« Sons and Daughters -- Links | Main | I Don’t Mind At All »
April 10, 2006
Questions for Fred Goss
I had the chance to pose some questions to Fred Goss, co-creator of Sons and Daughters. Here are my questions and his responses. In an effort to educate us as to your creative and production processes, I have some questions for you. Feel free to answer any if you have the time. 1. You have extensive production experience — having worn many different hats over the years — including editor. How much control did you have over the editing of Sons and Daughters? Were you allowed final cut? My partner Nick and I do have final say on the cut as much as two guys can who are making a TV show for a major network can actually have a final cut. We hand in the cut we want and the network gives us notes. Usually their notes are addressing story clarity, you know, whether or not a story is tracking clearly. If they think something is too off color or sheds an unlikable light on a character that they'd rather have likeable, they'll give notes on things like that. We always seem to reach a common ground. At least we always have so far : ) I'm not trying to kiss the network's butt when I say, it really has been a good relationship so far. They've let us make the show we wanted to because I think what we wanted is, at least regarding this project, the same thing they wanted; a different approach to a half hour network comedy. 2. I understand that most sitcoms run a tight ship when it comes to weekly schedules — i.e. Monday pitch, Tuesday write, Wednesday table read, Thursday block, Friday shoot. Did Sons and Daughters follow a weekly schedule? If so, how did that typically progress? We shoot an episode in four days. We take about two weeks to turn in a rough cut of an episode and then another two weeks to get the episode locked and ready for air. 3. I am a freelance consultant/designer/programmer, so I know what it's like to not know from whence the next paycheck comes, much as you probably do. In this “no man’s land” — where you play hurry up and wait to hear from ABC — do you, the other actors and production crew occupy yourselves with other gigs? I know you've been frequenting many boards to keep the spirit alive and to connect with the fanbase, so that’s obviously something that occupies your time. What else does a “Fred Goss” do work-wise while waiting for the axe to fall or not fall? Right now I'm developing new projects with my writing/business partner Nick. We hope that we get a second season of S&D, but if that doesn't happen, we've got a lot more up our sleeves. I'm also spending a lot of time with my three kids who have been very patient with their dear old dad over the last year and a half. 4. You have mentioned that Gillian Vigman is tied to your show if it is renewed for a second season (thank God). When an actor signs on for a show like Sons and Daughters, do they typically commit to a certain number of seasons? If so, how many is typical? The cast has a yearly contract that the studio has the right to pick the option up on once a year for a couple of years. If the show isn't going to get picked up, the fair thing to do is to let the cast move on to other projects. We'll know by mid may if we're coming back. 5. In most work environments, there are people you click with right away, some that are just “there,” and others that get on every last inch of one’s nerves. I’m sure that the dynamic is no different in the television industry. Was the production team for Sons and Daughters fortunate enough to get mostly “clicks” or were there some growing pains? The cast and crew on this show were magical. It was a pleasure going to work everyday. There really wasn't a lemon in the bunch. From the grips to the teamsters to props to make-up to wardrobe to craft service...everyone was a gem. Five is enough for now. Again, answer whatever you feel like. Those of us outside the television and film industries are perpetually fascinated by its inner-workings for some bizarre reason, so whatever you care to share will be enjoyed by all. Hope that answers your questions Nathan. FredPosted by Nathan Dickson at April 10, 2006 09:22 AM