MUSEUM OF TELEVISION & RADIO SEMINAR SERIES, THE:
PROVIDENCE
Summary
One in this series of seminars conducted by The Museum of Television & Radio. Held in Los Angeles and moderated by Los Angeles Museum deputy director of programs Carla Fantozzi, this seminar examines "Providence," a program about an altruistic plastic surgeon who abandons her medical specialty and unfulfilling lifestyle in Los Angeles to return to her colorful family and her hometown in Providence, Rhode Island. The following members of the cast and creative team discuss the history and production of the program, as well as the implications of its instant popularity: Paula Cale, Mike Farrell, Melina Kanakaredes, Concetta Tomei, and creator and executive producer John Masius. Masius begins by explaining where he got the idea for the show and talking about his desire to explore the relationship between fathers and daughters. Then Kanakaredes looks at the way that her character evolves as a result of the development of the dream sequences. In addition, Masius and Tomei talk about the innovative technique of using dream sequences to bring Tomei's character back after her death in the premiere episode. The cast also explores the idea of "going home again," which is developed in the series. Cale, known primarily for humorous roles, examines the comedic aspects of her character and explains the way that humor makes this drama particularly interesting. Farrell talks about returning to acting in a television series after working behind the scenes for so many years, and mentions what it was about this particular show that prompted him to return to acting. He also comments on the differences between present-day television series and those series dating back to the time of his appearance on "M*A*S*H." Masius then talks about the process of writing for "Providence," and the accuracy of the medical aspect of the show. Questions from the audience lead to a number of discussions. Masius explains why Providence, Rhode Island was chosen as the location for the series and describes the process of filming in that city. Then Farrell looks at the cynicism that currently pervades television, and the cast talks about the chemistry between the actors and the familial bond that transcends the story line.
Details
- NETWORK: N/A
- DATE: November 15, 2000 7:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:30:00
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:61459
- GENRE: Seminars
- SUBJECT HEADING: N/A
- SERIES RUN: N/A
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Carla Fantozzi … Moderator
- Paula Cale … Panelist
- Mike Farrell … Panelist
- Melina Kanakaredes … Panelist
- John Masius … Panelist
- Concetta Tomei … Panelist