Seth Rogen’s ‘The Studio’ Shooting Style
- LOS ANGELES (AP) — "If we mess up, just keep going!" Seth Rogen, clad in a tuxedo with a distinctive rust-colored jacket, offered words of encouragement to a...
- The oner, a high-stakes cinematic technique famously used in films such as Orson Welles’s Touch of Evil, Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, and alejandro G.
- As demonstrated in "The Oner" episode, these complex shots are revered by cinephiles.
Seth Rogen’s ‘The Studio’ Embraces Ambitious One-Take Shots
LOS ANGELES (AP) — “If we mess up, just keep going!” Seth Rogen, clad in a tuxedo with a distinctive rust-colored jacket, offered words of encouragement to a group of actors preparing to enter a ballroom at the Wilshire Ebell Theater. The scene was part of the set for his apple TV+ show, The Studio, in June 2024. The actors portrayed doctors attending a fundraising gala alongside Rogen’s character, Matt Remick, a studio mogul, in a dialogue-heavy scene captured in a single, continuous take, known as a “oner.” “It’s good to just finish the first few [takes] for morale,” Rogen told the cast.
The Allure of the ‘Oner’
The oner, a high-stakes cinematic technique famously used in films such as Orson Welles’s Touch of Evil, Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, and alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Birdman, appears frequently in The Studio. Episode 2, titled “The Oner,” showcases this technique most prominently, with all 25 minutes filmed in a single take. The episode revolves around a disastrous set visit by Matt, head of the fictional Continental studios, where director Sarah Polley, playing a version of herself, struggles to capture her own oner.
As demonstrated in “The Oner” episode, these complex shots are revered by cinephiles. They require meticulous planning and flawless execution from the entire crew, including the camera operator, actors, and sound team. The use of oners throughout the season heightens the tension that drives the show’s central conflict: Matt’s genuine passion for movies versus the commercial pressures that often lead him to compromise his artistic values.
“A oner creates a feeling of stress and tension that is part of the show,”
He added that it was “a welcome departure from my earlier career experience of figuring things out in post.”
Rogen’s Inspiration and Research
Rogen shares an earnestness about filmmaking with his show’s protagonist. When a viewer questioned the use of oners in The Studio on social media, Rogen used his Threads account to share behind-the-scenes videos from the set.
Rogen, who co-directed all 10 episodes with Evan Goldberg, his longtime writing partner, conceived the idea for The Studio during the production of Steven Spielberg’s 2022 film, The Fabelmans. However, the show’s core concepts stemmed from a meeting with a studio executive who lamented, “I got into this business to make movies, now I ruin them.” Rogen has since identified the executive as Steve Asbell, president of 20th century Studios.
For research, Rogen, Goldberg, and the writers, including Alex Gregory of Veep, interviewed studio executives and filmmakers about their most outlandish Hollywood experiences. “Everybody’s got stories,” Rogen said. These anecdotes inspired scripts for Matt and his colleagues, portrayed by Kathryn Hahn, Catherine O’Hara, Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders, and Bryan Cranston.The show also features a guest cast playing themselves, including Martin Scorsese, Charlize Theron, Zoë Kravitz, and Ron Howard. Viewers have enjoyed speculating about the real-life counterparts of the fictional characters.
Episode 6: A Fundraising Gala
In episode 6, “The Pediatric Oncologist,” which debuted on Apple TV+ on April 25, Matt attends a cancer fundraising gala with his new love interest, Sarah, a pediatric oncologist played by Rebecca Hall.within the entertainment industry, Matt’s decisions about movie greenlights and script notes feel critical. However, among Sarah and her peers, who are dedicated to saving lives, Matt’s insecurities and ego are exposed.
Matt’s ego is further challenged when the conversation turns to whether his signature franchise, Continental’s MK Ultra, or “the exploding head movies,” as one doctor calls them, can be considered “art.” “It is art,” Rogen, as Matt, declares as the camera follows him and the cast across the ballroom. “All movies are art. Can’t really pick which movies are art.”
Rogen noted that the average number of takes required to perfect a oner this season was about 16. After one take, Rogen called “Cut!” and the cast returned to their starting positions.
The half-hour comedy’s 10 episodes premiered on Apple TV+ on March 26, with new episodes released weekly through May 21.
Seth Rogen’s “The studio”: A Deep Dive into the Art of the ‘Oner’
(Intro – Setting the Stage)
Q: What’s all the buzz about Seth Rogen’s new show,”The Studio,” and why is it making waves?
A: “The Studio” is a new Apple TV+ show created by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg that dives deep into the behind-the-scenes world of Hollywood filmmaking. It’s gaining attention for its candid portrayal of the film industry, its sharp humor, and, most notably, its enterprising use of the “oner” technique–a single-take shot. The show offers a comedic yet insightful look at the pressures, politics, and creative struggles of making movies, viewed through the lens of a studio mogul, matt remick, played by Rogen himself.
(Understanding the ‘Oner’)
Q: What exactly is a “oner,” and why is it such a big deal in filmmaking?
A: A “oner” is a cinematic technique where an entire scene or sequence is filmed in a single, uninterrupted take. This means there are no cuts. It requires immense coordination from the entire crew – actors, camera operators, sound engineers – and a high level of precision. The ‘oner’ can be used for dramatic or comedic effect, creating a sense of realism, tension, or flow, but also emphasizes the meticulous planning and skill required to pull them off effectively.
Q: Where have we seen “oners” used effectively in the past?
A: The ‘oner’ has a rich history in cinema, revered by film buffs and critics alike. Some notable examples include:
Touch of Evil (Orson Welles): This film is renowned for its particularly ambitious opening ‘oner’.
Goodfellas (Martin Scorsese): Scorsese used ’oners’ to great effect, emphasizing scenes of dramatic speed and intense activity.
Birdman (Alejandro G. Iñárritu): The entire film is designed to look like a single,continuous shot,which earned the Director an academy award.
(The Studio’s Approach)
Q: How does “The Studio” incorporate the “oner” technique?
A: ”The Studio” heavily utilizes the “oner” technique.Episode 2, titled “The Oner,” dedicates a full 25 minutes to this style within a single episode. Scenes are often characterized by dialogue-heavy sequences captured in single, continuous takes. This heightens tension, making the audience feel like thay are in the scene with the characters.
Q: What’s the importance of using “oners” in “The Studio”?
A: The use of ”oners” isn’t just a stylistic choice; it reflects the core themes of the show. It creates a sense of stress and tension that mirror the high-stakes habitat of Hollywood filmmaking. Rogen himself notes that the technique adds a unique challenge. The commitment to this technique adds a level of authenticity as the show highlights the contrast between matt’s filmmaking passion and the commercial pressures of studio life.
Q: Beyond the technical aspects, what are the key themes explored in “The Studio”?
A: “The Studio” tackles a range of themes relevant to the modern film industry. The show explores:
The clash of artistic vision and commercial pressures: Matt Remick, the studio mogul, often struggles to balance his love for films with the business side of Hollywood.
Hollywood’s often outrageous stories: The show draws inspiration from real-life anecdotes and experiences of studio executives and filmmakers.
The search for authenticity: The use of “oners” highlights a desire for a more genuine and immersive storytelling experience, while also reflecting the inner conflicts of key characters.
(Rogen’s Influence and Inspiration)
Q: What inspired Seth rogen to create “The Studio”?
A: “The Studio” was born out of, at least in part, a lament from a studio executive who expressed the frustration of now “ruining” the vrey art that brought them into the business. It captures the disillusionment and challenges many face behind the camera in the film industry. For research, Rogen interviewed top film executives to uncover the reality of Hollywood.
Q: How does Rogen’s background and experience influence the show?
A: Rogen co-directed all 10 episodes with his long-time partner Evans Goldberg, bringing his firsthand experience and outlook of the entertainment industry to the show which is why the realism is so potent.The fact that he’s actively involved in the production undoubtedly contributes to its authenticity and humor.
(Diving into Episode 6)
Q: Can we get some insights on a specific episode? For example, what’s “The Pediatric Oncologist” episode about?
A: “The Pediatric Oncologist” (Episode 6) explores a fundraising gala where Matt attends with his new love interest, Sarah, a pediatric oncologist. The episode puts his ego into perspective by contrasting his decisions within his professional life with the real-world impact of his wife’s field (the medical field), and challenges the questions of what “art” truly is. The episode really highlights the creative tension that Matt experiences.
Q: How many takes did a “oner” take, on average, for the season?
A: According to Rogen, the average number of takes to perfect a oner this season was about 16!
(Conclusion)
Q: Where can viewers watch “The Studio” and when where the initial 10 episodes released?
A: The half-hour comedy’s 10 episodes premiered on Apple TV+ and were released weekly through May 21, 2024.
(SEO Keywords & FAQs for Optimization)
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