has visions of future crimes
universe is chock-full of potential. The
these three young protagonists. Shortly
and will try to stop them before they
show also has the advantage of not
after the movie’s events, PreCrime is
happen. In other words, it amounts to
taking itself too seriously and many of
dismantled and Agatha (Laura Regan),
a classic procedural. This however, is
the scenes made for a good laugh. A few
Dash (Stark Sands) and Arthur (Nick
also perhaps actually the biggest flaw of
scenes which are of note are first, when
Zano) have been forced to grow up with
the show. Even though the first part of
viewer discovers that The Simpsons is on
their lives hidden from the outside world.
the episode is quite interesting (a blend
its 75th season and second, when Lara’s
In 2065, Dash, still haunted by the visions
between Person Of Interest and Fringe),
mother states that, in her time, one met
of crimes to come, tries e verything
the second part already reaches the limits
his/her better half on Tinder!
to prevent them. Unfortunately, his
of the show: an u noriginal crime story.
Although the procedural aspect of the
visions are incomplete without the help
As far as characters are concerned,
show might not make you want to come
of his brother. Which is why he starts
one can point out the cartoonish and
back, perhaps even more so considering
a collaboration with a cop: Lara Vega
unimaginative aspect of the casting. The
the fact that the crime drama story in this
(Meagan Good). Together, the two work
hero, Dash, is Caucasian, the badass cop,
first episode was rather formulaic (and
to stop the criminals in time.
Lara Vega, is an African American, her
its resolution again, a bit boring). A nice
One has to admit that the initial premise is
colleague in the field, Will Blake (Wilmer
surprise like in the case of Sleepy Hollow
not as obvious from the getgo and one has
Valderrama), is a well-built Latino and
(a rotation between quality stand-alone
to concentrate to follow it. Fortunately,
the IT geek, Akeela (Li Jun Li), is Asian.
episodes and episode arcs concerning
everything is developed really fast and
We are faced with the typical cliché of
mythology) could nevertheless emerge.
the concept explanation is taken care of
multiracial casting reminiscent of shows
However, the first season will only have
within the first two minutes. Which then
of yesteryears. It is even more ludicrous
ten episodes because of the bad ratings.
allows us to focus on the storyline with the
when we know that the show takes place
newer storyline information. But this is
in 2065... Furthermore, the characters
MORE TV
interview
Mozhan Marnò by prutha s. Patel photo Ryan Pfluger
Prutha S. Patel: You are on two very serious shows, House of Cards and The Blacklist, can you tell us a bit about each character? Mozhan Marnò : Ayla is very sharp and dogged in pursuit of a story. She’s unwilling to be intimidated by senior staff in the White House, or even the President himself. Samar has been through a lot in her life, which makes her unusually strong. She’s also a badass spy, so... she’s pretty tough. What are some things that make each unique and ultimately increasingly interesting for you to play? Neither one of them exist in relation to a man. They are not girlfriends or wives; they are professionals. Very competent, high functioning professionals. That makes them satisfying
when you join a show. Harry Lennix, in particular, went out
to play.
of his way to make me feel like I was welcome and part of the group. But it’s a pretty small group of us, and we fell into a
Were there any things from your background, education
nice rhythm pretty quickly.
or previous work that helped you in figuring out the way to go about each role?
What are some things that the viewers should be excited
Ayla is pretty educated, and I suppose I am too. That certainly
about for both shows?
helps. In terms of Samar, I had to research espionage, FBI and
In season 3, the previously existing structure of the Blacklist
Mossad training, to get a sense of the kinds of situations she
is shattered, and we all splinter off into these smaller groups.
has seen in the past - which necessarily inform her point of
Red is on the run with Liz, Cooper is stripped of his title, Ressler
view on what she deals with in the present.
is the new person in charge, and we’re all confronted with these new circumstances. It makes for new dynamics, and
Congratulations on the SAG nomination for the House of
good drama.
Cards cast! What is your favorite part about working with that particular cast?
I also recently found out that you will be lending your
On every job there’s always someone you click with, but it’s not
voice for the upcoming video game, 1979 Revolution and
every job where you discover dear, dear friends - friends you
also voiced a character in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Do
keep long after the show is over. In this case, Derek Cecil and
you enjoy voice acting? What makes it fun for you?
Jimmi Simpson were two of the biggest darlings I’ve ever wor-
It’s fun because you’re not limited to reality. Sometimes you’re
ked with. Beau Willimon, the creator, is also a dear friend, and
doing the voice of children or monsters - it can be very playful.
he’s very hands on and constantly reworking and discussing the scenes with you - so it feels like a breathing organism, not
Are there any games you play?
just something handed to you that you have to robotically do.
No. I think I made it to Super Mario Brothers 3, and then lost interest in video games.
Another congratulations to you on the series regular role for The Blacklist! What are you most excited about for
Be it film or TV, is there a particular role or character that
the role?
you’d love to play in the future?
I’ve been working on the show for about a year, but when
I would love to do a period piece. Give me a corset and wig
I started, I had already been a fan of the show, as a viewer.
and I will be so happy.
And of course, I was very excited to get a chance to work with ryan pluger
James Spader.
And lastly, anything else you would like to say to the readers?
The cast of The Blacklist was pretty established by the
My favorite thing to eat in the world is smelly French cheese.
time you joined, was it at all difficult for you to join them?
The smellier the better. So someone hire me to do a film in
There’s always a little bit of the new kid on the block syndrome
France so I can spend more time there and eat more cheese.
35
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