The writers and creators behind some of TV’s biggest limited series took to the stage at Variety’s Night in the Writers Room on May 7 to give audiences a glimpse into their production processes and adapting material for television.
Moderated by Variety’s Senior Artisans Editor Jazz Tangcay, this year’s panel featured Annie Weisman of “Imperfect Women,” Connor Hines of “Love Story,” Mike Makowsky of “Death by Lightning” and Ian Brennan of “Monster: The Ed Gein Story.”
The creatives spoke about developing their shows and adapting their respective source material, whether it’s a true story or a novel.
In the case of “Death by Lightning,” which focuses on the assassination of President James Garfield, screenwriter and producer Makowsky said that he first encountered the original novel during a BOGO sale at a Barnes & Noble seven years ago. “I tried to have fun when I was writing [the show], because I didn’t want it to feel like a typical period piece,” said Makowsky. “I wanted it to feel like something that could have resonance in the 21st century, because I think the themes of the show are so relevant even today.”
For Weisman, “Imperfect Women” was brought to her by Elisabeth Moss, who starred in and executive produced the Apple TV drama. While the novel is set in England, Weisman explained certain changes that had to be made to set the story in America, including creating an interracial friendship.
Hines’ “Love Story” and Brennan’s “Monster” are both Ryan Murphy projects and draw from real-life history, albeit very different in nature. Hines mentioned that “The Crown,” which follows the story of Britain’s royal family, sent him “down a rabbit hole” about the closest American counterpart: the Kennedys. Sensitive to the fact that John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette were beloved public figures, Hines explained they were “meticulous” in the research process. “What drew me to this project was how much I loved their love story, and how much reverence I had for John and Carolyn and their family… compassion was our North Star in the creative process.”
The story behind “Monster” was “tricky” to land on, according to Brennan, who describes serial killer Ed Gein as having “existed in the background,” making him harder to focus on as a subject. “He’s sort of an enigma, which is an opportunity and an obstacle,” said Brennan. “You’re guessing, but you’re actually trying to tell a fuller story.”
Casting actors to resemble an actual person was a unique process shared by the participants of the panel.
Moss reached out to co-stars Kerry Washington and Kate Mara for “Imperfect Women,” a process Weisman describes as “pleasantly smooth,” which almost never happens. Makowsky gave his actors a challenge, saying, “We cast Michael Shannon as the president, who’s this noble, lawful good, and Matthew Macfadyen as the madman who kills him. Most people would probably assume that you would have Matthew Macfadyen playing the white hat, and Michael Shannon playing the disturbed maniac, so it was really fun to see them both play against the type.”
Brennan referred to his cast of Charlie Hunnam, Laurie Metcalfe, Vicky Krieps and Tom Hollander in “Monster” as “an embarrassment of riches,” sharing an anecdote of Hunnam listening to any audio tapes of Gein he could find to nail his Midwestern accent.
Paul Kelly, who made his acting debut in “Love Story,” was the final piece in the casting puzzle. “It turns out it’s quite tricky, casting one of the most glamorous, magnetic, beautiful, charismatic couples of the 20th century who also have had their images splashed around the world for many years,” said Hines, who added they weren’t just seeking actors but people with an “X factor.” Two weeks before filming began, they had Kelly come in and instantly knew they wanted him to play JFK Jr. “Most importantly, Sarah Pidgeon [who plays Bessette] knew in that moment. She was like, ‘That’s the guy.’”