BJ Novak's description of the humor of the office being a byproduct of what's actually happening, just like a kid that doesn't know he is cute vs. a kid that knows he's cute is perfectly correct.
This is something I've always noticed, if I'm understanding it correctly. A lot of shows fizzle out for me because I get the sense that they know why people like them and they're now writing with that in mind. It's feels more subtle than self consciousness even though that probably what it literally is. Like a great show has to know why it's funny, but be written as if the audience isn't required at all for it to be.
Yes, the only thing that bothers me about it, is that for example arrested developement is definately the kind of kid who knows hes cute but it's still hilarious, albeit in a very different way...
me too! also I feel like the audience plays such a huge part in how we actually view the story. Since they're coming at it with completely fresh eyes and seeing only the final product, they're going to have the freedom to read into things and see really amazing things that no one in production did. In a way, they're creators of the show as well
Composing interviews like this is great. I feel like I am actually getting credible insight. No shade to Nerdwriter, vox or the like. Hearing it directly from the writing staff themselves is more compelling. Thanks for the work you put in to this.
This is really encouraging to hear. I love to listen to writers talk about their creative process, but finding quality podcasts/interviews is so difficult sometimes. This is meant to take the style of the video essay and condense all of the value of these interviews into one video. I've learned a lot from people like Lessons from the Screenplay and Every Frame a Painting, but I think what's been lacking in this space is an easily digestible way to hear from the professionals. It's good to see that other people feel the same way. Have a good one!
@@herthaberlin9789 i believe they're referencing an NBC show called "About a Boy" im not totally sure bc it's kinda a vague description, but seems vvv accurate
This show seriously got me through some BAD times, and I’m really touched that it’s because the writers WANTED it that way. Like they were so passionate and motivated and effective with their art, and with the intention to do something for the audience. I’m really grateful. No wonder The Office was such a cultural phenomenon.
@@fuzzybacca4997 she strung Jim along forever and kissed another dude while she was engaged. her priorities were always first. She keeps him from working for that company he and Darrel started but she left to go to art school.
@@MarcAnthem she was engaged that was her whole life because she knew and loved Roy's family and vise versa ( at least there's nothing to indicate she didn't) she didn't want to throw away her whole life for someone she didn't even know for sure if he loved her the kiss wasn't a sexual one it was love that had been brewing for two years does that make it okay? No not exactly but she wasn't doing it for any selfish reason she did because she was in love with Jim And in regards to Jim's company pam said she wouldn't't go to art school if she and Jim had a family and she let him start the company to see if it would work but at the end of the day the family didn't work without him so she wanted him back and Jim realizes this which is why he hugs her and she of course forgives him because she loves him
@@fuzzybacca4997 being engaged and kissing another dude, regardless of how you feel about the reasoning why, is just a shitty thing to do. Roy was a dumbass but didn't deserve that. Jim deserved to get a beating tbh
This video is so much more than it appears. I thought it was gonna be another click bait listical full of basic ‘facts’ that are beyond obvious. Instead I found an insightful collection of analysis and in depth interviews from the creators about how this was so much more than a show for them. It brings a whole new level of appreciation of the show, actors, writers, producers, and the even the little guys like PAs who brought us such a genuine experience, you truly believe what you’re watching is real. The Office was an amazing show and this beautifully captured that. Well done.
The Office will always be a marvel of how far we've managed to come culturally. It's a masterpiece and is the only show that has ever made me emotional when i finished it. I teared up yo.
Coming in 7months later with info you may or may not know: Jenna Fischer & Angela are doing a podcast that does this exactly. It's called Office Ladies.
@@kimberlyoram2765 that's not the same thing though. BJ was one of the writers and actors, so he probably had more to offer than Fischer and Kinsey. I guess you can say that BJ is in charge of every department of the production team on all movie sets of America. In the end, doesn't he decide who the director is?
Lots and lots of research and finding random interviews. I have some links in the description if you want to listen to the full length interviews! Thanks for watching.
@@BehindtheCurtain Holy shit that's amazing. I thought it was a real interview lol. Damn with this content you can probably expect a steady rise in subs You should do one of The wire. Best tv show of all time imo. Also if you want some idea tips; The shield, Oz and it's always sunny in philadelphia. Top 4 tv shows of all time! And recently I finished watching a japanese tv show called Deathnote, it's very good.
Thank you! I love video essays, but I thought there was definitely a missing gap in the "genre" and I'm hoping to fill it with this. Analysis goes hand and hand with hearing straight from the creators themselves!
I'm not sure if it's just me, but I pretty much use the Office as a crutch. I keep it on repeat, so it plays in the background for whatever I'm doing. It helps keep my mind off all of the anxiety im going through, when it comes to my day to day social encounters with other people. Somehow I fell out, and forgot how to socialize. The Office helps me not think about it, and brings me back to a time when people weren't so focused on social media. Will probably delete comment when I sober up
I love the subtle spin they added to Michaels character at the end of every episode, very redeeming and more of a dimension than anything else. Noticed the shift on my second watch
same. hes an obnoxious asshole throughout, but they redeem him in the last few minutes- and then the last thing you're left feeling is- well he isn't an intentional asshole. in many ways, hes lovable, and cutely funny. Its not his fault, his intentions are never bad, and they get you to sympathize with him and because michael was so much of the show, that made all the difference to the show being iconic and being forgotten.
"Its a thing of beauty. Its a thing of art. And it could not have happened without paper. ......................unless you had a camera" i love the "pull the rug out from underneath you" jokes too.
Something like the office is so rare. You can’t just write something like that alone, or with a team. You just have to go balls deep into the process and hope everyone is as talented as everyone involved in the office. I don’t think I’ll ever see anything match it.
The writing on The Office [seasons 1-7] is extraordinarily good. Every joke is true to the characters, making every situation genuine and unique. I love it!
This is the best video I have ever seen - truly. As a regular (hardcore) fan my questions has always been, what makes The Office so fucking special? I knew it was the writing of course but I couldn’t really pin point it. This definitely brought me closer to the answer. Thank you!!!
@@BehindtheCurtain I think one of the smartest extensions of the formula from the UK to the US was the making of Michael and Dwight sexually successful - despite their significant social inadequacies. They frequently win against the odds. This makes the US show much easier to watch - less sad and cringey because they can continue to be obviously deficient without the audience having to feel awfully sorry for them. More than that the richness of the secondary characters also contributes greatly to the US show’s longevity - you can do more on a happier setting for longer. Innit.
honestly I love how they broke micheal off from david brent, I love the uk office, but the fact that they decided to shape and form characters into different people, and give them a largely different arc was great, love both shows
Thank you so much for doing this. I had a difficult time trying to explain to myself why I enjoyed The Office so much. Yes, it was funny, romantic, insane, heartfelt, and all that... But hearing that final bit there in the end I think I finally got it. I love The Office because it helped me find a path way through the maze and the misery of life. Because The Office had so much heart, it gets people The Office got to show the solution to the misery of life. And as it turns out... We are The Office.
I always felt like a member of the family in the Office, it has a very grounded feeling that comes from the natural feeling of interactions. The later seasons become less and less realistic but still kudos to the writers for creating a show that is so close to the heart of so many people.
This is a great way to put it. They do a really good job at connecting to the humanity of the characters. You understand them and you have empathy. I agree that the later seasons don't match up as much, but even then they have their moments. Thanks for watching! Do you have any suggestions for new videos?
@@BehindtheCurtain Parks and Rec was The Office model turned up to 11. I know it's Schur as well but it was so genuine and plot-driven with great characters and a little more regulated with subdued characters rather than outrageous. Also, Happy Endings on ABC was very clever writing and heartwarming show they canceled after 3 seasons. I'd love to hear more about why it fizzled because it had as much promise as the office in that time IMO
When feeling ill or anxious, I put an episode of Office on and within 15-20 minutes, immersing myself in their world takes me away from sickness even if its a little bit, the emotions it runs me through just makes me feel more human. Thank you writers and performers of this show for giving me this.
When I tell people I watch the Office over and over on repeat, I tell them that it's just a moment of the day that brings pure light joy and an easy smile, brightening a bad mood by being a source of hope and positivity. It is exactly what is described in the last sentence of this video. Thanks for posting, it's good to hear that from one of the creator's.
He was such a douche in the show lol. It’s funny how at the beginning he keeps saying he doesn’t want to be there forever, and toward the end he basically becomes a young Creed type character. So off-beat and strange 😂
“There is skill to it. More importantly, it has to be joyful, effortless, fun. TV defeats its own purpose when it's pushing an agenda, or trying to defeat other TV or being proud or ashamed of itself for existing. It's TV, it's comfort. It's a friend you've known so well, and for so long you just let it be with you. And it needs to be okay for it to have a bad day, or phone in a day. And it needs to be okay for it to get on a boat with Levar Burton and never come back. Because eventually, it all will.”
The British Office was a delicious hors d'oeuvre, but the American version was a truly brilliant four course meal. One of the best comedies in TV history, without question.
I loved both, but when the American version started to include musicals you knew it had gone on too long. It recovered for a while just before The Wedding, but became tedious and boring soon after.
Oh my god I am so excited for the rest of your stuff. Yay! Thank you for creating this. This video felt emotional, I was fully in there for a sec getting emotional and shit lol
The Office is a amalgamation of perfection. A perfect idea, perfect casting, perfect writing, perfect timing and perfect execution. Just pure perfection, not sure when we will see something like this again.
@@draculanova6548 I have a hard time justifying what happened to Hellraiser after the first… but they sold the rights. You can’t claim a rip off after the money is in your pocket and the result is successful
Really appreciate you making the clips relevant to what the writers were talking about. Kind of reminds me of Nerdwriter's mini documentary on Lauryn Hill. If you think about it, with all the interviews and podcasts out there, every piece of media has a documentary just waiting for an editor and you're one of them. Great work!
Yeah, if it were just random clips playing there would be no purpose in the visuals! No extra information/context would be added. It takes a little bit longer, but I think worth it in the end! I like your perspective! There are some great podcasts/interviews to find that are buried in the depths of the internet. I want to make them more accessible! First I want to start with the writing process and then eventually maybe we'll move into directing, editing, cinematography. Who knows!! Thank you for your kind words. And thanks for coming along for the ride. Any film/show recommendations for future videos?
@@BehindtheCurtain I know one of the editors for Breaking Bad basically did a recap/breakdown for a whole bunch of episodes. Really insightful stuff that'd be cool to see condensed the way you did here
I'm absolutely loving this channel, because they're saying things that I have thought my whole life but not being able to convey. The person who thinks they're funny or thinks they're attractive... Totally misses the boat. But it's that person who the attractiveness or the humor comes naturally out of them once in a while that is just perfection!
Just adding to the comments about how great a channel like this is. Hearing it from the actual writers instead of someone doing a review on TH-cam is soooo much better.
The Office is easily my favorite show of all time. I've watched the whole seasons so many times I've lost count. Hearing the writers explain how the actors and writers worked off each other really translates on screen. I didn't know there was this world of "writers vs. actors" (so to speak), so it makes alot of sense to me that I love this show so much. they really found a way to make the show feel so organic, and the subtleties are what makes it such a unique and awesome show. I could watch hours of this stuff.
"We're 70 years deep into TV at this point. Every story has been told 100 ways and people don't have the patience for this anymore if you're trying to run a standard playbook." Tell that to CBS.
I got the office seasons 1 and 2 on dvd for Christmas when I was in middle school. I spent the rest of the year sluffing school to lay on the couch watching them. Ahhhh the good days.
@@BehindtheCurtain It ties into this because they are also Writer/Actors. There are so many good episodes but my favorites are "The Gang Gets Trapped" "The Gang Beats Boggs" "The Gang Tries Desperately to Win an Award" "Who Pooped the Bed?" and the classic "The Nightman Cometh". You can start with any of those episodes to get a good feel for the show
This takes the same approach to constructing a video essay that They Shall Not Grow Old took to making a documentary, and it was as effective and engaging here as it was there. Keep it up!
the nuances of all the characters is why I was obsessed with this show, they really developed them all so well that you felt like it was real. So good.
I was today years old when I realized the reason King Of The Hill never continued was because the writer went on to write The Office Edit: Damn thanks for all the likes!
I bought King of The Hill at Walmart and haven't gotten around to watching it. I've seen it on TV but had no idea it was connected to The Office. I will have to start watching.
@@BehindtheCurtain You already covered some of my favorites (GOT, Breaking Bad, Avengers). I'm a big fan of the Sacha Baron Cohen movies and would love to see what the behind the scenes process looks and sounds like. Can't wait for your next video 👍
Are you a screenwriter looking to generate ideas, give and receive feedback, and talk with other writers? Then join the Writers' Room Facebook Group! It’s free and open to all screenwriters. Join here: facebook.com/groups/644895109269258/
Great video till you (or whoever) pronounced button as “buddon.” I’m just pissed because my nostril is completely clogged with fentadope, and I feel like I sound like that. But really, fix that shit and reupload bro. Listen to the audience, you’re making it for the audience. Like BJ says in your video. I like that part, shows him having a level head. I don’t like buddons.
Thank you so much for making this video. I was stuck on how to write my character and their story arc, as well how they interact with each other in a ORGANIC way. It can be hard to tell jokes because you want to be funny and we overwhelm ourselves with putting too much on the big up, that they pay off seems lackadaisical. When they talk about the comparison of the boy who knows he's cute to the boy who unaware, help so much. Theirs so much to learn and dissect from this I will be rewatching. Good job Guys.
I am so happy I was able to help you. This is my #1 goal with these videos. I want to help aspiring writers learn how to write like these professionals. If you want to watch one of the best videos on learning screenwriting, I'd recommend Tyler Mowery's new series: th-cam.com/play/PLWeCOIXQgiV7YBK3_amASqZoPGKJFD4JO.html Have a fantastic day!
I love the scene in E??S03 when Michael go see Pam's art and likes it and buy the Office Building painting, this scene hit me in a sentimental way so hard...
One of Irvine Welsh's (Trainspotting) characters described someone who they grew up with as a psychopath. They described the psychopath doing terrible things but then shrugged and said I hang around with him because "he's a mate.. " That love for someone despite their having deep, deep flaws is the essence of family and the Office tapped into that with Michael Scott. He was an ass, but everyone loved him because despite his massive flaws, he loved everyone else and was part of the family. I think this show (despite it being about work) embodied the real essence of a family better than any show that's ever been on television.
Yeah, have to agree that it's great to hear from the writers themselves. As audience members, we can make educated observations and guesses, but to really get to the center of the maze, it's best to hear it from the people who built it.
This video makes me realize just how much i need to assemble a team of writers i trust, and who are free. This is one of my all time favorite shows, and to hear how they wrote for this is inspiring
Fantastic work, very high quality. I initially thought this was a prepared interview by yourself rather than a collection of interviews until I saw your post in the comments.
Thank you! This channel is really just an excuse for me to do research on my favorite films and tv shows haha. I'm glad that others enjoy learning about this as well!
This is by far the best channel I found in TH-cam. I loved the ideia of composed interviews with images of the show in question. Great work. Amazing idea
Apparently your video is driving a significant amount of traffic to my channel, I just wanted to thank you for that and also for the tremendous work you're doing
Wow. This was a really amazing video! I learned a ton about something I genuinely love! This is exactly what the content creation community needs. Subscribed!
Thank you so much for your kind words. That's my goal with this channel. I want to entertain but also "teach" people about some of the best TV shows and movies of our time.
this is one of those rare times I find a channel before it blows up to a proportion of millions, you guys have a great thing on your hands, keep up the good work!
Haha, I appreciate that. We're in the algorithm it seems, so I'm gonna let youtube do its thing and just focus on making good videos. Thanks for watching!
@@BehindtheCurtain Haha, that is great to hear, and if you guys want any recommendations, you should do Rick and Morty! a lot of people like that show as well
I always have a marathon of watching the Office every so often, it relaxes me an I still cry at certain episodes. The characters are like close friends that I wish I could catch up with an see how their doing.
@@HakolBeseder09 yeah I have to agree with you when it comes to sitcoms, I'm the type of person that can watch certain movies over and over again but when it comes to sitcoms this is the only one that I never get tired of
I love the "silent jokes" of the show. For instance, when Michael was at the company Q&A with the lower level company employees, and everyone boos Michael and the other upper management when they walk on the stage. Earlier in that episode Michael says "I might do the spin" when they say his name. But when the moment came, he thought twice and just sat down.
9:27 I was taking notes for the first time on his videos, and suddenly I realized that this guy is just not feeding the content to us but in a great way, manner whatever you call it. His videos are in itself well crafted and well scripted. Wow.
The world is scary and terrifying just as was said in the video, when this show was still going on my mom passed away.... but when she did I just watched this pretty much everyday for about a year to help me laugh and to help me get thru the pain... this show really was special and will forever be my fav comedy show 🙏 they just did something so special for us fans! I’ve never laughed so much and have never gotten to the point of tears watching a show... if I could speak to the creators and writers I would thank them so much for everything this show did for me and taught me on an emotional level 🙏
Amazing video with awesome insight into the show. To me, there's nothing quite like The Office, and it makes me further appreciate filmmaking and everything that goes into the production of shows. What an amazing piece of art this show is. This video helped me to better understand and appreciate that art.
today i just finished watching the office for the first time ever and it really was a wonderful show to watch and care for all these characters and how each episode went for them. was saving this video until i had finally finished. I would tell my coworkers how far into it i was everyday and they would light up with forgotten memories of a scene they had watch long before.
Thank you so much for this it was absolutely incredible hearing writers creators perspective on what they meant and how they meant to create weather viewership
Talk about The Office and filmmaking on our official Discord server: discord.gg/xxTqXXd
Behind the Curtain why is this video called how “I” wrote the office when you had nothing to do with it? Shouldn’t it be “how THEY wrote the office”?
I would literally watch a three hour documentary of the writers analyzing and explaining everything about The Office
check out the Office Ladies podcast.
I'd watch a documentary split over 9 seasons, if one happened to exist
i just clicked on this video to say how much the office sucks dick
@@henkdachief huh interesting life choice, I mean ig quarantine is getting to the best of us
I'd watch 48 hours worth.
BJ Novak's description of the humor of the office being a byproduct of what's actually happening, just like a kid that doesn't know he is cute vs. a kid that knows he's cute is perfectly correct.
Yes! My mind was blown!
This is something I've always noticed, if I'm understanding it correctly. A lot of shows fizzle out for me because I get the sense that they know why people like them and they're now writing with that in mind. It's feels more subtle than self consciousness even though that probably what it literally is. Like a great show has to know why it's funny, but be written as if the audience isn't required at all for it to be.
@Garvin Ferrer This comment is underrated.
Yes, the only thing that bothers me about it, is that for example arrested developement is definately the kind of kid who knows hes cute but it's still hilarious,
albeit in a very different way...
@@demossel5409 he wasn't saying the kid who knows it can't be funny/cute, it just wasn't what they were going for
I like that a lot. "You're not better than the audience; it's for the audience."
Agreed! I loved that. It's a good thing to keep in mind.
‘You’re not *smarter* than the audience - it’s for the audience”
But yeah, great line... Truth.
me too! also I feel like the audience plays such a huge part in how we actually view the story. Since they're coming at it with completely fresh eyes and seeing only the final product, they're going to have the freedom to read into things and see really amazing things that no one in production did. In a way, they're creators of the show as well
@@AshlarPhoenix yeah, my teachers said I always have trouble double checking my work.
That's why this show is the best TV show ever
The Office is the kid that doesn't know he did something cute...I love that metaphor so much!
great metaphor
Composing interviews like this is great. I feel like I am actually getting credible insight. No shade to Nerdwriter, vox or the like. Hearing it directly from the writing staff themselves is more compelling. Thanks for the work you put in to this.
This is really encouraging to hear. I love to listen to writers talk about their creative process, but finding quality podcasts/interviews is so difficult sometimes. This is meant to take the style of the video essay and condense all of the value of these interviews into one video. I've learned a lot from people like Lessons from the Screenplay and Every Frame a Painting, but I think what's been lacking in this space is an easily digestible way to hear from the professionals. It's good to see that other people feel the same way. Have a good one!
@@BehindtheCurtain Also really enjoy how this isn't in the typical "video essay" format and just gets to the point. Good stuff!
@@cameronc52 Good to hear! That's what this channel's going to focus on. :)
Just discovered your channel and wholeheartedly agree with @Blake Correll. You've inspired me.
tbh fuck vox though
"what if Jim & Pam get divorced".. wait that's illegal
@Holden Mcgroine What ist the name of this show?
@@herthaberlin9789 i believe they're referencing an NBC show called "About a Boy" im not totally sure bc it's kinda a vague description, but seems vvv accurate
It's because Dwight went to the moon -- and Jim, acknowledging his deep friendship, wants to go bring him back but Pam disagrees...
I like how it was in the same league of implausibility as "what if Dwight goes to the moon?"
i'm sure it's on the constitution, it can not happen
This show seriously got me through some BAD times, and I’m really touched that it’s because the writers WANTED it that way. Like they were so passionate and motivated and effective with their art, and with the intention to do something for the audience. I’m really grateful. No wonder The Office was such a cultural phenomenon.
I literally keep it on a loop when I’m suicidal. It’s the ONLY thing that helps (that isn’t clonazepam).
You put it into words
"what if jim and pam got divorced"
NO
Jim deserves better than Pam despite how much he loves her. Pam was pretty selfish and did some shitty stuff over the series
@@MarcAnthem I don't remember pam ever doing anything shitty
@@fuzzybacca4997 she strung Jim along forever and kissed another dude while she was engaged. her priorities were always first. She keeps him from working for that company he and Darrel started but she left to go to art school.
@@MarcAnthem she was engaged that was her whole life because she knew and loved Roy's family and vise versa ( at least there's nothing to indicate she didn't) she didn't want to throw away her whole life for someone she didn't even know for sure if he loved her the kiss wasn't a sexual one it was love that had been brewing for two years does that make it okay? No not exactly but she wasn't doing it for any selfish reason she did because she was in love with Jim And in regards to Jim's company pam said she wouldn't't go to art school if she and Jim had a family and she let him start the company to see if it would work but at the end of the day the family didn't work without him so she wanted him back and Jim realizes this which is why he hugs her and she of course forgives him because she loves him
@@fuzzybacca4997 being engaged and kissing another dude, regardless of how you feel about the reasoning why, is just a shitty thing to do. Roy was a dumbass but didn't deserve that. Jim deserved to get a beating tbh
I just wanna know who the genius was that wrote the scene, where Kevin drops his huge vat of chili after working all night😂😂😂😂
Same lol
La Empolvada omg his attempt to scoop it back into the pot😂😂😂
That scene breaks my heart more than any other in the series.
Maybe i'm totally wrong, but i'm almost sure i read it was written by the actor himself.
um, kevin drops his chili is funny but...it isn't exactly a genius concept to have thought of lmao
This video is so much more than it appears. I thought it was gonna be another click bait listical full of basic ‘facts’ that are beyond obvious.
Instead I found an insightful collection of analysis and in depth interviews from the creators about how this was so much more than a show for them. It brings a whole new level of appreciation of the show, actors, writers, producers, and the even the little guys like PAs who brought us such a genuine experience, you truly believe what you’re watching is real.
The Office was an amazing show and this beautifully captured that. Well done.
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate that. Yes, I fell further in love with The Office by making this video. It's so beautiful.
The Office will always be a marvel of how far we've managed to come culturally. It's a masterpiece and is the only show that has ever made me emotional when i finished it. I teared up yo.
Strongly disagree.
same! when i finished it i was like damn.:. i’m gonna miss those guys
I cried like a little b**ch while watching the finale
@@sal6186 Awesome!
@@sal6186 Cool!
I would pay to listen to BJ Novak explain the entire series one episode at a time
I don't think he could remember or would even have notes of every single episode from almost 10 years ago.
Coming in 7months later with info you may or may not know: Jenna Fischer & Angela are doing a podcast that does this exactly. It's called Office Ladies.
@@kimberlyoram2765 that's not the same thing though. BJ was one of the writers and actors, so he probably had more to offer than Fischer and Kinsey. I guess you can say that BJ is in charge of every department of the production team on all movie sets of America. In the end, doesn't he decide who the director is?
"...You're not smarter than the audience. " D&D from GoT should follow this advice particularly....
Bays and Thomas from How I Met Your Mother too
What shows did you abriviate
@@anthonywhitaker37 GoT = Game of Thrones, D&D are the creators.
@@anthonywhitaker37 D&D = Dumb & Dumber
I can hear boss music. *breaking bad enters*
TH-cam is on fire with the recomendations!
I agree. Thanks for watching!
Damn how did you even get this audio? Just compiling clips from all the writers? Its unbelievable content
Lots and lots of research and finding random interviews. I have some links in the description if you want to listen to the full length interviews! Thanks for watching.
Thanks for taking the time to answer, congrats on your video blowing up
@@BehindtheCurtain Quite honestly this is the best video about the office I've ever seen. Awesome content, please keep doing your thing!
@@art-dm7su I appreciate that a lot! Thank you!
@@BehindtheCurtain Holy shit that's amazing. I thought it was a real interview lol. Damn with this content you can probably expect a steady rise in subs
You should do one of The wire. Best tv show of all time imo.
Also if you want some idea tips; The shield, Oz and it's always sunny in philadelphia. Top 4 tv shows of all time!
And recently I finished watching a japanese tv show called Deathnote, it's very good.
God the KGB joke was so funny I lost a lot of sleep at nights laughing to myself
I totally forgot the joke until now and Im DYING
One of the best TV shows ever!
Agreed!
False,its the best TV show ever.
This is the type of formatting I have wanted for such a long time. THANK YOU. You've got yourself a subscriber.
Thank you! I love video essays, but I thought there was definitely a missing gap in the "genre" and I'm hoping to fill it with this. Analysis goes hand and hand with hearing straight from the creators themselves!
Now You See It does some of these as well
@@zyaicob Yeah, I recently rewatched the Dave Chappelle video and realized that it's similar. Love that guy's videos.
So my love of this show and hearing the love and sincerity of the creatives behind is making me cry and it’s way too early in the morning for this.
Haha the last part of the video got me emotional too when I was editing it. So good.
another emotional earlybird here😩
I'm not sure if it's just me, but I pretty much use the Office as a crutch. I keep it on repeat, so it plays in the background for whatever I'm doing. It helps keep my mind off all of the anxiety im going through, when it comes to my day to day social encounters with other people. Somehow I fell out, and forgot how to socialize. The Office helps me not think about it, and brings me back to a time when people weren't so focused on social media. Will probably delete comment when I sober up
Its been 7 months I hope you got over that hangover
I guess your still drunk
keep drinking, let the comment stay here
Glad you’re still here with us
I love the subtle spin they added to Michaels character at the end of every episode, very redeeming and more of a dimension than anything else. Noticed the shift on my second watch
same. hes an obnoxious asshole throughout, but they redeem him in the last few minutes- and then the last thing you're left feeling is- well he isn't an intentional asshole. in many ways, hes lovable, and cutely funny. Its not his fault, his intentions are never bad, and they get you to sympathize with him and because michael was so much of the show, that made all the difference to the show being iconic and being forgotten.
"Its a thing of beauty. Its a thing of art. And it could not have happened without paper. ......................unless you had a camera" i love the "pull the rug out from underneath you" jokes too.
Something like the office is so rare. You can’t just write something like that alone, or with a team. You just have to go balls deep into the process and hope everyone is as talented as everyone involved in the office. I don’t think I’ll ever see anything match it.
The writing on The Office [seasons 1-7] is extraordinarily good. Every joke is true to the characters, making every situation genuine and unique. I love it!
Yes, exactly! Which is why it's possible to go back to almost any episode and enjoy it.
@@BehindtheCurtain It was overacted.
Diego Souza my fav were 1-5. Michael was a bit too jerky in 7.
I love how The Office has apparently became a classic
definitively*
Thanks to Ricky Gervais
@@joshuabaker2833 and Stephen Merchant
This is the best video I have ever seen - truly. As a regular (hardcore) fan my questions has always been, what makes The Office so fucking special? I knew it was the writing of course but I couldn’t really pin point it. This definitely brought me closer to the answer. Thank you!!!
Wow, that's quite the honor. I appreciate your comment a lot. I'm glad that you found this video so valuable!
The writing is big obviously but I’d personally say that it’s the chemistry and comedic timing that counts the most
Totally agree. The Office is untouchable and like no other. I like being able to see what went on to create such a masterpiece!
@@BehindtheCurtain I think one of the smartest extensions of the formula from the UK to the US was the making of Michael and Dwight sexually successful - despite their significant social inadequacies. They frequently win against the odds.
This makes the US show much easier to watch - less sad and cringey because they can continue to be obviously deficient without the audience having to feel awfully sorry for them.
More than that the richness of the secondary characters also contributes greatly to the US show’s longevity - you can do more on a happier setting for longer. Innit.
“Comedy is a by product of authenticity” 8:55
Limitless paper in a paperless world, this video had me in tears by the end. Thank you and good job, man.
honestly I love how they broke micheal off from david brent, I love the uk office, but the fact that they decided to shape and form characters into different people, and give them a largely different arc was great, love both shows
Thank you so much for doing this. I had a difficult time trying to explain to myself why I enjoyed The Office so much.
Yes, it was funny, romantic, insane, heartfelt, and all that...
But hearing that final bit there in the end I think I finally got it.
I love The Office because it helped me find a path way through the maze and the misery of life.
Because The Office had so much heart, it gets people
The Office got to show the solution to the misery of life.
And as it turns out...
We are The Office.
Love this. I love how well they summarize the show. They put the way I felt about The Office into words.
Thanks so much for watching!
Wow, amazing comment. Thanks Micheal.
Yes I felt the same way!!
Yes! That’s beautiful
That starting narration blew my mind in the sense of the bass drilling through my head
I always felt like a member of the family in the Office, it has a very grounded feeling that comes from the natural feeling of interactions. The later seasons become less and less realistic but still kudos to the writers for creating a show that is so close to the heart of so many people.
This is a great way to put it. They do a really good job at connecting to the humanity of the characters. You understand them and you have empathy. I agree that the later seasons don't match up as much, but even then they have their moments.
Thanks for watching! Do you have any suggestions for new videos?
@@BehindtheCurtain My favorite show ever is Rome (2005). I would love to know more I guess. I also love Community a lot.
@@sergematte7282 I will check it out! Community's fun. Thanks for the suggestions!
@@BehindtheCurtain Parks and Rec was The Office model turned up to 11. I know it's Schur as well but it was so genuine and plot-driven with great characters and a little more regulated with subdued characters rather than outrageous.
Also, Happy Endings on ABC was very clever writing and heartwarming show they canceled after 3 seasons. I'd love to hear more about why it fizzled because it had as much promise as the office in that time IMO
When feeling ill or anxious, I put an episode of Office on and within 15-20 minutes, immersing myself in their world takes me away from sickness even if its a little bit, the emotions it runs me through just makes me feel more human. Thank you writers and performers of this show for giving me this.
"You're not smarter than the audience it's *for* the audience."
~B.J. Novak
12:53
If only writers in certain other shows would follow this same rule.
D&D
When I tell people I watch the Office over and over on repeat, I tell them that it's just a moment of the day that brings pure light joy and an easy smile, brightening a bad mood by being a source of hope and positivity. It is exactly what is described in the last sentence of this video. Thanks for posting, it's good to hear that from one of the creator's.
Guess I never knew his real name but it’s weird to hear “Ryan” being a cool dude. Lol
He was such a douche in the show lol. It’s funny how at the beginning he keeps saying he doesn’t want to be there forever, and toward the end he basically becomes a young Creed type character. So off-beat and strange 😂
BJ Novak
Nick Bottorf no shit
He wrote a book of comedy short stories. It's called "One More Thing". It's pretty good.
Being the shows jerk was the joke
“There is skill to it. More importantly, it has to be joyful, effortless, fun. TV defeats its own purpose when it's pushing an agenda, or trying to defeat other TV or being proud or ashamed of itself for existing. It's TV, it's comfort. It's a friend you've known so well, and for so long you just let it be with you. And it needs to be okay for it to have a bad day, or phone in a day. And it needs to be okay for it to get on a boat with Levar Burton and never come back. Because eventually, it all will.”
The British Office was a delicious hors d'oeuvre, but the American version was a truly brilliant four course meal. One of the best comedies in TV history, without question.
M Ouija agreed
Well said !
I conquer; well said
I loved both, but when the American version started to include musicals you knew it had gone on too long. It recovered for a while just before The Wedding, but became tedious and boring soon after.
Its hard to rate comedies but if you were to do so objectively I think its safe to say that it The Office was the best of its era
Oh my god I am so excited for the rest of your stuff. Yay! Thank you for creating this. This video felt emotional, I was fully in there for a sec getting emotional and shit lol
Thank you so much! Honestly, I felt the same way when I was editing that last part. Such a fantastic show.
"what if jim and pam get divorced" i SCREAMED
The Office is a amalgamation of perfection. A perfect idea, perfect casting, perfect writing, perfect timing and perfect execution. Just pure perfection, not sure when we will see something like this again.
There will never be another show like the office again. It was and will be the most influential television show ever made.
You realise it was a remake?
Agreed. What they did with what they were given and what they turned it into is absolutely amazing.
@@draculanova6548 I have a hard time justifying what happened to Hellraiser after the first… but they sold the rights. You can’t claim a rip off after the money is in your pocket and the result is successful
I've seen the show 4 times already and this video made me appreciate it so much more.
Here before this channel blow up
Yessir! See ya at the top!
yeah what the hell
Yup, was here! 5.3k subs atm.
Can't believe I didn't find this earlier!
@@-41337 2k subs in 17 hours😮😮
Really appreciate you making the clips relevant to what the writers were talking about. Kind of reminds me of Nerdwriter's mini documentary on Lauryn Hill. If you think about it, with all the interviews and podcasts out there, every piece of media has a documentary just waiting for an editor and you're one of them. Great work!
Yeah, if it were just random clips playing there would be no purpose in the visuals! No extra information/context would be added. It takes a little bit longer, but I think worth it in the end!
I like your perspective! There are some great podcasts/interviews to find that are buried in the depths of the internet. I want to make them more accessible! First I want to start with the writing process and then eventually maybe we'll move into directing, editing, cinematography. Who knows!!
Thank you for your kind words. And thanks for coming along for the ride. Any film/show recommendations for future videos?
@@BehindtheCurtain I know one of the editors for Breaking Bad basically did a recap/breakdown for a whole bunch of episodes. Really insightful stuff that'd be cool to see condensed the way you did here
I'm absolutely loving this channel, because they're saying things that I have thought my whole life but not being able to convey. The person who thinks they're funny or thinks they're attractive... Totally misses the boat. But it's that person who the attractiveness or the humor comes naturally out of them once in a while that is just perfection!
Yes, I loved when he said that! It summarised the entire show perfectly!
...you’re not smarter then the audience.
Every medium could heed this advice.
100x! I agree.
Take heeded of
than
If only D&D from GoT would have listened to this.... lol
Headed of
Just adding to the comments about how great a channel like this is. Hearing it from the actual writers instead of someone doing a review on TH-cam is soooo much better.
Hey thanks! I love video essay channels but I think something like this is really missing on TH-cam. Any video suggestions?
"There's a lot of beauty in ordinary things... Isn't that kinda the point?"
You're going to blow da fuuuuck up. Great content
Thanks man! I appreciate it. We've only just begun!
The Office is easily my favorite show of all time. I've watched the whole seasons so many times I've lost count. Hearing the writers explain how the actors and writers worked off each other really translates on screen. I didn't know there was this world of "writers vs. actors" (so to speak), so it makes alot of sense to me that I love this show so much. they really found a way to make the show feel so organic, and the subtleties are what makes it such a unique and awesome show. I could watch hours of this stuff.
"We're 70 years deep into TV at this point. Every story has been told 100 ways and people don't have the patience for this anymore if you're trying to run a standard playbook."
Tell that to CBS.
I got the office seasons 1 and 2 on dvd for Christmas when I was in middle school. I spent the rest of the year sluffing school to lay on the couch watching them. Ahhhh the good days.
An Always Sunny in Philidelphia video like this would be awesome!
Adding it to the list! That's a good idea. I'll need to familiarize myself with the show a bit more. Do you have a favorite episode?
@@BehindtheCurtain It ties into this because they are also Writer/Actors. There are so many good episodes but my favorites are "The Gang Gets Trapped" "The Gang Beats Boggs" "The Gang Tries Desperately to Win an Award" "Who Pooped the Bed?" and the classic "The Nightman Cometh". You can start with any of those episodes to get a good feel for the show
seconded!
Yes! My favorite show of all time. Sunny, Office, Blacklist.
@@BehindtheCurtain the gang gets analyzed
5:08 “They fit into each other nicely” THATS WHAT SHE SAID
Gotten
This takes the same approach to constructing a video essay that They Shall Not Grow Old took to making a documentary, and it was as effective and engaging here as it was there. Keep it up!
Oh, I haven't seen They Shall Not Grow Old yet, but I've heard good things. Thank you!
the nuances of all the characters is why I was obsessed with this show, they really developed them all so well that you felt like it was real. So good.
I was today years old when I realized the reason King Of The Hill never continued was because the writer went on to write The Office
Edit: Damn thanks for all the likes!
pretty sure this is why I love both shows..
Yes I didn't realize that either!
I bought King of The Hill at Walmart and haven't gotten around to watching it. I've seen it on TV but had no idea it was connected to The Office. I will have to start watching.
idk how I feel about that
"Today years old" is such a stupid phrase
I'm so glad this was in my recommended. Great video and ur channel deserves more subs
I'm glad too. Thanks for watching! Any requests?
@@BehindtheCurtain You already covered some of my favorites (GOT, Breaking Bad, Avengers). I'm a big fan of the Sacha Baron Cohen movies and would love to see what the behind the scenes process looks and sounds like. Can't wait for your next video 👍
Really well done. The clips you used brought a lot to the commentary
Thank you! I want the visuals to have a purpose and add an additional level to what's being said.
Are you a screenwriter looking to generate ideas, give and receive feedback, and talk with other writers? Then join the Writers' Room Facebook Group! It’s free and open to all screenwriters.
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Great video till you (or whoever) pronounced button as “buddon.” I’m just pissed because my nostril is completely clogged with fentadope, and I feel like I sound like that.
But really, fix that shit and reupload bro. Listen to the audience, you’re making it for the audience. Like BJ says in your video. I like that part, shows him having a level head. I don’t like buddons.
thank you for compressing and limiting all the audio to the same volume across the length of the video. great work!
Thank you so much for making this video. I was stuck on how to write my character and their story arc, as well how they interact with each other in a ORGANIC way. It can be hard to tell jokes because you want to be funny and we overwhelm ourselves with putting too much on the big up, that they pay off seems lackadaisical. When they talk about the comparison of the boy who knows he's cute to the boy who unaware, help so much. Theirs so much to learn and dissect from this I will be rewatching. Good job Guys.
I am so happy I was able to help you. This is my #1 goal with these videos. I want to help aspiring writers learn how to write like these professionals. If you want to watch one of the best videos on learning screenwriting, I'd recommend Tyler Mowery's new series: th-cam.com/play/PLWeCOIXQgiV7YBK3_amASqZoPGKJFD4JO.html
Have a fantastic day!
a massive thank you to everyone involved in making the office and giving us this masterpiece, an absolute treasure of a show.
Glad they had the Office, keep it's "heart". I love that about this show, i can watch it again again, like visiting old friends.
I love the scene in E??S03 when Michael go see Pam's art and likes it and buy the Office Building painting, this scene hit me in a sentimental way so hard...
like harder than the thing in Michael’s pocket when she hugged him?
One of Irvine Welsh's (Trainspotting) characters described someone who they grew up with as a psychopath. They described the psychopath doing terrible things but then shrugged and said I hang around with him because "he's a mate.. " That love for someone despite their having deep, deep flaws is the essence of family and the Office tapped into that with Michael Scott. He was an ass, but everyone loved him because despite his massive flaws, he loved everyone else and was part of the family. I think this show (despite it being about work) embodied the real essence of a family better than any show that's ever been on television.
This is by far the Freshest take on The Office I've seen since watching The Office for the first time. Kudos!
Wow, that's good to hear! I'm glad you liked it! Thank you for watching!
Yeah, have to agree that it's great to hear from the writers themselves. As audience members, we can make educated observations and guesses, but to really get to the center of the maze, it's best to hear it from the people who built it.
You've perfectly summarized the mission of this channel. Thank you for watching!
This video makes me realize just how much i need to assemble a team of writers i trust, and who are free. This is one of my all time favorite shows, and to hear how they wrote for this is inspiring
Looking for a “farmer nerd” go to your local FFA chapter or agriscience and natural resources class I'm sure going to find someone there
Farmer nerds are my type.
Fantastic work, very high quality. I initially thought this was a prepared interview by yourself rather than a collection of interviews until I saw your post in the comments.
The insight presented here is gold. After only one video, I am completely hooked. Keep up the great work!
Thank you! This channel is really just an excuse for me to do research on my favorite films and tv shows haha. I'm glad that others enjoy learning about this as well!
This is by far the best channel I found in TH-cam. I loved the ideia of composed interviews with images of the show in question. Great work. Amazing idea
Wow, thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words.
The cute kid reference sums up this show perfectly
Apparently your video is driving a significant amount of traffic to my channel, I just wanted to thank you for that and also for the tremendous work you're doing
Well, good to hear. I can't take credit, but I'm glad people are finding more quality content. Thanks for commenting!
Wow. This was a really amazing video! I learned a ton about something I genuinely love! This is exactly what the content creation community needs. Subscribed!
Thank you so much for your kind words. That's my goal with this channel. I want to entertain but also "teach" people about some of the best TV shows and movies of our time.
I would love to see a video on Arrested Development
Tell me how the writers went in with zero romance writing experience and came out with one of the greatest love stories ever told.
writing experience
BECAUSE THEY COPIED IT FROM THE ORIGINAL BRITISH OFFICE
So moving and informative. Behind the curtain is amazing
This makes me want to watch The Office again... memories
this is one of those rare times I find a channel before it blows up to a proportion of millions, you guys have a great thing on your hands, keep up the good work!
Haha, I appreciate that. We're in the algorithm it seems, so I'm gonna let youtube do its thing and just focus on making good videos. Thanks for watching!
@@BehindtheCurtain Haha, that is great to hear, and if you guys want any recommendations, you should do Rick and Morty! a lot of people like that show as well
This channel deserves more attention! It’s so well constructed and well thought out! :D Keep it up! Can’t wait to see what comes next! :)
I always have a marathon of watching the Office every so often, it relaxes me an I still cry at certain episodes. The characters are like close friends that I wish I could catch up with an see how their doing.
Feel you. Best Tv Show ever made for me
@@HakolBeseder09 yeah I have to agree with you when it comes to sitcoms, I'm the type of person that can watch certain movies over and over again but when it comes to sitcoms this is the only one that I never get tired of
I love the "silent jokes" of the show. For instance, when Michael was at the company Q&A with the lower level company employees, and everyone boos Michael and the other upper management when they walk on the stage. Earlier in that episode Michael says "I might do the spin" when they say his name. But when the moment came, he thought twice and just sat down.
this is so inspiring and makes me love the office a million times more than i ever thought i could
This editing and splicing together must've taken ages! I loved this! ❤️
It takes a lot of work, but I think it's so valuable that it's worth it. Thank you for watching!
9:27 I was taking notes for the first time on his videos, and suddenly I realized that this guy is just not feeding the content to us but in a great way, manner whatever you call it. His videos are in itself well crafted and well scripted. Wow.
I really appreciate the comment. :)
I just saw the ending of the show. It made me cry.. again :/ Best show ever
I already loved The Office but this video made me appreciate the show as a whole even more.
5:07 "They fit into each other nicely" - That's what she said.
The world is scary and terrifying just as was said in the video, when this show was still going on my mom passed away.... but when she did I just watched this pretty much everyday for about a year to help me laugh and to help me get thru the pain... this show really was special and will forever be my fav comedy show 🙏 they just did something so special for us fans! I’ve never laughed so much and have never gotten to the point of tears watching a show... if I could speak to the creators and writers I would thank them so much for everything this show did for me and taught me on an emotional level 🙏
Can't wait to see more of your videos. Great idea.
Thanks! I appreciate that
Amazing video with awesome insight into the show. To me, there's nothing quite like The Office, and it makes me further appreciate filmmaking and everything that goes into the production of shows. What an amazing piece of art this show is. This video helped me to better understand and appreciate that art.
Thanks for watching!
You're going to be huge - this is such a well executed idea!
Do That 70's Show next.
Thank you! I appreciate that a lot!
yesss
today i just finished watching the office for the first time ever and it really was a wonderful show to watch and care for all these characters and how each episode went for them. was saving this video until i had finally finished. I would tell my coworkers how far into it i was everyday and they would light up with forgotten memories of a scene they had watch long before.
That's awesome. The first watch-through is so special. I'm glad you got to experience that.
What a wonderful, wonderful show!!!
It really did end when Michael left. Sure some funny episodes continued but this was Michael dominated!
Thank you so much for this it was absolutely incredible hearing writers creators perspective on what they meant and how they meant to create weather viewership
Thank you for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed.
Excellent compilation and editing. +1 sub
Thanks, Jeff! I appreciate that.
Nice, that was a masterful avoidance of copyright infringement