This week, The Studio, the highly anticipated debut on Apple TV+, has garnered rave reviews from critics, swiftly securing the #2 position on Apple’s streaming charts, just behind Severance. In a recent interview, co-creator and star Seth Rogen shared insights into how the show’s distinct format served as an effective barrier against intrusive feedback from Apple executives.
The Studio was filmed entirely in ‘oners,’ which helped avoid unwelcome executive notes
The narrative of The Studio follows Rogen’s character, who has recently taken the helm of a film studio.
The series amplifies stress and absurdity through its innovative approach of being entirely shot in “oners,” meaning all scenes are captured in one continuous take without cuts.
This artistic choice not only enhances the viewing experience but also played a significant role in allowing Rogen and his creative team to evade unwanted feedback from the Apple TV+ executives.
Ethan Shanfeld covers this insight in Variety:
With an ironic twist, the third episode of the series highlights the irritating concept of studio notes, while the “oners” technique enabled Rogen to largely sidestep Apple’s feedback. “Due to our filming method, essentially nothing could be altered post-episode,” Rogen explains. “Apple would provide notes, but our response was always ‘We can’t accommodate that.’ ‘Can you remove this line?’ ‘Nope.’ ‘Could you transition from this line to that line?’ ‘Nope, we can’t do any of that.’”
Shooting The Studio in oners was undoubtedly a monumental challenge for the creative team, and Episode 2 provides a captivating glimpse into that process.
It’s quite amusing how this technique also served as a clever means to fend off executive suggestions for amendments.
Apple was skeptical about The Studio’s capacity to attract celebrity cameos
Variety offered a detailed interview with Rogen that included this entertaining tidbit:
With scripts featuring parts for Charlize Theron, Paul Dano, and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos — among many others — Apple expressed significant doubt that Rogen and Goldberg would secure all the cameos included in their initial drafts.
“Apple was quite skeptical and anxious,” Rogen stated. “They expressed it early on, ‘You will not be able to secure all the cameos necessary for this show.’ They made it abundantly clear.”
Rogen has clearly triumphed in areas where Apple anticipated failure. As a potential Season 2 looms, it’s likely that even more Hollywood talent will be eager to join the fun.
Have you checked out The Studio on Apple TV+? What are your impressions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Apple TV+ is available for $9.99 per month, featuring hit shows and films like Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Silo, and Shrinking. There are also several ways to watch for free.
