PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA, THE: PALEYFEST NY 2015: ORPHAN BLACK {LONG VERSION}
Summary
One in a series of evenings and special screenings presented as part of The Paley Center for Media's PaleyFest New York 2015. This evening celebrates "Orphan Black," the dramatic science-fiction series about the far-reaching consequences of a secret government cloning experiment. Host David Bushman (television curator, The Paley Center for Media) offers opening remarks and brings moderator Ethan Alter (writer, Yahoo! TV) to the stage. Alter introduces an extended clip package in which the show's writers and actors attempt to describe the complicated events of the first three seasons and provide hints about the upcoming fourth season, including its two-month time jump from the finale, the mild-mannered Hendrixes' role as "crime lords," Cosima's new laboratory, and the relationship between the recently reunited Sarah and daughter Kira (Skyler Wexler). The crew then discusses the technical challenges of creating scenes involving more than one clone, including the memorable dance- and dinner-party scenes. Finally, the cast comments on their excitement at returning for another season and their appreciation for their devoted and creative fanbase, known as the "Clone Club," as well as for the show's mounting accolades.
After the clips, Alter moderates the following panelists: executive producer/creator/writer Graeme Mason; and cast members Kristian Bruun (Donnie Hendrix), Maria Doyle Kennedy (Siobhan "Mrs. S." Sadler), Jordan Gavaris (Felix Dawkins), and Tatiana Maslany (Sarah Manning / Cosima Niehaus / Alison Hendrix / Rachel Duncan / Helena / Krystal Goderitch / Tony Sawicki / Elizabeth Childs / Katja Obinger).
The conversation touches on such topics as: the addition of even more clones, including Krystal, jokingly inspired by a "Kroll Show" sketch; Maslany's use of various music to define the "distinct worlds and tones" of the characters; Felix's role as "odd man out," now that his foster sister Sarah has found blood relatives; comparisons between Donnie and hapless sidekick Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) on "Breaking Bad"; the evolution of Donnie and Mrs. S. from shadowy potential villains to strong allies; future scenes involving Detective Arthur Bell (Kevin Hanchard); the impact of Project Castor, a similar experiment involving male clones (all played by Ari Millen); fans' intelligent interpretations of the show's symbolic themes of body autonomy and personal freedom; Maslany's sense that the progressive, women-focused show is not "preachy"; help from "the real Cosima," on-set science advisor Cosima Herter; hopes for a Felix and Donnie "bromance"; Maslany's interest in seeing Cosima outside of a romantic relationship; Gavaris' highly convincing English accent as Felix; the early decision of the show's title because it "sounded cool"; ideas for the next "big event" in which multiple clones are present in one scene; the characters' defining moments, including various murder scenes and a rare personal moment for Felix; the memorable pilot scene in which Sarah witnesses the suicide of her clone, Beth; their famous fans and the difficulties of securing certain guest stars; the mostly-Canadian cast and crew's enjoyment of working at home and employing local artists; their excitement at reading new scripts and learning of various surprises and twists; how the show is "constantly evolving," including the reveal of Millen, intended as a one-time guest star, as all of the male clones; the writers' active collaboration with the directors, actors and other crew members in developing scenes and characters; the challenges of hiding certain surprises and viewers' initial doubts about the clone concept; Maslany's favorites of other notable "quartets," including "The Golden Girls"; their hopes for their characters in the fourth season, including the development of Donnie's "manly side"; the remarkable growth of the show's fanbase, as seen at their Comic Con appearance; the accompanying comic book series, co-written by Mason; and their picks for the show's most shocking moments, including the deaths of Dr. Leekie (Matt Frewer) and Paul (Dylan Bruce) and the introduction of Mrs. S.'s mother (Alison Steadman).
Questions from the audience then lead to a discussion of the following topics, among others: the uncertain fate of Delphine (Évelyne Brochu), shot in the season finale; Maslany's initial fear of the ruthless corporate mogul Rachel; her Helena-like sketch with Tony Hale at the recent Emmy Awards; the characters' favorite and least-favorite things, including Donnie's strong love for his family, Felix's empathy and Helena's love of children; ideas about an "Orphan Black" video game; the importance of stage managers who are genuinely invested in the story; their excitement at receiving praise for the show from their favorite famous figures; and a gift for Maslany from a fan.
Details
- NETWORK: N/A
- DATE: November 30, 1999 2:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:27:54
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: 123971
- GENRE: Seminars
- SUBJECT HEADING: N/A
- SERIES RUN: N/A
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- David Bushman … Host
- Ethan Alter … Moderator
- Kristian Bruun … Panelist
- Maria Doyle Kennedy … Panelist
- Jordan Gavaris … Panelist
- Tatiana Maslany … Panelist
- Graeme Manson … Panelist
- Kathryn Alexandre
- Évelyne Brochu
- Dylan Bruce
- Matt Frewer
- Tony Hale
- Kevin Hanchard
- Cosima Herter
- Ari Millen
- Aaron Paul
- Alison Steadman
- Skyler Wexler