Interview with Greek's director, Sean Smith for TV Addict!
Posted by: Mari | Date: 14.05.2009
On our recent trip to Los Angeles, the TV Addict was lucky enough to be given a tour of the set of GREEK by Scott Michael Foster (Cappie), Dilshad Vadsaria (Rebecca) and Sean Smith.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Sean, Who?”
Well, Smith may not be a household name like a Whedon or an Abrams just yet, but give him time. After-all, he’s had some pretty good on-the-job training, parlaying a writing assistant gig on EVERWOOD, to full-fledged writing assignments with SUPERNATURAL and SUMMERLAND; Culminating in a hit show of his very own — GREEK on ABC Family.
Which is what we’re here to talk about, as Smith was kind enough to not only take myself (alongside fellow bloggers Kathie, Amrie and Rae) on a tour of the set of GREEK, but answer some burning questions about what fans can expect as GREEK’s fourth chapter comes to a close.
What did you learn from your time with EVERWOOD and Greg Berlanti and Rina Mimoun?
Sean Smith: That it’s always better to let the characters tell the story and not rely on the issue of the week or the situation and hanging everything on those individuals. The more layered the characters are the more conflict and drama you can get out of them, as opposed to, “She’s the bad girl! He’s the bad guy! They fight!”
After EVERWOOD you jumped to SUMMERLAND. Is that how you snagged Jessy McCartney for a GREEK guest arc?
Exactly. I worked with Jesse on the second half of SUMMERLAND and he was just the nicest guy in the world. I knew he had a big following with his music and he hadn’t done TV for a while so when we were considering the role of Andy we thought he’d be great for it just because he seems like he’s got it all but you kind of want to see him be human at the same time.
How long is Jesse McCartney sticking around?
We’re thinking about bringing him back, but we have to work around his tour schedule. He had a great experience, we loved him so it’s kind of like finding the time and the right story arc so it’s not just like, “Jesse McCartney is back!”
This is slightly embarrassing and probably something I should know, but where exactly is Cyprus Rhodes Universtity?
Ohio. Sometimes we’ll talk about it, but we actually try and draw the least amount of attention to it as possible. Actually, in the beginning the network was like, “Let’s have it take place in Southern California.” But I grew up in a small town in Texas and went to a state university where you didn’t have the ocean and you didn’t have Hollywood. So for me, it was important to put the show somwhere where it’s kind of like its own thing. This is very much a college town where you’re not in LA and you don’t have the clubs to go to so your social life is the Greek system, it’s the college town, it’s Dobler’s.
Have you ever found yourself crossing the line when it comes to what belongs on ABC Family?
Initially in the pilot we had a scene with Rebecca where Casey was offering her all these perks (her own room for instance) to join ZBZ and we had a line where she said ‘coke,’ which I thought was super edgy. But the more we thought about it, it was like, we didn’t need it. I couldn’t imagine how to pay that off except for Rebecca doing cocaine….
And is that not more of 90210’s department?
I can’t connect to that and it doesn’t feel real to me. We’re always trying to keep the characters grounded in a world that is relatable as opposed to getting to soapy melodramatic kind of heightened stakes and situation that most people don’t actually find themselves in.
One of my favorite aspects of the show is the Cappie/Evan dynamic (especially the flashback episode). Can fans expect more on that front this season?
I’ll check the boards from time to time and after the Cappie/Evan flashback episode it was funny because fans were like, “I don’t care about Casey and Cappie, I want Cappie and Evan to get back together!) So it was kind of nice to find the opportunity through [a story-line that theTVaddict.com has edited out to avoid spoilers!] where they can start to rebuild their relationship. Especially because they’ll have to do it outside of everyone else knowing.
I cannot get enough of Dale. Seriously, Clark Duke is a comic genius. Please tell me we’ll be seeing more of him this season.
Yeah absolutely. Growing up in Texas, I have so much respect for my very religious friends because I think it’s interesting in this day and age to hold faith to be so dear because a lot of people put it on the back-burner and that’s why i appreciate Dale’s conviction.
Calvin and Dale are the perfect example of opposites attracting.
And we’ll play with that relationship a lot more heading into the finale. It’s a very odd coupling and a special friendship that’s separate from Dale and Rusty and Rusty and Calvin.
One last question, what’s Cappie’s real name?
In my mind the series will end with Cappie’s graduation and that’s where we’ll figure out what his real name is, when he accepts his diploma.
TV Addict
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Sean, Who?”
Well, Smith may not be a household name like a Whedon or an Abrams just yet, but give him time. After-all, he’s had some pretty good on-the-job training, parlaying a writing assistant gig on EVERWOOD, to full-fledged writing assignments with SUPERNATURAL and SUMMERLAND; Culminating in a hit show of his very own — GREEK on ABC Family.
Which is what we’re here to talk about, as Smith was kind enough to not only take myself (alongside fellow bloggers Kathie, Amrie and Rae) on a tour of the set of GREEK, but answer some burning questions about what fans can expect as GREEK’s fourth chapter comes to a close.
What did you learn from your time with EVERWOOD and Greg Berlanti and Rina Mimoun?
Sean Smith: That it’s always better to let the characters tell the story and not rely on the issue of the week or the situation and hanging everything on those individuals. The more layered the characters are the more conflict and drama you can get out of them, as opposed to, “She’s the bad girl! He’s the bad guy! They fight!”
After EVERWOOD you jumped to SUMMERLAND. Is that how you snagged Jessy McCartney for a GREEK guest arc?
Exactly. I worked with Jesse on the second half of SUMMERLAND and he was just the nicest guy in the world. I knew he had a big following with his music and he hadn’t done TV for a while so when we were considering the role of Andy we thought he’d be great for it just because he seems like he’s got it all but you kind of want to see him be human at the same time.
How long is Jesse McCartney sticking around?
We’re thinking about bringing him back, but we have to work around his tour schedule. He had a great experience, we loved him so it’s kind of like finding the time and the right story arc so it’s not just like, “Jesse McCartney is back!”
This is slightly embarrassing and probably something I should know, but where exactly is Cyprus Rhodes Universtity?
Ohio. Sometimes we’ll talk about it, but we actually try and draw the least amount of attention to it as possible. Actually, in the beginning the network was like, “Let’s have it take place in Southern California.” But I grew up in a small town in Texas and went to a state university where you didn’t have the ocean and you didn’t have Hollywood. So for me, it was important to put the show somwhere where it’s kind of like its own thing. This is very much a college town where you’re not in LA and you don’t have the clubs to go to so your social life is the Greek system, it’s the college town, it’s Dobler’s.
Have you ever found yourself crossing the line when it comes to what belongs on ABC Family?
Initially in the pilot we had a scene with Rebecca where Casey was offering her all these perks (her own room for instance) to join ZBZ and we had a line where she said ‘coke,’ which I thought was super edgy. But the more we thought about it, it was like, we didn’t need it. I couldn’t imagine how to pay that off except for Rebecca doing cocaine….
And is that not more of 90210’s department?
I can’t connect to that and it doesn’t feel real to me. We’re always trying to keep the characters grounded in a world that is relatable as opposed to getting to soapy melodramatic kind of heightened stakes and situation that most people don’t actually find themselves in.
One of my favorite aspects of the show is the Cappie/Evan dynamic (especially the flashback episode). Can fans expect more on that front this season?
I’ll check the boards from time to time and after the Cappie/Evan flashback episode it was funny because fans were like, “I don’t care about Casey and Cappie, I want Cappie and Evan to get back together!) So it was kind of nice to find the opportunity through [a story-line that theTVaddict.com has edited out to avoid spoilers!] where they can start to rebuild their relationship. Especially because they’ll have to do it outside of everyone else knowing.
I cannot get enough of Dale. Seriously, Clark Duke is a comic genius. Please tell me we’ll be seeing more of him this season.
Yeah absolutely. Growing up in Texas, I have so much respect for my very religious friends because I think it’s interesting in this day and age to hold faith to be so dear because a lot of people put it on the back-burner and that’s why i appreciate Dale’s conviction.
Calvin and Dale are the perfect example of opposites attracting.
And we’ll play with that relationship a lot more heading into the finale. It’s a very odd coupling and a special friendship that’s separate from Dale and Rusty and Rusty and Calvin.
One last question, what’s Cappie’s real name?
In my mind the series will end with Cappie’s graduation and that’s where we’ll figure out what his real name is, when he accepts his diploma.
TV Addict
Interview with Spencer Grammer for TV Addict
Posted by: Mari | Date: 16.04.2009
Thanks to its perfect mix of frat boy fun and sorority high-jinx, GREEK has it all. And at the heart of all of it is star Spencer Grammer (Casey Cartwright), who was kind enough to take some time out of her busy schedule to talk to the TV Addict about everything from what it’s like to grow up in the shadow of a famous father to what fans can expect when Casey Cartwright returns from Washington when GREEK kicks off its sophomore season tonight at 8PM on ABC Family.
First off, I am in love with your father. How’s he [Kelsey Grammer] doing?
Me too! He’s like my favorite Dad. Well, my only Dad. But he’s doing much better thanks [following a heart attack over the summer], playing tennis and everything seems to be working out okay.
Was he the reason you wanted to become an actress?
I’ve always been driven to do something satisfying and something that I loved because whenever you work you’re going to be working most of your life.
Hanging out with Cappie and Ashley all day, life must be pretty fun.
I have an awesome kick ass job. It’s so much fun. When I was a kid I was a dancer and at some point I went, “I don’t know if dance is the right thing for me.” So I started acting and then in high school I really pursued it.
Was it harder to be taken seriously because of your Dad?
Because I’m a girl and I used to have really short hair, I didn’t really tell people unless they put the names together. I really wanted to make it on my own.
It’s funny, because prior to the show’s premiere, I always assumed Rusty was “Spencer Grammer”.
[Laughs] I get that all the time. I think I really wanted to be an actress because I thought more girls should be named Spencer and that people would finally stop making fun of my name.
It’s a really cool name.
I think it’s a really cool name too. My Dad named me after his best friend in High School so it’s kind of an honor to be named Spencer. I wouldn’t want to be named anything else
What’s the best advice your father ever gave you?
My Dad always said that you can’t stop on every-corner. You should always make sure you take care of yourself first and don’t waste time with people who are going to bring you down. My Dad has given me so much advice for so many things. I really go to him for everything. We’ve had our moments, I mean what girl and father don’t throughout life? But he’s great, I love him so much.
Last Kelsey Grammer related question, I swear. Has there ever been talk of him guesting on GREEK?
No, we’ve never brought it up. Not once [laughs]. He’s got his own shows, he’s so busy — directing, producing, and starring.
Okay, moving onto my favorite show. How was Casey’s summer in Washington? What can fans expect from Casey when GREEK returns tonight?
I come back from Washington realizing that I really need to focus more on school, buckle down and be serious. It turns out that I really didn’t know anything about politics, I didn’t know what I was doing in Washington and everyone made fun of me because I was a Sorority Girl. Of course when I return to CRU I don’t tell anyone about this, especially Ashley, because she’d be so disappointed.
I’m sensing a reversal here, with Rusty choosing to go the more ‘Casey’ route with Casey becomes more studious.
Year for sure, that is definitely the way it’s going to go. Rusty is going to have to really balance his course-load and his social life and make choices Casey never did. Which I think is the biggest thing you learn in College: time management. FIguring out who you are, what you think is important. Am I going to be studying all the time? Or am I going to go on this date with this really hot guy or girl?
I hear we haven’t seen the last of Max. Are you surprised about that?
I think Casey got fed up with the Evans and the Cappies and wanted to be her own individual person. But that doesn’t mean that her and Max weren’t constantly “IM’ing” over the summer. Casey didn’t break up with Max because she didn’t love him. She just broke up with Max because she needed to do something for herself. Which is why she choose Washington.
Is it frustrating that GREEK doesn’t seem to get the media attention that say a GOSSIP GIRL or 90210 do, even though we both known it’s far superior to both shows?
Thank you. I think our show is different and has much more of a heart to it. Sure we have parties and love triangles but at its core, it’s about family, a brother and sister first and foremost and brothers and sisters in general.
One of my favorite parts of the show is Casey’s relationship with Rusty.
I think the writers do such a good job with the Casey/Rusty relationship. It’s my favorite part of the show and really keeps GREEK grounded.
Last question, because I know you have to go.
No, it’s so much fun talking to people who actually watch the show…
One of the quirks about GREEK that I love is that time never seems to move. It took two real-time years to get through one year at CRU. Is it hard to shoot a show that moves so slowly?
I actually like it. With GREEK, each episode is a week in college, or a couple of days, or sometimes even one day which we call a bottle episode — where everything takes place in on elocation and on one day to save money — because it feels like I’m living Casey’s life and I love playing Casey.
What do you like best about Casey?
She’s three dimensional. She’s a good person but does bad things. Kind of like I do, like everybody does. She’s always trying to make right by it but sometimes, you don’t.
FonteTV Addict
First off, I am in love with your father. How’s he [Kelsey Grammer] doing?
Me too! He’s like my favorite Dad. Well, my only Dad. But he’s doing much better thanks [following a heart attack over the summer], playing tennis and everything seems to be working out okay.
Was he the reason you wanted to become an actress?
I’ve always been driven to do something satisfying and something that I loved because whenever you work you’re going to be working most of your life.
Hanging out with Cappie and Ashley all day, life must be pretty fun.
I have an awesome kick ass job. It’s so much fun. When I was a kid I was a dancer and at some point I went, “I don’t know if dance is the right thing for me.” So I started acting and then in high school I really pursued it.
Was it harder to be taken seriously because of your Dad?
Because I’m a girl and I used to have really short hair, I didn’t really tell people unless they put the names together. I really wanted to make it on my own.
It’s funny, because prior to the show’s premiere, I always assumed Rusty was “Spencer Grammer”.
[Laughs] I get that all the time. I think I really wanted to be an actress because I thought more girls should be named Spencer and that people would finally stop making fun of my name.
It’s a really cool name.
I think it’s a really cool name too. My Dad named me after his best friend in High School so it’s kind of an honor to be named Spencer. I wouldn’t want to be named anything else
What’s the best advice your father ever gave you?
My Dad always said that you can’t stop on every-corner. You should always make sure you take care of yourself first and don’t waste time with people who are going to bring you down. My Dad has given me so much advice for so many things. I really go to him for everything. We’ve had our moments, I mean what girl and father don’t throughout life? But he’s great, I love him so much.
Last Kelsey Grammer related question, I swear. Has there ever been talk of him guesting on GREEK?
No, we’ve never brought it up. Not once [laughs]. He’s got his own shows, he’s so busy — directing, producing, and starring.
Okay, moving onto my favorite show. How was Casey’s summer in Washington? What can fans expect from Casey when GREEK returns tonight?
I come back from Washington realizing that I really need to focus more on school, buckle down and be serious. It turns out that I really didn’t know anything about politics, I didn’t know what I was doing in Washington and everyone made fun of me because I was a Sorority Girl. Of course when I return to CRU I don’t tell anyone about this, especially Ashley, because she’d be so disappointed.
I’m sensing a reversal here, with Rusty choosing to go the more ‘Casey’ route with Casey becomes more studious.
Year for sure, that is definitely the way it’s going to go. Rusty is going to have to really balance his course-load and his social life and make choices Casey never did. Which I think is the biggest thing you learn in College: time management. FIguring out who you are, what you think is important. Am I going to be studying all the time? Or am I going to go on this date with this really hot guy or girl?
I hear we haven’t seen the last of Max. Are you surprised about that?
I think Casey got fed up with the Evans and the Cappies and wanted to be her own individual person. But that doesn’t mean that her and Max weren’t constantly “IM’ing” over the summer. Casey didn’t break up with Max because she didn’t love him. She just broke up with Max because she needed to do something for herself. Which is why she choose Washington.
Is it frustrating that GREEK doesn’t seem to get the media attention that say a GOSSIP GIRL or 90210 do, even though we both known it’s far superior to both shows?
Thank you. I think our show is different and has much more of a heart to it. Sure we have parties and love triangles but at its core, it’s about family, a brother and sister first and foremost and brothers and sisters in general.
One of my favorite parts of the show is Casey’s relationship with Rusty.
I think the writers do such a good job with the Casey/Rusty relationship. It’s my favorite part of the show and really keeps GREEK grounded.
Last question, because I know you have to go.
No, it’s so much fun talking to people who actually watch the show…
One of the quirks about GREEK that I love is that time never seems to move. It took two real-time years to get through one year at CRU. Is it hard to shoot a show that moves so slowly?
I actually like it. With GREEK, each episode is a week in college, or a couple of days, or sometimes even one day which we call a bottle episode — where everything takes place in on elocation and on one day to save money — because it feels like I’m living Casey’s life and I love playing Casey.
What do you like best about Casey?
She’s three dimensional. She’s a good person but does bad things. Kind of like I do, like everybody does. She’s always trying to make right by it but sometimes, you don’t.
FonteTV Addict
New Promo Video!
Posted by: Bru | Date: 22.02.2009
Counting the days until Greek is back on ABC Family, on March 30th!
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