Behind the Scenes of Saturday Night Live: A Look at the Cast and Creation of the Iconic Show
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As the biopic Saturday Night takes shape, writer/director Jason Reitman and co-writer Gil Kenan have embarked on an extensive journey to uncover the origins and behind-the-scenes stories of Saturday Night Live (SNL). This journey started with a commitment to speak with every surviving cast and crew member who was part of the comedy show's inaugural broadcast on October 11, 1975. Their dedication to authenticity led them to interview not only the famous faces but also the unsung heroes of the production, including scenic painters, costume designers, and various members of the writing staff, all of whom contributed to the show's legacy.
The Importance of Interviews
Kenan emphasizes the significance of these conversations, stating, "We spoke to everyone we could reach, even those who seemed unreachable." This exhaustive research process allowed the filmmakers to gather rich, first-hand accounts that would ultimately shape the narrative of the biopic. Reitman, who has familial ties to the world of comedy—his father, Ivan Reitman, was a prominent figure in the industry—found that his existing relationships with SNL’s key players greatly facilitated the process. He remarked, "I grew up with Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd, and I met others like Billy Crystal along the way. They’re still giants of comedy, but I understood that they were human beings, which gave me an edge in our conversations."
Establishing Connections with Founders
The research journey began with the show’s original architect, Lorne Michaels, who continues to oversee SNL today. Kenan notes that their first conversation with Michaels was pivotal: "It opened the door for us to have the rest of the conversations, and we learned a lot of things that were never documented anywhere." Michaels’s insights proved invaluable, as he could articulate the nuances of the show's history and the nature of its creation. Reitman further adds, "Lorne has been able to focus his stories over time and was the first to admit that memories can change, making it difficult to separate myths from truths."
One particularly revealing moment came when Michaels shared his initial intention to host the iconic segment Weekend Update. This revelation, confirmed by Chevy Chase, shed light on Michaels's character and his eventual transition from performer to producer. Reitman explains, "That unlocked a lot for us. It highlighted the moment where you realize you’re not the performer anymore; you’re the producer. You’re no longer a kid; you’re stepping into the role of a parent." He elaborated on the complexities of Michaels's responsibilities, stating that being a producer meant making tough decisions, like which sketches would be included or excluded from the show.
Insights from Key Figures
In addition to Michaels, the filmmakers sought out Rosie Shuster, a vital SNL writer who was married to Michaels and dated Aykroyd during her early tenure on the show. Kenan described their conversation with her as transformative: "Both of us came away from that first call feeling like she was a key figure. Her character embodied much of the voice of the show, and she's one of the funniest people we've ever talked to." Shuster's unique perspective allowed the team to understand Lorne at a young age and provided insights into the dynamics of the show's early years.
Valuable Contributions and Anecdotes
The filmmakers were fortunate to gather valuable anecdotes from various sources. Longtime writer Alan Zweibel offered extensive and detailed stories about the premiere episode, contributing to a richer understanding of the show's genesis. The late Eugene Lee, a production designer, provided numerous drawings and models of Studio 8H, adding a visual dimension to the research. Another crucial contributor was Edie Baskin, the head photographer for SNL, whose photographs helped the filmmakers visualize the chaotic atmosphere of production nights. Kenan praised Baskin’s contributions, stating, "Her visual imprint is still the identifying signature of the show, and she gave us this incredible walkthrough with her archive of photos from that night."
An Unexpected Find
Ironically, one of the most important pieces of research came from Billy Crystal, a performer whose act was ultimately cut from the premiere episode. Reitman recalls, "Every time we asked someone for a copy of the premiere script, nobody had it. One person had it, and it was Billy Crystal, the last person we expected to want to hold onto a memory of that night." Despite not making it to the final cut, Crystal retained his script, which he revealed during their interview. "It happened so dramatically. We didn’t know he had it," Kenan recounted. "It was one of the few in-person interviews we did, and we casually asked about the script. He excused himself, walked into another room, and came back with it, dropping it on the table in front of us."
Conclusion
The journey to create Saturday Night has been as dynamic and multifaceted as the show itself. Through extensive interviews and research, Reitman and Kenan are not only bringing the story of SNL to life but also honoring the legacy of those who contributed to its creation. Their commitment to capturing the essence of the show and its pioneers reflects a deep respect for the comedy that has shaped American culture for decades. As audiences anticipate the biopic's release, the behind-the-scenes stories and insights promise to provide a captivating glimpse into the making of a television phenomenon that continues to resonate today.
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