BTG: History, Behind the Scenes Articles & Photos

[Toups]

Hmm....First writers room meeting?  First script or bible handed in? 

[Taoboi]

I wondered that as well. 

[Paul Raven]

Surely at this point, everyday would be special.

Casting actors, finishing scripts, designing sets etc

[DramatistDreamer]

Does anybody think, there may have been someone who was thoughtfully reading our discussions about Capitol? Now that I really think about it, some of us have talked about the aspects of Capitol that would be timely for this day and age? I really hope that in the future MVJ might discuss what inspired her to include the political aspects to her show.

[ReddFoxx]

Politics is a driving force these days and almost everyone has been forced to pay attention to it so that was probably an easy inspiration. On the other hand politics is extremely soapy with all the backstabbing, conniving and ambition. Plus behind the scenes there is a lot more sex and adultery than you'd ever imagine (I've been behind the scenes in local politics for awhile and received some subtle overtures from a very conservative married man).

Edited August 30, 2024 by ReddFoxx

[DramatistDreamer]

It’s a smart move to set a lot of story in the political world, I was just wondering if someone had been reading our discussions about the soap Capitol and how a number of us believed that there was a place for a revival or reboot based on the evergreen aspect of politics and its inherent soapiness. It’s fine if someone has been surveilling the thread because it’s a good idea and smart to snatch it.

[Aback]

Our 42-page, 2008-born Capitol thread is extremely interesting, yet I really don't think anyone was particularly inspired by it.

[DRW50]

I don't think anyone here these days still watches Big Brother, but they just had an evicted player (a guy named Tucker) who helped bring them the best ratings they'd had in a few years. He was evicted pre-jury and the show is still going on for another month. Usually BB players that CBS liked will have a cameo on B&B or Y&R, but it wouldn't be a bad idea if they had him (possibly with another well-liked player evicted a few weeks earlier named Cedric) help promote The Gates. 

[Paul Raven]

Isn't dealing with politics a little tricky? Go in too deep and you have to identify characters political leanings which is inevitably going to alienate viewers on either side.

Keep it vague and it comes off as unbelievable and wishy-washy. 

[DRW50]

The British soaps used to be better at handling politics - they were able to talk about Thatcher, and policies affecting where they lived. That is long gone. I remember EastEnders having an excruciating and vague both sides take on Brexit.

[cityfan01]

I watch BB 

[DRW50]

That's great. Brings back memories of some of the old days here. 

[LondonScribe]

This is true.

I believe part of the reason Casualty (though it’s always balked at being described as a soap, even when it became one in all but name and started hiring soap writers and producers in the 90’s/00’s) was conceived in the 80’s was a giant FU to Thatcher and the Conservatives as well as a love letter to the NHS.

Nowadays, the show only goes as far as talking about and depicting the state of the NHS without the wider national politics, lest the BBC be accused any more of bias.

Our countries are so divided politically that it’s likely more than these shows’ worth to engage in politics. Or certainly the leanings of the main protagonists.

If I were to guess, I’d say the politician in The Gates won’t explicitly say which party they represent but the viewer will be left to make up their own mind based on how the character speaks and who they surround themselves with.

Edited August 31, 2024 by LondonScribe

[ReddFoxx]

It's not so much the political leanings that are a story but the machinations. The big drama in politics is usually within the ranks of the same party anyway.

[Aback]

As long as the characters will be pro capitalism, everything will be fine

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