Ike Barinholtz introduces us to his character Sal in The Studio and talks getting notes from executi

Summary

The speaker reflects on their long career in show business, describing their character as a 'showbiz survivor' who is loyal but sometimes problematic. They share insights into the meta nature of their work, drawing from real-life experiences with studio executives and the challenges of working on a show about a show. The speaker expresses admiration for industry professionals like line producer Aaron Owens, DP Marco Farnoli, and production designer Eric Skunhow, highlighting their dedication. Despite some negative experiences with a colleague named Safari, the speaker remains passionate about their work and the people they collaborate with.

Takeaways

• 😀 S is a showbiz survivor who has seen a lot of changes and is loyal at the end of the day, despite being a little problematic.
• 😀 S is here to help Matt and the studio, though his personality can be described as 'kind of gross.'
• 😀 The speaker mentions pulling from real-life experiences when working with studio executives, recalling both positive and negative moments.
• 😀 While working in showbiz, bad experiences, like executives ignoring you, stand out the most.
• 😀 The show is meta, meaning art imitates life and vice versa, but the show maintains a grounded, real approach without getting overly cheeky.
• 😀 The world of the show is familiar to the speaker, which made stepping into a meta world fun and engaging.
• 😀 Moments on set sometimes mirrored the events that happened within the show's plot, leading to a 'circle lining up' effect.
• 😀 The speaker admires various Hollywood professionals, including producer Aaron Owens, line producer Marco Farnoli, and production designer Eric Skunhow.
• 😀 The speaker expresses deep respect for crew members, acknowledging their long hours and contributions to the success of the show.
• 😀 Despite generally having positive experiences, the speaker mentions working with a person named Safari, whom they refer to as a necessary evil in the business, due to their role in signing checks.

Q & A

How would you describe the character of S?

S is a showbiz survivor who has been in the industry for a long time and has witnessed many changes. While he may be a little problematic, he is very loyal and ultimately wants to help Matt and the studio. Despite his flaws, he remains committed and is seen as someone who brings a lot of experience to the table.

What are some characteristics of S that stand out?

S is loyal, experienced, and somewhat gross in a humorous way. He can be problematic at times but always strives to contribute positively, especially in supporting Matt and the studio.

How does the character of S relate to real-life experiences in the entertainment industry?

S's character reflects real-life experiences of working in the entertainment industry, particularly in terms of dealing with studio executives and the changing dynamics of show business. The character's interactions draw inspiration from real-life situations in the industry.

How does the show handle studio notes and feedback?

The show reflects the real-life experiences of working with studio executives. While many studio executives are great and smart, there are also memorable moments involving bad notes or disengaged executives. These situations are represented in a way that feels real and grounded.

What is meant by the term 'meta' in the context of the show?

In the context of the show, 'meta' refers to the self-referential nature of the narrative, where the show about a show creates moments where life imitates art, and art imitates life. The show embraces this meta aspect but keeps it grounded and real without becoming overly cheeky.

How does stepping into a meta world affect the cast and crew?

Stepping into a meta world is fun for the cast and crew because they are familiar with the world they are portraying. There are moments when real-life events mirror those in the show, creating an interesting and layered experience for the audience and the creators alike.

What were some surprising moments for the cast while working in a meta world?

The cast was surprised by how life often seemed to imitate art, with occurrences on set resembling events from the show. This created some unique and surprising moments, adding an extra layer of fun and complexity to the production process.

Who is the person that the interviewee would give kudos to in the Hollywood industry?

The interviewee gives kudos to Aaron Owens, a talented line producer, as well as Marco Farnoli, the director of photography (DP), and Eric Skunhow, the production designer. They all inspire him for their exceptional work and dedication to their crafts.

Why does the interviewee emphasize the importance of the crew?

The interviewee emphasizes the importance of the crew because they are often the ones who work the longest hours on a production. The crew's dedication and hard work are critical to the success of a show or film, and their efforts deserve recognition.

What challenges or conflicts did the interviewee face while working with Safari?

The interviewee mentions that the only challenges he faced were while working with Safari, likely referring to the complications of working with someone who is in charge of the finances (as Safari 'signs the check'). Despite these challenges, he acknowledges that it's a part of the business.