Director/Production Manager Abby Singer 1917-2014 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 03-13-2014, 03:55 PM

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Abby Singer, a film set legend whose name became synonymous for the next-to-last shot, has died. He was 96.

The Harlem-born Abner E. Singer was a longtime production manager and assistant director who worked primarily in television from the 1950s through the '90s. He became famous for his efficient habit of preparing a crew of an impending move to the next scene by calling out the second-to-last shot.

Since the late '50s, it's been routine on sets for the penultimate shot of the day to be announced as "the Abby Singer" or "the Abby."

His daughter, Jo Anne Singer, confirmed Singer died Thursday in Los Angeles.

Directors Guild of America President Paris Barclay says Singer "may have been the inspiration for the second-to-last shot, but today, Abby is first in our hearts."

bmasters9 · 03-13-2014, 04:17 PM

Here's Abby's EICOP credit from the closing credits of St. Elsewhere in season 1 (this from the DVD release):

Dr. Jazz · 03-14-2014, 11:45 PM

Also, the next-to-last episode of St. Elsewhere was titled "The Abby Singer Show"

bmasters9 · 03-15-2014, 05:12 AM

That next-to-last St. Elsewhere was well-named, because Abby lent his name to the next-to-last shot of a shooting day (the last one being known as the "martini").

Also, here's another EICOP credit of his, from Hill Street Blues in #2 (also from DVD).

Marvo301 · 03-15-2014, 03:05 PM

Abby Singer

03-13-2014, 03:55 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,437	Director/Production Manager Abby Singer 1917-2014 Link Abby Singer, a film set legend whose name became synonymous for the next-to-last shot, has died. He was 96. The Harlem-born Abner E. Singer was a longtime production manager and assistant director who worked primarily in television from the 1950s through the '90s. He became famous for his efficient habit of preparing a crew of an impending move to the next scene by calling out the second-to-last shot. Since the late '50s, it's been routine on sets for the penultimate shot of the day to be announced as "the Abby Singer" or "the Abby." His daughter, Jo Anne Singer, confirmed Singer died Thursday in Los Angeles. Directors Guild of America President Paris Barclay says Singer "may have been the inspiration for the second-to-last shot, but today, Abby is first in our hearts."
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

03-13-2014, 04:17 PM	#2
bmasters9 Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 06, 2007 Posts: 2,550	Here's Abby's EICOP credit from the closing credits of St. Elsewhere in season 1 (this from the DVD release): Attached Images
	__________________ "CBS Sports presents...The Prudential College Football Report, sponsored by The Prudential, offering a full range of insurance and other financial services. The Prudential: the Rock...it's strong, it's on the move, it's bigger than life." (Don Robertson's spiel for The Prudential College Football Report in the 1986 season; modified from what it was in 1985)

03-15-2014, 05:12 AM	#4
bmasters9 Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 06, 2007 Posts: 2,550	That next-to-last St. Elsewhere was well-named, because Abby lent his name to the next-to-last shot of a shooting day (the last one being known as the "martini"). Also, here's another EICOP credit of his, from Hill Street Blues in #2 (also from DVD). Attached Images

03-15-2014, 03:05 PM	#5
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	Abby Singer
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

03-14-2014, 11:45 PM	#3
Dr. Jazz The Evil Empire. . . . Forum Star Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Posts: 11,099	Also, the next-to-last episode of St. Elsewhere was titled "The Abby Singer Show"