How Far In Advance?

[Cincy Guy]

I wonder how far in advance the LITB episodes were shot before they were aired on the network? I'm assuming each episode was read, blocked out and then filmed during a five or six day period during the week. How long then, basically, until it aired?

[Marvo301]

Originally Posted by Cincy Guy

I wonder how far in advance the LITB episodes were shot before they were aired on the network? I'm assuming each episode was read, blocked out and then filmed during a five or six day period during the week. How long then, basically, until it aired?

According to the extra features on the Beaver DVD's they worked from Monday to Friday to comlete one episode. I don't know how long the post-production process (editing etc.) but typically on a sitcom there is about a one month time lag between filming and airing of an episode.

[Jack1000]

Originally Posted by Marvo301

According to the extra features on the Beaver DVD's they worked from Monday to Friday to comlete one episode. I don't know how long the post-production process (editing etc.) but typically on a sitcom there is about a one month time lag between filming and airing of an episode.

From what I remember reading over the years:

Monday: They would get the script and go through it, just to get a first impression if lines and sequences flowed logically and made sense. They would sit around a table and offer suggestions as to any ways they could improve lines. It was like reading a story,

Tuesday: They would discuss any script revisions They actually start setting up staging, cues, and blocking. They would begin to apply acting elements to the script. This involved beginning to act out the story.

Wednesday: The cast would do a run through of the episode seeing how the lines, pacing, and continuity flowed. They study what worked and what needed improvement. One thing that was stressed was the producers never wanted a joke to be so funny, that it would drown out the next line. Tony said, if that happened they would edit it out. They would work on where to put the canned laugh track, the background music.

Thursday: Was like the final draft day for setting the script to action and working to make it flow close to what you see on TV. They would often do the final run through on this day.

Friday: Getting through the episode as much as possible without stopping. Doing any post-production edits or any last minute scene changes that didn't flow. Generally, by Thursday, the cast knew where they were going with an episode. Also on Friday, they got their scripts to study for the weekend, and the process began again the following Monday for six seasons!

Reports were that everyone was wonderful for the most part in script and scene contributions.

Some lines were improvised.

Jerry was a great auditory learner and Tony could never recall him having trouble with his lines. However, he was dyslexic and often had to re-read his scripts to get the full meaning of what was needed to do a scene. Writing was tough for him.

During the first season, Jerry had trouble reading his script, so someone would help him.

Norman Toker was a noted director in working with children and a driven perfectionist. He was often known to be impatient with the kids, but was held in high respect for realism and believability.

Jerry at times thought Hugh was too strict in directing. In the fist couple seasons, Jerry said he was intimidated by him. He gained much respect for Hugh in later years. It was once believed that Jerry was closer to Hugh than to his own father. Stanly Fafara, (Whitey) said Hugh was "The Best Director."

In contrast, Hugh was the consummate professional, but was not warm and fuzzy. Ken Osmond said Hugh was a class act, but "Don't mess with him."

A basketball court was constructed on the lot around the third season. Jerry and Tony would shoot hoops and ride their bikes there. But there was a strict rule, that they always had to do their homework first

Ken said that "There always seemed to be a security guard dragging one of us back to the set, when things got out of line." Maybe that was Ken's own personal experience as Eddie Haskell, even off set! LOL!

Frank Bank loved expensive cars and fine restaurants.

Barbara was June Cleaver in personality and mannerisms even off set. She mothered Jerry and Tony as if they were her own children.

Jack