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Interview with Bryan Fuller
December 28, 2006
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So one day, I was watching an episode of "Deep Space Nine", and I just kind of understood how they were telling the story. I never really thought about structure or those things. I was very much a passive audience member. And then it occurred to me, “Oh, what would happen if…this?” And then I kind of got bit by that writing bug. I wrote an episode on spec and submitted it through the open spec submission process that they had at the time and I got invited to pitch. I sold the story, and then sold another one, and then got hired on staff, and I was there four years.
BrilliantBC: Wow. That sounds so much easier than it probably was...
It was a really sort of clean beginning to the writing process. And it wasn’t until being on “Star Trek” for a few years that I thought, “I’d really like to write something…else.” And so I wrote a spec for “Dead Like Me.”
BrilliantBC: Which you created.
Yes.
BrilliantBC: We’re all huge fans of that show. One of the things that's so interesting about it is the sense that reality is being told through non-reality.
I think that’s what shows like “The Twilight Zone” and “Star Trek” do very well. They look at our reality through a fantastic context. And you get to see different parts of your reality that you wouldn’t see every day. It sort of sneaks up on you. I think that’s what “Battlestar Galactica” is doing so well right now. Just politically, in terms of the war in Iraq. It’s a show that’s indicative of this era. They’re using the annihilation of the human race to tell this story that taps into a lot of the issues that we’re experiencing right now. That would be very unpleasant to sit down and watch every week, because they’re too real. But when you put it on the level of space opera, it becomes a little more palatable, and a little more poignant.
BrilliantBC: “Wonderfalls” did the same thing. The idea that there is an entire different “backstage” aspect to life. And “Dead Like Me” is such a fascinating study of that, too. The imagining of the after-life as extraordinarily bureaucratic. It really does hold up a study to our every day lives. We think that comparison is what people respond to.
I hope so. It’s definitely a good way to get the audience to relate to extraordinary circumstances, just by putting them in a situation that will make everyone relate to the fact that they have a terrible boss, they can relate to the ideas that “I have to do these things that don’t interest me.” And to make that about life and death seems to be a bit more tangible to people.
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Comments
Johnny wrote:
Ack! Why was "Wonderfalls" canceled? It was so fantastic and smart! Thank you for this piece on Bryan Fuller, who might just be the funniest (and, um, most adorable) TV writer making things up today.
posted at January 3, 2007 11:35 AM
krissy wrote:
BRYAN FULLER IS BRILLIANT!!! Thank you for this fabulous interview. A fun read about one of the greatest writers in the biz right now, so edgy with some great questions. I need to keep checking out BrilliantBC...
posted at January 3, 2007 12:09 PM
Lana wrote:
What a great article! I love BrilliantBC because it reminds me of all my favorite shows and I can still read and get info on all of them -- man, I miss Dead Like Me so much. I love how darkly funny Bryan Fuller is.
I agree, Johnny, that Bryan is the most adorable
posted at January 3, 2007 12:20 PM
cherrie rogers wrote:
love your shows .. you have a talent thats not seen to much .. DEAD LIKE ME rocked . i still am mad as hell showtime cancelled it . WONDERFALLS was another hit that was awesome. great imagination you have . please keep using it . one of these days the top deciders will grow a brain and keep the good shows on the air and cancel out the duds.. thank you for your shows bryan fuller
posted at January 4, 2007 10:12 AM
Liz wrote:
I loved Dead Like Me! Bryan Fuller is so smart and funny... good interview.
posted at January 5, 2007 05:37 AM
Aria wrote:
I hated it when "Wonderfall" was cancelled, I really liked that show.
posted at January 5, 2007 03:12 PM
J. Benjamin Ryan wrote:
Fantastic interview! It defintely gave me a great insight into the creative mind of Mr. Fuller. Thanks a lot!
posted at January 6, 2007 07:35 PM
sara wrote:
Great interview - I will definately look out for "Pushing Daisies" and keep my fingers crossed that it makes it to air. After watching "Dead Like Me" in reruns on Sci-Fi I'm mistified as to why it was cancelled. It really is an amazing show, so thank you to Mr. Fuller for giving it to us.
posted at January 9, 2007 08:35 PM
Todd wrote:
Informative and insightful interview -- THANK YOU for this! Ever since "Wonderfalls", I've been a huge fan and follower of Bryan's work, and it's nice to get his thoughts on the various projects. What a mind on this man!
Is there an email address for contacting Bryan?
posted at January 16, 2007 01:00 AM
Conchita Moore wrote:
I was a huge fan of Woderfalls and Dead like me and i was hella mad when they canceled them. Both shows were original and refreshing and it's a shame more people didn't get itno them. I have say i think your pretty talented.
posted at February 9, 2007 09:30 PM
Katie L. wrote:
I love Wonderfalls - the dvd set was one of the best investments I ever made. The episodes that aired on tv are great but don't limit yourself - check out the others, too! They're just as good.
posted at February 12, 2007 09:54 AM
Janet wrote:
Why was Pushing Daisies cancelled...I looked forward to watching every Wed. If I missed it I went to the abc.full episodes to watch...what happened???????
posted at February 12, 2008 02:55 PM
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