As a die-hard fan of the magical world that is Saturday Night Live (SNL), I can confidently say that Jason Reitman‘s journey into the heart of this comedy empire is nothing short of legendary. Having had the rare opportunity to not only write for SNL but also work under the watchful eye of Lorne Michaels, the mastermind behind the show, has undeniably shaped his directorial vision in a way that few others can claim.
On Saturday Night, filmmaker Jason Reitman, known for his recent work that recounts the events preceding the first broadcast of Saturday Night Live in 1975, had an exceptional learning environment.
In 2008, Reitman worked as a guest writer on an episode of SNL and presented one sketch for broadcast. This was under the guidance of series creator Lorne Michaels, who managed the show in a relaxed yet pressure-filled environment. After the success of Juno, Reitman’s agent contacted Lorne with two aspirations – to create films and write for SNL. This was shared by Reitman during a press meeting at the Toronto Film Festival on Sunday.
Reitman and Gil Kenan wrote the screenplay for “Saturday Night” by interviewing current cast, writers, and crew members about the initial broadcast of the show as it approaches its 50th season. However, working on “SNL” directly offers unique and profound insights.
Last week, I found myself diving headfirst into the chaotic world of live TV production, as Michael brought Reitman on board for this thrilling adventure. It was during this stint that the idea to portray the madness and method behind such a production was born. You know, the scene where writers, actors, costume designers, and set builders are all scrambling to finalize their work just an hour before it goes live on air, in the midst of pure pandemonium.
In that setting, all I could ponder was, it couldn’t possibly work out. Yet, every week, right at the last moment, everything fell into place, and the band would start playing, as Reitman reminisced while each episode commenced with a cold open. He penned three SNL sketches that week, and only one of them made it to air – ‘Death By Chocolate,’ where a deadly chocolate bar became the star.
Reitman explained that the weekly comedy world he was part of stemmed from the chaotic creative environment surrounding Saturday Night Live (SNL) and Michael, who has been producing the show for half a century. Every Monday, all writers and actors meet in his office to brainstorm ideas for the upcoming week’s episode, which then leads to writing.
As a gamer, I’ve got to bring my own caffeine boost since Lorne says I’m still green like a rookie. On Wednesday, we gather for a script read-through, then Lorne and our lead writer retreat for some private discussions.
You’re trembling nervously, and then it seems like a school play production, they put up a sheet of paper on the wall, you rush over and exclaim something along the lines of ‘Oh My Word!’ Reitman reminisced. However, the budding filmmaker-director had barely any time to savor the moment as he was quickly called for meetings with set designers, builders, and costume department to bring Death By Chocolate to life.
Following rehearsals and prior to the weekly performance, Michael signals the decision with another sheet on the main board. During the Saturday Night Live broadcast itself, Reitman recollects entering the control booth adjacent to the spectators, hearing their laughter, as Michael directs the live program.
You find yourself talking with Michael, and it could end up being successful or not,” he noted. No matter what happens, Reitman recalls Michael, always enigmatic, cocking an eyebrow at him in a puzzled manner, mimicking the established comedy guru, before swiftly stepping aside for the next scriptwriter.
On the set of his movie “Saturday Night,” which focused on the 90 minutes leading up to the airing of an October 1975 episode of SNL, director Reitman maintained the same casual, unconstrained vibe as depicted in the show. As he put it, “There were no trailers for anyone. We had a large room filled with ’70s decor and a ping-pong table. There was also a TV where everyone would gather.
Additionally, Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennott, Willem Dafoe, Dylan O’Brien, and J.K. Simmons were also present. The cast features LaBelle portraying series creator Lorne Michaels, Cooper Hoffman playing the role of former NBC executive Dick Ebersol, and Rachel Sennott as Michaels’ ex-wife and former Saturday Night Live writer Rosie Shuster.
On the first day, Willem Dafoe arrived and spent the entire day observing everything that was happening. The younger individuals were amazed, exclaiming, “Wow, it’s Willem Dafoe!” Reitman commented later on. Eventually, he approached Dafoe, who said to him: “Jason, I adore your set. I’ve never encountered anything like it before. There seems to be no boundary to the frame, and I can’t fathom what you’re filming!
Jon Batiste, a singer and songwriter, embodied the spontaneous creativity offstage when he portrayed Billy Preston, the keyboardist and singer, in the film “Saturday Night”. Notably, he penned the film’s soundtrack live on set as well.
Every day after putting on his everyday attire, Batiste would revisit the film set, whereupon Reitman would present him with scenes to act out. Then, as the orchestra’s leader turned to his musicians, he’d instruct, “First, an E-flat, then a G, and finally a B. And for the shaker, I desire a quick rhythm of ‘shug-shug-shug’,” Reitman explained, imitating the sound of a shaker instrument.
Afterward, they commenced performing, as the entire composition was scripted down live and instantaneously, according to Reitman’s statement.
The movie titled “Saturday Night” is scheduled to debut in theaters on October 11, coinciding with the 49th anniversary of the premiere of the NBC sketch series that originally aired on the same date back in 1975. Initially known as “SNL 1975”, this film is set for a strategic release during the busy awards season.
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2024-09-08 17:55