Tag: Bones

Kelly Jo Brick: The Write Path with Michael Peterson

A series of interviews with hard-working writers – by another hard-working writer!

by Kelly Jo Brick

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Aspiring writers often wonder how the pros got where they are. The truth is, everyone’s story is different, but there are some common elements: dedication, persistence and hard work.

Michael Peterson moved to L.A. with the goal of being involved in film, initially leaning toward directing. Once in California, he began writing features with his brother. Although several projects sold, none were ever made. At his wife’s suggestion, he transitioned to television and found the collaboration and camaraderie of the writers’ room more suited for him. Michael’s first TV show was BONES where through the years he has risen from staff writer to showrunner. read article

Herbie J Pilato: No “Bones” About It: Actors Should Interpret the Words of the Writer – Not Change Them To Suit Their Needs

We have it on good authority that all the Barrymores said what was in the script!
We have it on good authority that all the Barrymores said what was in the script (?!)

by Herbie J Pilato

A few years back, Zap2it.com reported how actor David Boreanaz, star of the Fox forensic drama Bones (and former lead vampire on Angel and Buffy, the Vampire Slayer) found it was acceptable to improvise the lines of dialogue he’s given to perform.

However, Boreanaz wasn’t allowed to do that on Angel and Buffy, as Joss Whedon, the creator, producer and periodic director of both shows, forbade such acting antics.  “That became very frustrating,” Boreanaz said at the time.  “For an actor to be able to create and also have a sense of freedom, you have to be able to revolve around those words and create around those words. Now, you can take the written word and have your subtext tell more than is written on the page, which is always fun and challenging too. But it’s always great to revolve around the words and improvise and change things, because that comes from the character’s perspective and point of view.”

Oh, pluueeze! Dude, this isn’t Whose Line Is It Anyway, and you’re not Drew Carey.  You’re an actor and, as any true thespian will tell you, that, when it comes to your craft, one is ultimately and ideally supposed to interpret the given lines that a writer (be they William Shakespeare or Aaron Spelling) has written, word for word. read article