MUSEUM OF TELEVISION & RADIO SEMINAR SERIES, THE: A PICKET FENCES REUNION {LONG VERSION}
Summary
One in this series of seminars conducted by The Museum of Television & Radio. Held in Los Angeles and moderated by Museum director Barbara Dixon, this seminar examines "Picket Fences," an offbeat drama series that focused on social issues as it chronicled the lives of its Rome, Wisconsin, residents, including town Sheriff Jimmy Brock; his wife Dr. Jill Brock; their three children, Kimberly, Matthew, and Zachary; and his two deputies Kenny Lacos and Maxine Stewart. Panelists include the show's creator, writer, and producer David E. Kelley; producer and director Michael Pressman; producer Alice West; and cast members Kathy Baker, Holly Marie Combs, Fyvush Finkel, Lauren Holly, Justin Shenkarow, and Tom Skerritt.
Dixon begins by introducing the show before a brief highlight tape of the series is shown. After the highlights, Kelley begins by discussing the differences between "Picket Fences" and his other shows, including the casting process. Then, Pressman details his and Kelley's relationship with the network. Next, Baker remarks on her original thoughts about her character, while Combs details her enjoyment in playing characters smarter than herself. Finkel discusses the opportunity of getting to be on television at the age of 70, as well as, the "Jewishness" of his character. Holly talks about the family atmosphere of the show, while Shenkarow mentions "growing up" on the show. Skerritt finishes by talking about his character, Jimmy Brock. Questions from the audience then lead to an examination of the following topics: the Kelley/Pressman partnership; what made the show "special"; giving audiences credit for being intelligent; Jewish issues on the show; lawyers reactions to the legal issues tackled on the program; the chances of "Picket Fences" actors appearing in other, current Kelley series; the "film language" of the show; and Kelley's thoughts on working for a cable network.
Details
- NETWORK: N/A
- DATE: December 4, 2002 7:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:16:36
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:73373
- GENRE: Seminars
- SUBJECT HEADING: N/A
- SERIES RUN: N/A
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Barbara Dixon … Moderator
- Kathy Baker … Panelist
- Holly Marie Combs … Panelist
- Fyvush Finkel … Panelist
- Lauren Holly … Panelist
- David E. Kelley … Panelist
- Michael Pressman … Panelist
- Justin Shenkarow … Panelist
- Tom Skerritt … Panelist
- Alice West … Panelist