Key Insights
Why did Michael Schur choose to base 'A Man on the Inside' on a Chilean documentary?
The documentary moved viewers to reconnect with loved ones, creating a universal warm and positive feeling. Schur saw potential for a fictionalized show that could evoke similar emotions.
What was Michael Schur's experience like visiting assisted living facilities for research?
Schur found the facilities to be places of happiness and joy, contrary to the common perception of them as sad places. He observed flourishing communities of residents who were content to be part of a larger community.
How does Michael Schur view the ethical implications of recording people without their knowledge in 'A Man on the Inside'?
Schur acknowledges the ethical question and parallels it to the documentary, where the main character creates a false pretense to get to know people. He believes it's important to address the realities of assisted living honestly.
What does Michael Schur admire most about working with Ted Danson?
Danson's passion for acting is unparalleled; he constantly seeks feedback and strives to improve, making the collaboration a dynamic and fruitful experience.
What inspired Michael Schur to create 'The Good Place'?
Schur was influenced by a personal game he played in traffic, imagining a cosmic scoring system for ethical behavior. This concept evolved into a half-hour comedy show exploring moral philosophy.
How did Michael Schur's upbringing influence his approach to comedy?
Schur was an extreme rule follower, which influenced his meticulous approach to writing and his careful consideration of character importance and joke placement in his scripts.
What significant changes has Michael Schur observed in the television industry since he started?
The shift from network TV to streaming has drastically reduced the number of episodes per season, altering storytelling and making TV writing more akin to movie writing.
Why does Michael Schur continue to work despite financial success?
Schur finds his work incredibly enjoyable and fulfilling, involving collaboration with funny people to create stories and jokes. He sees no reason to stop doing what he loves.
Chapters
- The documentary features a man named Sergio who finds purpose and community in an assisted living facility.
- Schur aimed to create a show that evokes the same warm and positive feelings as the documentary.
- The series stars Ted Danson and explores themes of life, death, and community.
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