As a filmmaker, getting a project off the ground is often easier said than done. From day one, you are faced with a seemingly never-ending barrage of challenges like how to get money, how to finish what you start, and, importantly, how to sell your project…
Faced with this level of uncertainty, it's not surprising why many would-be filmmakers and producers give up before they get started. But thankfully, some creative types face these challenges, go the distance and come out on top.
Today we are going to focus on one such story. It's a true story about a group of friends who had a great idea, limited resources, and no budget. (Sound familiar?) But what these friends lacked in cash did not in any way hinder their creativity. And thankfully so.
How To Produce Hits Like Charlie Day
The television show they created is Always called Sunny in Philadelphia, and it has become one of the biggest hits on American television.
Charlie Day is an actor, writer, and executive producer of the hit series, and he took a few minutes to stop by Filmmaking Stuff to chat about the show and share a little filmmaker inspiration.
Jason Brubaker
Hi Charlie. Thanks for stopping by today to share some thoughts.
Charlie Day
Sure. No problem.
Jason Brubaker
Can you tell us how you shot the pilot? Is it true that you guys came up with a few ideas, grabbed a camera, and did it all for $200?
Charlie Day
The only cost was the cost of the videotape.
Jason Brubaker
Did you have a script?
Charlie Day
There was a script. We did improv off of the hand.
Jason Brubaker
Initially, Always Sunny revolved around many out-of-work actors trying to break into the industry. But if I understand correctly, the Network made some tweaks and set the story in Philadelphia.
Charlie Day
Well, let's get one thing straight. We are the producers, so we changed it. However, the Network suggested that we do so, and I think it was a good one. There were already too many shows about the entertainment industry at that time.
Jason Brubaker
Was the initial story idea autobiographical?
Charlie Day
Ours was not autobiographical at all. Maybe we used our real names or referenced a show we were on, but outside of that, it was all fiction.
Jason Brubaker
Once you had a cut, did you shop the show to other networks before the eventual deal with FX?
Charlie Day
We also went to Comedy Central, HBO, NBC, VH1, and Fox.
Jason Brubaker
Then once things got rolling with FX, you ended up with over a million viewers in your first season! Were you surprised by the positive audience reaction?
Charlie Day
We were always proud of our show and expected people to like it. So surprised, no. We were pleased, yes.
Jason Brubaker
So to put this in perspective, you guys had an idea, grabbed a camera, created a hit TV show… And then, one day, Danny DeVito decides to join the cast.
Charlie Day
Well, it was not a hit when Danny joined the cast. We were looking to boost ratings and get a press story by adding a well-known cast member. We got lucky with Danny.
Jason Brubaker
With Danny's addition and the exposure he brought, there had to be some questions about what would happen next. Did you feel like your life was about to change?
Charlie Day
I didn't feel like my life was going to change. If anything, I was hoping it wouldn't ruin the show. We didn't know what Danny would be like as a person. It turned out he was as great an actor as he was a person. As I said, we got lucky with Danny.
Jason Brubaker
With over 100 episodes, the story remains entertaining, funny, and off-the-wall. How are you guys able to keep the story fresh and exciting?
Charlie Day
There are just a lot of things that make us laugh. And the more we know the characters, the more fun it is to write for them. It also helps that we are working with some other talented writers.
Jason Brubaker
Would you say the creative process has evolved a lot since the pilot?
Charlie Day
Well, since the pilot, yes. It takes a lot more work to do 60+ episodes.
Jason Brubaker
Some people now describe the show as a cult hit. Is there an initiation ritual to join?
Charlie Day
Just watch the show and join the cult!
Jason Brubaker
What advice do you have for filmmakers and other would-be producers who still think they need a gazillion dollars to garner success on their projects?
Charlie Day
Suppose you can get it, great. If not, find another way. There's no one way to make a hit.
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