Can you guys help me?
I’ll be asking questions during the “Behind the Scenes” panel at The Office Wrap Party this weekend in Scranton.
The panelists haven’t been officially announced yet, but they will include Executive Producer Greg Daniels, as well as other producers, writers, and staff.
What are some good questions to ask them about The Office?
Thanks for your help!
:) tanster
Was there ever an episode or scene that they REALLY wanted to see happen, but it was scrapped before it could be filmed, or otherwise never made it past the script phrase?
Is there a reunion show in the works? :-) (Just kidding)
Ask them what their favorite episodes are! And make them answer!
Specifically for the writers: Season nine is very unique for several reasons. There have been some great flashbacks, some back as early as season two. The prominent difference is introducing the documentary crew. At any point early in the shows first seasons were there any considerations that this would be how you would end the series? If so, how did you prepare in advanced for it? Best show ever!
What was the most difficult/complicated out of the office scene to film?
Unless this has been asked before, I would really like to know if Jim ever went to Australia.
Throughout the years, we’ve heard about how difficult it is for everyone to film “conference room” scenes. For the song in Michael’s Last Dundies, everyone looked like they were ready for a group hug! What was the vibe like while filming that particular scene? How many times did the cast have to sing it?
What was the one storyline that you wanted to do but the powers that be deemed inappropriate?
“What were some of the planned story lines in Season 4 that never happened?”
It’s so cool of you to include us, Tanster! You’re the best! Here are some questions I’ve always wanted to know the answer to:
– Were there any stories the cast/crew wanted for characters that never made it on air?
– What was the most memorable scene/episode/arc to produce?
– If they had to say any (other) character’s lines, whose would they choose?
– If they had to choose a favorite food, candy, or movie for any/their character, what would they choose?
– What was one of their favorite lines/exchanges from the show?
Ask them how long they have known how the show would end. Curious if they had an idea in the beginning what the end would look like.
I have always been curious about what kind of direction/ feedback/suggestion they received from Ricky G and Stephen M. After season 1 or 2 did they ever go to them (or were they approached) about the show’s direction or character development and arcs? Do those guys watch the show?
Can you ask them if Toby will have a happy ending with Nellie? I just want those two to end up together!
Was there ever a joke or a line that was deemed as “too offensive” by the network that you were really proud of and wanted to have in the final cut of the episode, but were unable to include it?
What were some storylines/cold-opens that were discussed but never made it into the show?
What was the biggest debate (or fight) you ever had in the writer’s room?
How much, if any, was the Sam & Diane thread from Cheers a primer for Jim & Pam’s story?
Did the writers intend for the Toby/ Nellie story to be like a grown up Charlie Brown and the little red haired girl?
Was there ever a thought of including “emails,care package or something else”from the Michael and Holly characters?” They could have been mentioned in a show about talking to them on the phone recently or did the producers try to avoid the rumor of them returning?
#1 – Thank you for 9 awesome seasons…been there since year 1!
#2 – Are there any storylines over the years that they wish they would or could have explored more in depth that they weren’t able to for whatever reason? If so, how would they have liked it/them to play out?
Thanks, Tanster! Have fun. :)
Ask if they knew how they wanted the series to end since the start of the season, or was it decided later on, and how has that effected the writing of the individual episodes?
Has there been an/any arc(s) that they either regret doing or wished they’d taken them in a different direction?
Do you mean specifically Behind The Scenes questions? Would this one count: What did Jim write on Pam’s card for the Yankee Swap gift?
Also: Was the “is the magic gone” quote from Dunder Mifflin Infinity an inside joke for the fans who wanted the JAM will-they/won’t-they dynamic to last forever? What happened on Jim and Pam’s date after The Job?
I’ve had these questions sitting in a document in my computer for years…thanks Tanster!
What was up with Meredith’s face in the Weight Loss Parts 1-2!?!?
Why do you think The Office has such a strong fan base?
What will you miss most about the show?
I would also like to know if the recent wedding footage in Paper Airplane was old footage or if they re-filmed new scenes.
How did Steve’s early departure impact the way you envisioned the series ending?
Did Rashida Jones leaving for another series change how the S3 story played out?
Was Catherine Tate the first choice to replace Steve Carell, but she couldn’t take it because of a scheduling conflict?
Ask them of the whereabouts of Collette Wolfe’s character, Alice (Pete’s ex), and, depending on whether or not he at least shows for a fleeting cameo in “Finale”, Gabe’s too. It also wouldn’t hurt to try to elicit an explanation about whatever happened to Cathy and Jordan, both of whom were shipped off into discontinuity limbo land.
You could maybe ask what they will take away from their time/experience on the show? Memories, how things changed their careers, friendships, personal things, how they introduced the mockumentary format in the US, etc…
Any suggestions for fans suffering from withdrawal May 17th? :(
Years from now, any chance of an office reunion?
Any fun, silly, or crazy behind the scenes moments to share?
Were the writers emotional writing the last episodes?
Did the characters end up where everyone envisioned they would?
Did they have any idea Jim and Pam would become such an iconic couple? And did it add pressure for them to handle the relationship well?
(for writers) Which characters do they see the most of themselves in?
It’s late and these are probably no good, but it was fun thinking about them…
And please tell them thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
And thank you tanster!
One question could be, “Was there a certain character that was particularly difficult to write lines for and to incorporate into each episode?”
Or, “Do you think your writing styles have changed over the years working on The Office due to the characters developing?”