John Orloff, writer of TV adaptation of 'Masters of the Air' and former worker on 'Band of Brothers' and 'The Pacific', discusses the 100th bomber group's reputation, their role in WW2, experiences of airmen, and the massive scale of the air operations in World War II.
The television series 'Masters of the Air' aims to depict the brutal reality of aerial combat in World War II, showcasing the terrifying environment faced by bomber crews and the industrialization of the air war.
Preserving and sharing the stories of the airmen from the 100th Bombardment Group is crucial to honoring their legacy and educating future generations about the sacrifices and challenges they faced during the war.
Deep dives
The Marvels of "Masters of the Air"
The podcast episode discusses the upcoming television series 'Masters of the Air,' which follows the 100th Bombardment Group in World War II. The series creator and writer, John Orloff, shares insights into the formation of the bomber group and the massive scale of the American Air Force's bombing campaign. He highlights the intense aerial combat experienced by the airmen and the sheer speed and chaos of the missions. The episode also touches on the personal stories of the airmen, the losses they endured, and the lasting impact of the war on American society.
A Glimpse into Aerial Combat
John Orloff emphasizes the show's goal to depict the reality of aerial combat in World War II. The speed at which the aircraft were moving, along with the relentless attacks, created a terrifying and brutal environment for the bomber crew. The show aims to show the progression of the industrialization of the air war, with mission sizes growing from 72 bombers to over 1,200 bombers and 500 fighters. Orloff also highlights the contributions of civilians back home who were involved in the production of aircraft and the impact of the war on global society.
Preserving and Sharing Stories
The podcast explores the importance of preserving and passing on the stories of the airmen from the 100th Bombardment Group. While the main characters of the series have passed away, Orloff had the opportunity to meet some of the surviving members of the group and hear their firsthand accounts. The series aims to bring their experiences to life on screen and provide a window into the sacrifices and challenges faced by these remarkable individuals. Orloff expresses his gratitude for being part of a project that honors their legacy and educates future generations about this significant chapter in American history.
How did the 100th bomber group get a reputation for being unlucky? Who were they? And what was their role in the Second World War?
In this episode, Don has the pleasure of speaking to John Orloff. John has written the TV adaptation of Donald L. Miller's 'Masters of the Air', following the men of the 'Bloody Hundredth' 25,000 feet in the air as they conduct bombing raids despite freezing temperatures, lack of oxygen and opposition fire.
John previously worked on 'Band of Brothers' and 'The Pacific' from the same executive producers.
Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.
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