Steve Levitan (Modern Family creator, Frasier, Reboot creator)
Sep 19, 2022
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Steve Levitan, creator of Modern Family and 9 time Emmy winner, discusses humorous observations, comedy writing, creating the movie Chinatown, winning Emmys, leaving a first job, pitching Modern Family, and falling in love with the work. The hosts also share their top TV dads and high notes for the week.
Crafting nuanced and dynamic characters is crucial for creating a successful show.
Taking risks and expanding writing skills can lead to new opportunities and growth.
Focusing on character interactions drives compelling storytelling and comedic television shows.
Deep dives
The Importance of Developing Strong Characters
Developing strong characters is crucial in creating a successful and engaging show. Steve Levitan emphasizes the significance of crafting nuanced and dynamic characters who are distinct from one another, resulting in compelling interactions and storylines.
The Challenging Decision to Leave Frasier for The Larry Sanders Show
Steve Levitan faced a difficult choice when he had the opportunity to join The Larry Sanders Show as the second in command to Paul Simms. Despite the success and appeal of Frasier, Levitan felt compelled to take the chance to work on a single-camera show and expand his writing skills and experience.
The Power of Understanding Character Dynamics
Understanding and developing character dynamics is crucial in creating engaging and comedic television shows. Steve Levitan stresses that by focusing on the interactions and relationships between characters, writers can create lines that crackle with energy and drive the storytelling forward.
The Unexpected Impact of a BB Gun on Modern Family's Success
Steve Levitan recounts how a personal story about buying his son a BB gun inadvertently played a role in the success of Modern Family. By sharing a humorous video of himself shooting his son with the BB gun during a pitch meeting, Levitan was able to captivate the executives and generate substantial interest in the show.
The success of a TV show's pilot episode is discussed
The speaker recalls a time when the pilot episode of a show received positive feedback and led to instant success
Challenges faced by TV networks are highlighted
The speaker discusses the difficulties faced by TV networks in launching and sustaining successful shows, mentioning specific challenges with Fox network
The Mike Scullys, Lew Schneiders and Maggie Mulls of the world are officially dead to us as we welcome 9 time Emmy winner, and Modern Family creator, Steve Levitan to the show.