In a world where most showrunners rely on edited cuts, Robert and Michelle King—creators of the CBS procedural Elsbeth—still go old-school. They watch all the dailies. Yes, every take, every blooper, every offbeat moment. But why? Why would two of television’s most accomplished creatives spend hours watching footage that won’t even make it to air?
Let’s dive deep into their process, the purpose behind it, and why this habit may be the secret sauce to Elsbeth‘s rising success.
🎥 What Are Dailies, Anyway?
A Quick Rundown for the Uninitiated
Dailies—also known as rushes—are raw, unedited footage shot during the production of a show or film. They’re typically reviewed the day after filming to monitor performance, lighting, continuity, and direction. Think of them as the rough drafts of TV magic.
🧠 The Kings’ Creative Process Starts Here
More Than Just a Quality Check
Robert and Michelle King don’t just skim through dailies—they dissect them. This practice gives them insight into the actor’s instincts, subtle nuances in performance, and potential opportunities to reshape scenes for greater emotional impact.
Why Watch Every Take?
Because gold can hide in the unscripted. A glance, a smirk, or an improvisation could redefine a character—or an entire episode.
💡 The Artistic Benefits of Watching Every Daily
1. Enhances Actor-Director Communication
By watching the footage, the Kings can give detailed, tailored feedback to the cast—making performances sharper and more authentic.
2. Uncovers Hidden Gems
Sometimes, the first or last take holds raw emotion or comic timing that polished cuts lose. Watching dailies keeps those gems from being overlooked.
3. Helps with Story Arc Adjustments
Say an actor’s expression hints at vulnerability not in the script. The Kings might lean into that emotionally rich direction for future episodes.
⚙️ The Technical Value Behind the Habit
1. Ensures Continuity and Consistency
Watching daily footage helps the Kings catch continuity errors—before audiences do.
2. Keeps the Vision Intact
By staying hands-on, they ensure Elsbeth sticks to its creative tone and pacing, from script to screen.
🧩Fewer Surprises in Post-Production
Watching dailies minimizes surprises in the editing room. If something didn’t work on set, they already know—and can course-correct immediately.
🎭 How This Impacts the Cast and Crew
Sets a Standard of Excellence
When the creators are this involved, it raises the bar. Everyone—actors, directors, and crew—brings their A-game.
Encourages Collaboration
The Kings often adjust the script or direction based on what they see in the dailies, giving cast and crew a collaborative stake in the show’s creative direction.
📺 How This Approach Shaped ‘Elsbeth’
A Character-Driven Crime Drama with a Twist
Elsbeth Tascioni, the quirky lawyer spun off from The Good Wife and The Good Fight, is known for her offbeat charm. Capturing that on-screen magic requires precise timing and performance—something the dailies help the Kings monitor closely.
Keeping Elsbeth’s Tone Consistent
With the show balancing drama and humor, one tonal misstep can throw off a scene. The Kings use the dailies to ensure the mood stays balanced episode after episode.
🕵️♀️ Why Most Creators Don’t Do This Anymore
Time Constraints and Delegation
Most showrunners delegate daily reviews to assistant editors or directors. It saves time—but at the cost of missing details that only the creators might notice.
🚀 Why the Kings Think It’s Worth It
1. Creative Control
They built Elsbeth from the ground up. For them, the show’s success depends on maintaining direct control over every inch of footage.
2. It’s Personal
Elsbeth is not just a character—it’s a legacy. Watching every daily is how they protect and perfect that legacy.
🧰 Lessons for Other Creators
Even if you can’t watch every daily, adopting the Kings’ level of involvement can be a game-changer for your project’s quality.
🎞️ The Long-Term Payoff
Elsbeth is more than just another spinoff—it’s becoming a standout series in its own right. That obsessive attention to detail? It’s paying off.
🧩 It’s Not Just About Control—It’s About Connection
Watching the dailies keeps the Kings connected to the heartbeat of their show. It grounds them in the day-to-day energy, the evolving performances, and the subtle character shifts.
🏆 The Results Speak for Themselves
With Elsbeth gaining critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase, their unorthodox method may just become the gold standard for creative involvement in TV production.
📝 Conclusion: A Daily Ritual That Builds Exceptional Television
In an industry that often favors speed and efficiency, Robert and Michelle King choose depth and detail. Watching all the dailies may sound excessive, but for the Kings, it’s essential. It’s how they shape Elsbeth into something extraordinary. It’s not just a habit—it’s a philosophy. A belief that the magic of storytelling lies not just in what you shoot, but in what you see.
So, the next time you’re watching Elsbeth crack a case with wit and wisdom, know that behind every brilliant moment is a pair of creators who’ve seen it all—frame by frame.
