In 1997, the writer realized one of her childhood dreams. She flew to New York from Chicago, where she was working as a performer at Second City, to interview for a writing position at “Saturday Night Live.” During her nine years at the show, her relationship with Lorne transitioned from Terrified Pupil and Reluctant Teacher, to Small-Town Girl and Streetwise Madam Showing Her the Ropes, to Annie and Daddy Warbucks, to a bond of mutual respect and friendship. Here are some Things She Learned from Lorne Michaels: (1) Producing is about discouraging creativity. Sometimes actors have what they call “ideas.” (2) Figure out if there is something you’re asking the actor to do that’s making him or her uncomfortable. (3) The show doesn’t go on because it’s ready; it goes on because it’s eleven-thirty. (4) When hiring, mix Harvard nerds with Chicago improvisers and stir. (5) Television is a visual medium. (6) Don’t make any big decisions right after the season ends. (7) Never cut to a closed door. (8) Don’t hire anyone you wouldn’t want to run into in the hallway at three in the morning. (9) Never tell a crazy person he’s crazy.
New Yorker Abstract Source
Fun article Ken. I love the quote,"the show doesn’t go on because it’s ready; it goes on because it’s eleven-thirty." seems like much of humanity operates under that mode of thinking.
ReplyDeleteNumber 9 makes the greatest impression on me.
ReplyDeletePeople in my office rave about Fey's new book. I may have to give a chance.
ReplyDeleteShe's one in a million!
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