Or you can click here to listen to all the podcasts and subscribe.
It's one of my better shows, thanks to Jeff Greenstein. He was one of the writer/producers of FRIENDS from the pilot through its first year, and he's got some great stories on alternate casting, network interference, alternate titles, testing, and the usual crap that goes on when making a pilot, even one as terrific as theirs. I bet there's lots of stuff you didn't know.
So check it out and please subscribe. There's other fun stuff in there too, like how my writing partner and I couldn't get a pilot on ABC if we were Michael Eisner.
And now back to today's regularly scheduled blog post.
Great Episode Ken!
ReplyDeleteI wish Jeff had said something about the actors salary. Marta Kauffman had said she hated paying 1 million per episode to the actors. But I feel it was worth it after so much hard work and great success.
Nice podcast again Ken!
ReplyDeleteWould have been nice if he had shared as to how much residuals all those creators, writers, actors got. That is one big gravy train.......
Talking of residuals, just searched the net and found that you are worth 15 mil !!! Great going Ken.
I would love to hear your review of Get Out. I went in with high hopes and left with a cloud of little question marks floating around my head like a Warner Bros. cartoon character.
ReplyDeleteGee Neil. That's news to me.
ReplyDeleteHa Ha...... I got it here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.celebritynetworth123.com/richest-businessmen/ken-levine-net-worth/
The pic is not yours (the game developer's), but the details like age are.
Some years ago, Jack Klugman offered some good natured words and sage advice, in reference to said sitcom: "... the "kids" make more money in two days than Tony (Randall) and I made in five years of doing 'The Odd Couple'. They may have made more money, but I bet they didn't have more fun, than we did".
ReplyDeleteVery well done. Friends has stood the test of time, in my opinion, better than Seinfeld. Of course, Michael Richards may have had a hand in that.
ReplyDeleteMy first Friday Question to you.
ReplyDeleteIn episode 10 of your podcast you talk about how the premise of Almost Perfect is shattered by Les Moonves kicking out the boyfriend. Do these guys, producers, bosses, whoever, non-writers ever take the blame for fouling up a potential hit show? You said somewhere that it's always the writers' fault, but have the bosses ever owned up to having made a mistake?
Mike, True but FRIENDS became famous and is still loved across the world for striking a cord with new audience. But SEINFELD is somewhat American-specific 90s show, hence its popularity is mainly here.
ReplyDeleteNeil,
ReplyDeleteThat's the other Ken Levine who created Bioshock.
Enjoyable as always, Ken. I just wish you could have devoted a longer segment to interviewing Jeff.
ReplyDeleteAnother great episode Ken! Enjoyed hearing about your pilot experiences and all of the Friends dish. I also enjoyed your story about reading the news with the hiccups - though if your really using a tape recorder to record your podcast that's rather charmingly anachronistic.
ReplyDeleteI think you're really finding your feet now, Ken. Really enjoyed that episode!
ReplyDeleteJeff should write a book.
ReplyDeleteGREAT interview Ken. This one zipped along.
ReplyDeleteInterviewing is a tough gig, and when it's done right, the interviewer is not noticeable, and the spotlight is on the guest.
I liked how you weaved your own stories before and after the interviews that actually had something to do with the interview topic.
FRIENDS, is one of those rare sitcoms that had the same exact MAIN cast/characters from start to finish, with no additions or subtractions.
FRIENDS, FRASIER, GOLDEN GIRLS, SEINFELD, GILLIGAN'S ISLAND, I LOVE LUCY, HILYM.
Enjoyed as always. I was especially happy to see you bring in Foster Brooks at the end.
ReplyDelete