PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA, THE: INSIDE MEDIA: AN EVENING WITH AMERICAN DAD! {LONG VERSION}
Summary
One in a series of seminars presented as part of The Paley Center for Media's Inside Media events in Los Angeles. This seminar honors “American Dad!”, the animated comedy series about conservative CIA Agent Stan Smith and his family: housewife Francine, liberal co-ed Hayley, nerdy high-schooler Steve, alien Roger and talking fish Klaus.
Host Betsy Scolnik (vice president, The Paley Center for Media/Los Angeles) offers opening remarks, then introduces executive producers Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman. They discuss the episode "Hot Water," including guest star Cee Lo Green’s involvement, before it is screened in its entirety. (For synopsis and credits, see ACCNUM 106547.)
After the screening, Chris Hardwick (comedian and host, “Web Soup”) moderates the following panelists: Barker; Weitzman; producer Kara Vallow; and cast members Dee Bradley Baker (Klaus), Rachael MacFarlane (Hayley Smith), Scott Grimes (Steve Smith), Wendy Schaal (Francine Smith), and creator, executive producer and voice actor Seth MacFarlane (Stan and Roger).
The panelists discuss topics which include: the shocking death of the entire Smith family in the episode, stemming from the creators’ lack of confidence in the show’s return; the slow production style and consequent inability to “keep up” with current politics; Stan’s likability despite his extreme political views; the casting process for each of the voice actors; MacFarlane’s longtime friendship with Grimes; his love of a largely unappreciated film featuring Schaal; Baker’s gift for accents and strange animal noises; the solo recording sessions and the cast’s preference for working together; the effective balance of Barker and Weitzman’s production skills and MacFarlane’s voice work; MacFarlane’s work on the popular Cartoon Network show “Johnny Bravo”; the cancellation of “Family Guy” and resurrection by demanding fans; an early “home movie” made by Hardwick and Grimes; MacFarlane’s decision to pitch “American Dad!” upon thinking that “Family Guy” was dead and then having to juggle two shows; the “eccentric” nature of the “Dad!” cast and crew; Grimes’ singing talents, as shown in the episode and on his recently-released album; an injury suffered by Grimes after a long ecording session; the other actors’ musical talents and albums; and Hardwick’s longtime crush on Schaal.
Questions from Internet users lead to a discussion of the following topics: Stan’s pick for the 2012 presidential election; the “Back to the Future”-themed episode, and MacFarlane’s Marty McFly impression; whether the audience will get to see Roger’s home planet, and plans for upcoming plotlines involving the alien; Barker’s desire for “true fans” to be able to avoid spoilers; and incidents of accidental “voice incest” between characters voiced by siblings Seth and Rachael MacFarlane.
Questions from the audience then lead to a discussion of the following topics: whether the characters are physically modeled after their voice actors; MacFarlane’s inspiration from Paul Lynde in crafting Roger’s voice; the involvement of Patrick Stewart, who voices Stan’s boss Avery Bullock; whether Klaus will get his East German Olympic ski-jumper body back; “inspiration” from fan suggestions; the show’s careful script structure and “relatable” plotlines; the process through which ideas for episodes are built; the likelihood of a “Family Guy” video game; and the overall effect of fan merchandise for the shows.
Details
- NETWORK: N/A
- DATE: September 21, 2011 7:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:29:20
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: 106307
- GENRE: Seminars
- SUBJECT HEADING: N/A
- SERIES RUN: N/A
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Betsy Scolnik … Host
- Chris Hardwick … Moderator
- Dee Bradley Baker … Panelist
- Rachael MacFarlane … Panelist
- Scott Grimes … Panelist
- Wendy Schaal … Panelist
- Kara Vallow … Panelist
- Matt Weitzman … Panelist
- Mike Barker … Panelist
- Seth MacFarlane … Panelist
- Cee Lo Green
- Paul Lynde
- Patrick Stewart