Jess: Justin and Rainn, would I be insane to imagine an office where Tim Heidecker is boss? I love Dwight as acting manager, actually, but we know that can’t last… right?
Rainn: I beg to differ about Dwight.
That being said, I’ve recommended Tim (and Eric Wareheim) many times for roles and I know our casting director loves them. Tim can embody middle management insanity and self-loathing as good as anyone out there.
Vanessa Lynn: Rainn – what did it feel like sitting behind the desk in Michael’s old office? It was done before for the finale of Season 3, but this time Steve wasn’t there and neither was Michael. Did memories flash through your head of the numerous times you and Steve had scenes in Michael’s office?
Rainn: I loved the cool ways they wrote Dwight entering Michael’s office and taking over the desk. It was quite emotional actually, to get a taste of the power position, a position he had dreamed about for years.
Memories of Michael and Steve are in every nook and cranny of our set, that’s for sure. I feel like I’ve lived about a quarter of my life in that office.
fascist nerd: How did you come up with the crazy long-ass title of the episode? Were there other titles suggested?
Justin: The working title of this episode (how we referred to it in the writers room while breaking it) was Interim Manager, which Mindy kept pointing out was so boring certain TiVos might refuse to record it.
So when I was writing the episode, I first had it as just “Dwight K. Schrute,” but that wasn’t descriptive enough, so I made it “Dwight K. Schrute, Interim Manager,” but then I did some research and learned acting manager was a more accurate description of Dwight’s role here, so it was “Dwight K. Schrute, Acting Manager”, and then I decided that Dwight would probably want to downplay the “acting” portion of it, so I ended up with “Dwight K. Schute, (Acting) Manager.”
That took about 20% of the time I was given to write the episode.
Willyboy: Why not a single tiny reference for Michael? I know the show must go on… but still specially from Dwight… Michael was his best friend… I love last night episode tho!it was really funny!!!
Rainn: There will certainly be references to Michael in the future of the show. It’s not like he didn’t exist. As to why there weren’t any in this episode, I’m not sure.
How much do characters talk about their old boss once he leaves in an actual office? Not a whole lot from my experience. The show (and office) must go on!
Cece JAM: Did Pam draw/design the fist for Jim’s poster?
Rainn: Good question. Probably. Hadn’t thought about it. He probably got her to sketch that out for him.
Awesome! Thanks tanster for doing this for us. Michael Schur is ridiculously funny! What a great Q&A cameo!
I love these! What a great start to an other wise monotonous day of work. PS-PRec does get funnier and funnier every week. I’ll definitely be watching 2 full hours of NBC comedy tonight!
Always amazing to get these Q&A’s right from the writers’ and actors’ mouths! Much appreciated!
Wow. Just, wow.
Thank you Rainn and Justin!
This is the best show on Earth, interacting with fans like this.
You guys just made my freaking day answering my question!
Thank you Rainn, Justin, and Mike!
Another terrific Q & A.
Thanks guys for answering my question as well as all the others. Great detailed answers. Can’t wait to see all the surprises tonight.
Who knew that you couldn’t film piranha in California?
I live for these behind the scenes factoids.
Thank you for answering questions!
I still miss Mike Schur.
Thanks for answering my question! Jo having accessory dogs is pretty funny.
These behind-the-scenes Q&As are my favorite feature here at OfficeTally, and this one was super. Thanks Justin, Rainn, Mike and tanster for providing all the great insights into our favorite show.
I concur with everyone else, thanks for answering my question, this is an awesome way for you guys to interact with us fans. I started telling everyone in my office that my question was answered, and everyone else ( who are The Office fans too), thought it was the coolest thing ever! Thanks again!!!
The first time I’ve ever asked a question on one of these interviews, and it actually got in! On the first page, too! That made my crappy day better. Great interview too, I just love this episode.
Wow – great Q&A! Thanks so much for this really generous interaction with us fans! This was a terrific episode and to get the behind-the-scenes details from a writer and actor is so much fun for an Office geek like me (and Mike Schur’s answer was hilarious). I love Rainn’s comments about the characters evolving year after year yet keep true to their original essence. I think that’s why I never get sick of the Office and for 7 seasons it has been my favorite TV show. (Parks and Rec a close second!)
I second that. I still miss Mike Schur :(