Why do Robert and Michelle King, creators of the acclaimed television show “Elsbeth” and its predecessor “The Good Wife,” diligently watch every single day’s worth of dailies? In an era of showrunners often delegating, their unwavering commitment to this seemingly tedious task speaks volumes about their meticulous approach to storytelling and their unwavering pursuit of excellence. Their rationale isn’t merely about micromanaging; it’s about nurturing the creative ecosystem of their show and ensuring their vision translates flawlessly from script to screen.
The Power of Immersion and Micro-Adjustments
Watching dailies provides an unparalleled level of immersion in the show’s production. It’s a direct window into the performances, the cinematography, the lighting, and the overall rhythm of the episode. For the Kings, this immersion is crucial for several reasons:
- Maintaining Control over Tone and Style: “Elsbeth,” like their previous shows, possesses a unique tone – quirky, intelligent, and often darkly humorous. The dailies allow them to ensure that this tone is consistently upheld across all scenes and performances. They can immediately flag moments where the comedic timing feels off, or the dramatic tension isn’t building as intended.
- Identifying Performance Nuances: While a director provides guidance on set, the Kings can pick up on subtle performance choices in the dailies that might enhance or detract from a character’s portrayal. This allows for nuanced feedback and micro-adjustments, ensuring each actor is perfectly embodying their role. This is especially vital for a show like “Elsbeth,” which relies heavily on the unique charisma of its lead.
- Spotting Technical Glitches: Dailies aren’t just about performance; they also reveal technical issues. A distracting background noise, a poorly framed shot, or a lighting inconsistency can all be caught and corrected early in the process, preventing costly reshoots or jarring edits later on.
- Understanding the Director’s Vision: Though Robert and Michelle are the ultimate authority on the show, they collaborate closely with their directors. Watching the dailies is a way for them to deeply understand what the director is trying to do with the scene and to offer suggestions that align with their own vision of the show as a whole.
Furthermore, this dedication isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about opportunity. Watching the dailies often sparks new ideas. A particular camera angle might inspire a new editing technique, or an actor’s improvisation might lead to a completely new subplot. The Kings treat the dailies as a fertile ground for creative exploration, constantly refining and enhancing their vision.
In essence, Robert and Michelle King’s insistence on watching all the dailies is a testament to their commitment to craftsmanship and their understanding of the collaborative nature of television production. It’s a practice that allows them to stay intimately connected to their creation, ensuring that “Elsbeth” remains a show that is both uniquely theirs and consistently excellent. It’s not just about watching; it’s about listening, learning, and actively shaping the show’s evolution at every stage of production.
