Eyewitness Report from Paley Center

by Rueben

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Paley Center for Media’s Inside the Writers’ Room for the popular HBO series True Blood. As the title states the panel highlighted the work of the talented writers for this show, including Executive Producer and Creator, Alan Ball; co-Executive Producers Brian Buckner and Nancy Oliver; Producers Raelle Tucker and Alexander Woo; Script Coordinator Kate Barnow and Writer’s Assistant Elizabeth Finch.

True Blood Writers (left to right): Elizabeth Finch, Kate Burnow, Brian Buckner and Alan Ball

The night opened with a look back at Season 2 and all the memorable moments from the season. Moderator Alynda Wheat, writer for Entertainment Weekly, then took the stage and began the introductions of the panelist. Once everyone was settled in, Ms. Wheat asked Mr. Ball a very crucial question: “Will Snopp Dogg be playing a part in the series next season?” This question, of course, garnered laughs from the audience with Mr. Ball explaining that he planned to “protect the integrity of the series” and would not be casting the well-known rapper. He further explained that he is not a fan of stunt casting; and while no big names have expressed interest in appearing in the show next season, he would not be averse to it (although it would be to their benefit to actually be able to act).

After his series Six Feet Under finished its run, Mr. Ball wanted to do something fun – and that is precisely what True Blood has afforded him. He was quoted as stating, “it’s too much fun to do this and get paid for it,” which was well received by those in the panel room. He was asked at a later point what made him develop the show for TV and he explained he read one of Charlaine Harris’ books and couldn’t put it down, read several more then took it to HBO. He did state that once the fifth episode (the flashback to Bill’s Civil War days and his turning) was completed, he felt they had finally “hit their stride”.

Ms. Wheat acknowledged that the writing team seemed to be female-heavy and wondered if Mr. Ball had gone seeking that to which he stated it wasn’t intentional, as he is “very instinctive,” going with staff based on their own original work – not spec scripts – in order to get a sense of their voices; their gender did not play into any decisions.

Mr. Buckner and Mr. Woo then answered the query about the provocative nature of the storylines, joking “there’s almost nothing we can’t do or haven’t done” – and Mr. Woo couldn’t “envision (True Blood) anywhere (else) but on cable”. There was, however, at least one storyline that was scrapped due to its controversial nature. The flashback scene of Bill and his maker in the 1920’s was written much harsher than what was seen by the viewers. Mr. Ball believed the original depiction was more of rape then murder than was needed.

It was explained that Ms. Tucker is the only staff member who has genre experience whereas most of the staff has comedy in their background. This came into play for Mr. Buckner as his first draft script was too funny and had to be changed to fit the context of the show. After all the “cast plays everything so straight, it’s funnier than comedy”. They simply let the cast go with the lines and it turns out funny (even if not always intentional).

True Blood Writers with Moderator (left to right): Nancy Oliver, Alexander Wood, Raelle Tucker and Moderator Alynda Wheat

The subject matter then veered on to fan reactions and their experiences at this July’s Comic Con. Ms. Tucker joked she “grew up with hippies” so the event wasn’t scary for her. Mr. Ball interjected that he “wasn’t afraid,” but did state you “have to be careful what you say at Comic Con.”

When asked which characters the writers like writing for Mr. Ball was diplomatic saying, “he loves all of them, but really enjoys writing for Lafayette and Jason”; Ms. Tucker stated Jessica and Hoyt; Mr. Buckner said Eric and Ms. Oliver stated Godric.

Some things to look forward to when True Blood returns next summer include:

* Eric appearing without most of his clothes in the first episode
* Learning where Bill is and what (or who) took him
* A return visit by Queen Sophie (Evan Rachel Wood)
* There will not be a wedding although one character will want a wedding
* The possibility of the Newlins making a return visit
* A “boat-load” of characters to be featured, including more on Pam and Nan
* Learning more about what Sookie really is
* No marginalizing of Bill (unlike that reflected in the books
* The possibility of flashbacks between Eric and Godric
* There will not be a return visit by Mary Ann as she is DEAD

Perhaps one of the most extraordinary discoveries about life behind the scenes is that Mr. Ball allows the writer of each script to serve as on-set producer. This means they are involved in every aspect of the episode, including the prep, the casting, the post and everything in between. Mr. Woo further explained this is very rare as most show-runners (like what Mr. Ball is for True Blood) do not afford their staff this opportunity.

True Blood will return to HBO in June of 2010.