Samantha Bee on Resilience and Remote Late-Night with Guy Raz | How I Built This | NPR

Transcript

hello and welcome to how i built this resilience edition from npr this is where we talk about how businesses are building resilience during this challenging time who is that in the window next to me it is samantha bee hello creator hello host and creator of full frontal with samantha b um as many of you know she's been bringing the show to all of u... Read More

Summary

In this video, Sam talks about how she and her team have been managing the challenges of filming their show from home during the pandemic. She discusses the difficulties of not having a central place to work and the adjustments they have made to their production process. She also talks about the impact of social media and the changes she hopes to see in the industry.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has Sam been managing filming the show from her backyard?

Sam and her team have been shooting the show from their backyard in upstate New York. They initially started shooting outside to take advantage of natural lighting and avoid using electricity. They have managed to create broadcast-quality content using an iPhone and limited equipment. Sam says they have adjusted their process to work independently and have found it to be a proof of concept to the network.

Q: How did Sam and her team come to the decision to film from home?

Sam explains that around March 11th and 12th, they realized something big was happening with the pandemic. They were kicked out of their studio as the building closed due to COVID cases. They packed their bags and went to their house in upstate New York without a clear plan. They started shooting instinctively, marking the moment and experimenting with different ideas. Eventually, they realized it was possible to shoot the show in their backyard and make it look good.

Q: What challenges has Sam faced in producing the show from home?

Sam mentions the difficulties of not having a central place to go and make the show. Despite being able to work independently, they prefer having a central location. The stress of not being together and the lack of social interaction with colleagues has been challenging for them. Sam also talks about the awkwardness of conducting Zoom meetings and not being able to have the same back-and-forth communication as in person.

Q: How has the pandemic affected the production process and team dynamics?

Sam acknowledges that the pandemic has forced them to make significant changes to their production process. They have had to shoot the show differently and adjust their editing timeline. They no longer have the opportunity to make last-minute changes and add jokes the day before airing. However, Sam finds that having a day in between shooting and airing allows for a fresher perspective and new ideas. She mentions missing the community and enthusiasm of working together in a studio, but doesn't miss the technical aspects as much.

Q: How has the absence of a live audience affected Sam's performance?

Sam mentions that she comes from a sketch comedy background where she's used to working with a live studio audience. However, she doesn't feel the need for an audience when doing her show. She believes she has a good sense of the show's rhythm without an audience, but acknowledges missing the community and rewrite process. Sam talks about the awkwardness of not being able to work the crowd in her own unique way and the challenges of relating to people through a computer screen or a dot.

Q: What motivated Sam to start a podcast and what does it allow her to do that television doesn't?

Sam explains that she loves interviewing people and the podcast is an organic extension of who she is. It allows her to have longer conversations compared to the shorter interviews on her show. In the podcast format, she can have in-depth conversations with guests and explore different topics. Sam finds joy in interviewing people and has always been curious about their stories. She sees it as a natural extension of her personality.

Q: What social media platforms would Sam delete if given the chance?

Sam expresses her disdain for Facebook and the damage she believes it has caused. She finds it dangerous how people willingly give their personal information to the platform without fully understanding its capabilities. Sam believes Facebook has done immense damage not only in the United States but also in other countries where it has become a primary source of communication and information.

Q: How has Sam been managing the challenges of balancing work and parenting during the pandemic?

Sam admits that it has been a struggle to balance work and parenting during these times. She acknowledges the difficulties faced by parents and expresses her concern for the upcoming school year. Sam and her husband trust the school administrators to handle the situation appropriately, but they are still worried. She hopes that the plans put in place by the administrators will work out and provide a safe learning environment for their children.

Q: Are there any positive changes that Sam wants to take from this experience and incorporate into the future?

Sam believes that the pandemic has allowed her team to make changes to their production process and realize that they can adapt and work differently. She mentions the beauty of shooting in a natural backdrop like their backyard and finding creative solutions without relying on a studio. However, she is uncertain about the changes in the industry as a whole and how networks will make shows more cost-effective. Sam also hopes for the return of in-person interactions and the ability to connect with others in a more nuanced way.

Q: How has the pandemic affected the TV industry in general?

Sam acknowledges that the TV industry is currently not making much new content due to the pandemic. There is a shortage of new television shows, and the industry is facing significant challenges. Sam predicts that there will be changes in the tone of programming, with a heavier focus on reality shows and a reduced ability to portray crowded spaces. She is uncertain about the future of the industry and how it will adapt to the current situation.

Q: Has Sam improved her camera and sound skills through filming from home?

Sam mentions that she and her team have become better at operating cameras, recording sound, and harnessing natural light. They have learned to adapt to their backyard setting and create visually appealing shots. Sam humorously attributes their improvement to the beauty of the forest as a backdrop.

Takeaways

Navigating the challenges of filming a show from home has forced Sam and her team to make significant adjustments to their production process. They have successfully shot broadcast-quality content using smartphones and limited equipment. While they miss the community and enthusiasm of working together in a studio, they have found ways to adapt. Sam's experience with social media has made her wary of the dangers and negative impact it can have. Balancing work and parenting during the pandemic is a struggle, but Sam and her husband trust their school administrators to provide a safe learning environment for their children. Despite the difficulties, Sam remains optimistic and hopes to bring back the positive changes they have made into the future.