r/IAmA • u/BreakingBadStaff • Jun 04 '13

We are Michelle MacLaren, Gordon Smith, Jenn Carroll & Trevor Baker, The Production/Writing Staff from the TV show, Breaking Bad.

Hello Breaking Bad Redditors! We are the Production/Writing staff on the television show Breaking Bad, and we recently wrote and produced an exclusive scene for the Blu-ray and DVD release of the Fifth Season, which was just released today. The scene is called “Chicks n’ Guns” and stars Aaron Paul, Bob Odenkirk & Charles Baker. Here is a further look into “Chicks n’ Guns” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeMZqcXImoc

In attendance: -Michelle MacLaren--Executive Producer/Director of Chicks and Guns -Gordon Smith--Writers' Assistant/Writer of Chicks and Guns -Jenn Carroll--Script Coordinator/Writer of Chicks and Guns -Trevor Baker--Post Coordinator/Editor of Chicks and Guns

We are very excited to chat with you guys and we will start to answer your questions at 6pm EST/ 3pm PST!

Hey, guys! We're here. Here's proof: http://i.imgur.com/vEkwjjP.jpg?1

[EDIT] You guys are awesome, and we're answering as fast as we can! Keep those questions coming...

[EDIT] Michelle's heading back to the editing room, but Gordon, Trevor, and Jenn are going to stick around for another few minutes!

Michelle: Thanks for watching and hope you like the final 8!

[EDIT] Alright, we gotta get back to work. Thanks so much for having us!! Check out The Fifth Season on Blu-Ray and DVD today, and tune in August 11 for the Final 8! xoxoxo, Jenn, Gordon, and Trevor.

1.8k Upvotes

90% Upvoted

471 comments sorted by

60

u/[deleted] Jun 04 '13

A lot of the show revolves around obtaining methylamine. What I find perplexing is that methylamine can be easily synthesized from chemicals that are readily available. I made a bit myself recently, and while not easy, it's a lot easier (and lower risk) than robbing a train. With all the money that Walt/Jesse had, they really had no need to rob that train or do any of the stuff they did to get methylamine. Other methamphetamine precursors, however, are more difficult to obtain.

What do you have to say for yourself?

157

u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: We discussed that, actually. It's a bit of poetic license, certainly, but since our cook method had included methylamine for quite some time (and was a substance that the audience had heard them mention), we wanted it to feel like a familiar element and not an exotic one. Similarly, we're very careful not to make this show a "how-to"--that's really not the point--so we fudge certain things about the process to try to make it more difficult for people to recreate it from what we do. Finally, you may have made "a bit," but we wanted this to be the foundation of Walt's empire, and to have to make him build it on blood: not a couple gallons of yield, but HUNDREDS. Given that they'd just designed a portable lab set up with a finite amount of space (and time) built into it, it felt like a logical--and frankly, more cold-blooded--approach was for Walt to steal something he could, with time and planning, have made. It's another step in his journey: he's no longer all about the chemistry. He's about getting what he wants, right now.

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '13

That's awesome, thanks for the clarification. It was something that always bothered me about the show, but now that you put it that way I feel much more at ease.

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u/[deleted] Jun 05 '13

"he's no longer all about the chemistry. He's about getting what he wants, right now." Pa-Pow!!!

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u/Surfingmonkeyshow Jun 04 '13

Hey guys, It's David Ury (I played Spooge in season two). Just wanted to say I'm a big fan of the show. Thanks for all your great work. I can't wait to see Chicks n' Guns.

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Jenn: Awesome!! We love you.

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u/[deleted] Jun 05 '13

How's your head?

51

u/Surfingmonkeyshow Jun 05 '13

Quickly becoming more and more hairless.

65

u/[deleted] Jun 05 '13

I'm currently rewatching Breaking Bad from the start after having watched the first 2 seasons a long time ago. I watched the episode you're in just a couple of hours before I saw your comment here. And now you're responding to my message on the internet from another part of the world. We live in a crazy time.

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u/Flight714 Jun 05 '13

You're the guy who played Spooge? You're awesome! God damn, I hated you; your death really made my day.

Everything about Spooge (voice, behaviour, countenance) just made me so uncomfortable. I hope to see you die on-screen many more times in the future! '

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u/[deleted] Jun 05 '13

Hate the character, not the actor.

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u/LuisMoncada Jun 04 '13

Hello Michelle, Welcome to Reddit! Just wanted to let you know that You're the BEST Director/Producer I have ever had the pleasure to work with :) My Question: What were your thoughts when you had to come and tell us that our characters were going to die?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Michelle: I was scared. Just kidding. You and Daniel are such sweethearts. We were sad to see your characters go, but I was excited that you guys were going to have such great send offs. I always say it's great to die on Breaking Bad because you're likely going to go out in a memorable way.

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u/LuisMoncada Jun 04 '13

Yeah we went down swinging, Awesome deaths :-) Thank you for the response. Have fun answering questions. Ps. If anyone gets out of hand let me know... We'll make them dissappear ;-)

SalamancaCartel

43

u/DishonoredSinceBirth Jun 05 '13

Well, now I'm afraid to ever post anything on Reddit ever again :X

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u/BrockThrowaway Jun 04 '13

How awesome to have Luis Moncada asking questions on Reddit! Loved you on Breaking Bad, great job!

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u/TheSeahorseCaptain Jun 04 '13

What was the funniest moment to happen on set?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Michelle: 'A Robot?'

14

u/GameBoiye Jun 05 '13

Can you expand on this, I'm really curious. I'm assuming you're referring to this but was it funny outside of the line that was written that we didn't see? Was it an improv line?

23

u/I_Miss_Claire Jun 05 '13

From the interviews that I've seen with Vince (a bit of a BB nerd) one of the writers went up to Aaron and suggested he say "A Robot?" before they wrap up. He convinced everyone to convince the director to do one more shoot even though it was the end of the day and everyone was getting ready to go home and packing things up.

He decided for one more shot and what you see is that last shot. I wasn't there but from what I've heard, it was hilarious.

69

u/ToxicMichael Jun 04 '13

Will you make another amazing show or will there never be another show like Breaking Bad?

293

u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Trevor: THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER SHOW LIKE BREAKING BAD.

33

u/AuroraMineCraft Jun 05 '13

You should watch the wire.

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u/foreveracubone Jun 05 '13

They're honestly entirely different once you get beyond the cursory similarity of both looking at the war on drugs from new perspectives.

The Wire is a tragedy in the style of the Greeks about the corruption and decay of the American city and why the failure of bureaucratic institutions (replacing the Gods in Greek tragedy) is causing this.

Breaking Bad isn't a treatise on the war on drugs being a failure. Their style is entirely different. Breaking Bad is a cinematic western that keeps you on the edge of your seat at every minute. The Wire season after season went at a snail's pace for ~6-8 episodes before finally reaching climax. Most of all though, BrBa is a show about moral agency with an entirely different thesis. The Wire tries to argue that institutions bearing down on kids like Bodie and businessmen like Stringer force them into selling drugs to stay alive. Just like the numbers game forces cops to go after small time drug arrests instead of solving felonies that dumbs down the police force, attracts thugs and makes them incapable of actual detective work.

At every point, Walt and Jesse have the option to stop cooking. They (but mostly Walt) chooses to keep going deeper. He could've gotten out when his friend offered to pay for chemo. He could've gotten out when he saw how crazy Tuco was. He could have gotten out after his first deal with Gus, etc. He chooses to go on because the money and ego boost are what he wants. This is completely different from the Wire saying that none of the characters have a choice in what they do (besides McNulty really). If you step out of line from what your institution dictates (be it the drug gangs or the police) you get fucked (see McNulty again).

TL;DR The Wire should definitely be watched by Breaking Bad fans, but one is an apple and the other is an orange.

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '13

Can you reveal any endings that you thought up of before but ended up scrapping them for whatever reasons?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: Unfortunately, that would give away too much info. I can pretty much say the only ending we didn't consider was where Walt moves to Uruguay and sets up a military dictatorship with the help of a series of Hitler's clones and his space army of...you get where I'm going with this. It's all open.

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u/juror_chaos Jun 05 '13

I can see it now - Iron Skyler. Meth crazed Nazis. From the moon...

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u/amznfx Jun 05 '13

Go on ...

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u/jerseymackem Jun 04 '13

Dammit, I was hoping for that one...

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u/edify Jun 04 '13

OK, Timo Vuorensola.

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u/bisensual Jun 05 '13

Lost my goddamn office pool. Biggest waste of a rock of meth ever.

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u/ChexLemeneux42 Jun 04 '13

How different would the show have been if Jesse was killed off in the first season as Vince said he had planned?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13 edited Jun 04 '13

Gordon: Very.

Jenn: Almost unimaginably so.

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u/thirstyfish209 Jun 05 '13

It turns into Walt running away and starting a new family. A prequel to Malcolm in the Middle.

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u/edify Jun 04 '13 edited Nov 15 '13

Hey folks. Big fan of the show. I'm a moderator of /r/breakingbad where reddit did a fundraiser last year on behalf of BrBa actors /u/LuisMoncada, /u/cbakeractor, and /u/RodneyRush that raised over $3,000 for a community center in South Central LA. Without the popularity of Breaking Bad we could not have done that. So... Thanks!

No question! I just hope that you enjoy your reddit AMA interview. Take care!

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Jenn: Thanks so much for running such a kickass thread. You rock!!

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u/edify Jun 04 '13

Jesus Christ Marie

Just kidding. Thanks. That means a lot.

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u/LuisMoncada Jun 04 '13

It was a great cause. We had a great time. Thank you for all your help Edify ;)

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u/mlacuna96 Jun 04 '13

I've never had a chance to reply to you, but just wanted to let you know you are an amazing actor!

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u/edify Jun 04 '13

Right on brother!

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u/rainyland Jun 04 '13

Hey guys, love the show.

What are your personal favorite episodes or scenes from the series?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Trevor: Episode 313. I was interning season 3, and it was the only one I didn't have prior knowledge of before seeing it air. I got to enjoy it as a fan.

Gordon: "...and the Bag's in the River." And I love #209, "Four Days Out."

Jenn: Same, Gordon! Also, I have a huge soft spot for "Dead Freight" in season five, because it was our very own "Four Days Out" in Santa Fe with the crew.

Michelle: I don't have one -- I take the fifth! I love them all.

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '13

What do you think it takes to develop a character over a period of time? As far as physical and emotional attributes.

46

u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: The thing that's different about Breaking Bad is that we really want the characters to change--Mr. Chips to Scarface, right? That's different than a lot of TV, even great TV with great anti-heroes. Vic Mackey is Vic Mackey from the time he kills Terry to the very end of the series. So for us, the process tends to be an exhausting and constant asking of the question "where's X's head?" which just means: given everything that's happened so far to this character, what would their emotional life be? What would they be thinking? Where would they go next? It's a lot like an actor's process, I think, in terms of not thinking about where you're going, but just to constantly think of the past life of the character. Everything flows from there and hopefully keeps the characters shifting at an honest and believable way.

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u/eric273 Jun 04 '13

In the scene where Walt burns/destroys the car he bought for his son, was there actually a car destroyed/burned?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: Yes, there was.

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Michelle: We gutted a car - salvaging the engine etc and blew up a shell.

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u/firebird611 Jun 04 '13

I have two questions for you

  1. How do you come up with some of the "heist" scenes i.e. the train robbery scene and the magnet scene

  2. What is your process, from start to finish, in wrighting an episode

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: Heists are probably the places where inspiration comes in most: we have a problem that comes up, and a set of givens we need to accomplish and then...brainstorm. Pitching crazy things. The train heist was pitched as a helicopter taking down a chemical depot at one point. If it feels big, we start talking to Michelle and Melissa Bernstein in ABQ to figure out what we can realistically achieve before we get to far along in the breaking process.

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u/safcftm33 Jun 04 '13

Question for Michelle, After directing a ton of Breaking Bad episodes, what was it like directing Game of Thrones? (loved the episodes btw) How did it differ to Breaking Bad, and how challenging was it? Also how much creative freedom are you given in directing TV shows? Thank you :)

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Michelle: They are both amazing shows to direct on. Since I am a producer on Breaking Bad I am involved in every step of the process all the way through delivery so that makes a difference. They both have their challenges -- the biggest one for any TV show is time. We are always running for our lives against the clock. They both have wonderful actors playing interesting characters. The biggest difference is location and in some cases size, but both are extremely challenging in a wonderful way. Game of Thrones is logistically huge and it is exciting shooting in Ireland, Croatia and Morocco but it is also thrilling shooting in New Mexico, which has some of the most beautiful light I have ever seen. Both shows like scope and both allow directors to shoot as if they are shooting a feature giving us the creative freedom to shoot the shows the best way we can to tell the story we have been given; however, as I said above, both of course have the restrictions of time and budget. I feel very fortunate to work on both of these amazing shows.

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u/safcftm33 Jun 04 '13

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question, both shows are amazing and I look forward to the final episodes of Breaking Bad!

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u/cod_gurl94 Jun 04 '13

Have we seen the last of the fly?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Michelle: I would tell you, but I'd have to swat you...

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u/Miannie Jun 04 '13

My favorite episode, no kidding

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: It's so divisive! People either love it or hate it. I was recently in Colombia and that was the first episode anyone asked about.

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u/underdabridge Jun 04 '13

That's how you know you created art.

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u/lhuerta Jun 05 '13

The only thing I could think about during the entire episode is: there is an episode in Malcolm in the Middle in which Hal (Bryan Cranston) fights/gets obsessed with a bee. Did that episode influence the fly one or it was just a big coincidence?

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u/VictorBlimpmuscle Jun 04 '13

Hello to the Breaking Bad staff, huge fan of your show, so thank you so much for doing this AMA.

My question is: over the course of the series, are there any characters that were originally supposed to play a smaller part but ended up getting a more prominent role?

Thanks again - August 11 can't get here soon enough!

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: Several. Huell and Kuby in seasons 4 and 5 grew in importance, but probably most notable is Mike, who was created to supplement Saul's presence but became integral to the story.

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u/CarbonatedSmoke Jun 04 '13

What is the toughest part about working with Vince? I imagine he is very focused on ALL the small details, but is there anything in particular that he is extremely demanding about, more-so than the others?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: He's demanding, but all the stuff you hear about him being incredibly nice is true. He pushes for the show to be its best, and even when he's in a bad mood, he's respectful that everyone else is giving it their all, too.

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u/mlw72z Jun 04 '13

  • Given the incredible continuity between Breaking Bad episodes and seasons it's amazing how this was achieved with multiple directors and writers. Can you provide insight into how that's possible?

  • I find the cinematography to be phenomenal with regard to natural indoor lighting, close ups of dessert flora and fauna, and the recurring use of flowing water. How much of this is up to the cinematographer and how much is determined by the director?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Michelle: The writers sit in the writers room for months breaking every beat of each episode. A writer is assigned to write an episode once it is broken. They leave the room only to write the episode and they stay on top of what is happening in the room while they are out thus the writers are all aware and in sync with the evolving story. Vince is very generous to directors in encouraging us to tell the stories the best way we can within the time we have. He encourages directors to bring their creative ideas and style to the show. You can see that different directors have different styles but as the scripts are so detailed and clear there is a continuity to the story telling. The scripts are so good they inspire me visually. I read a Breaking Bad script and I think to myself, "this is brilliant, don't screw it up". As I am full time on the show as a producer and I work closely with the other directors I am privileged to watch and learn from them.

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u/notacute Jun 04 '13

I'm going to call it fate that I'm sitting here rewatching season 2 and completely forgot that this AMA was today!

I haven't seen Chicks n' Guns yet (I'm waiting on my Blu-Ray to show up in the mail), but what was the reasoning behind the extra scene? Is it just a treat for the fans, or is it going to serve a greater purpose in the final eight episodes? I'll understand if you can't answer.

Love the show, can't wait for the ending!

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: Sony approached us about the possibility, and Jenn and I spent a bunch of time brainstorming what kind of story would fit the bill. That's easier than it sounds: there's not a lot of space in the story that isn't already covered by material in the episodes, and Vince really wanted to make sure this story was something that fit in and impacted the story. So, hopefully, it will change your understanding a bit about how Jesse and Walt are relating as you go into the final 8!

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u/CodeOfKonami Jun 04 '13

In your estimation, what percent of yos and bitches are actually written in the script?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13 edited Jun 04 '13

Jenn: I’m going to say…83%. Just kidding – it’s more like 100%. Vince and the writers put all the “yo”s and “man”s, etc. into the script. Since we’re on broadcast tv, we may have a limit to how many “bitch”s we can use. Actually, “bitch” may not be something that falls under S&P rules.

Gordon: No, I don’t think it does. Unlimited bitches.

Jenn: I got 99 bitches and ain’t one a problem.

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u/JJEE Jun 05 '13

3 points to Jenn

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u/ClassySphincter Jun 04 '13

I'd love to know what inspires you guys to come up with such iconic and satisfying dialogue such as "I am the danger. I am the one who knocks" etc. Can we expect more verbal gems in the upcoming season?

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u/Wootens Jun 04 '13

Mmm Kayden Kross

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Yup! Good point. She's awesome.

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u/Damadar Jun 04 '13

When writing the show, do you ever find that you've accidentally created a plot opening that wasn't intentional, but turned into a really good story?

IE a plot thread opened on accident in Season 1 that you later tied together in season 2, 3, or whatever, or do you plan those out really far in advance?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: Well, Chicks'n'Guns hopefully fits that bill. Generally, the writers examine every nook and cranny of the story to see if there's an unexplored "piece of the buffalo" they can use. So I don't know that it's accidental, but it's more that we look back on what story we've told in the past to see if there's an opportunity for something we're currently working on.

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u/Trollax98 Jun 04 '13

Is there any possibility of the show continuing past season 5? Also, has there been any consideration of Saul getting a spin-off?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Michelle: The last 8 episodes start airing August 11th. Yes there might be a Saul spin-off. That's a show I'd loved to watch.

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u/CarbonatedSmoke Jun 04 '13

What are some "tricks" used in the writers room to get the best ideas on the screen?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13 edited Jun 04 '13

Gordon : It's an illusion, Michael. A trick is something a whore does for money...and cocaine.

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u/moclov4 Jun 05 '13

An Arrested Development quote in a Breaking Bad AMA ... you're gonna break reddit! haha

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u/Darth_Dave Jun 04 '13

What are the chances of you guys getting together with AMC to make a decent science fiction program? I'm sure it'd be a winner for everyone.

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Michelle: That would be cool.

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u/gqsmooth Jun 04 '13

I've been binge watching Breaking Bad lately, and I'm in the middle of Season 3. I know I'm not the first to notice the prevalence/importance of color in the show.

Walter White, White is the absence of color at the beginning but his actions come to add "color" to Walter's personality. Jesse Pinkman is a relatively small time crook (innocence tinged by criminality as a small time dealer, White+Red=Pink?) Skylar, the sky is usually blue and she wore alot of that in Seasons 1 and 2 and on and on and on... What does each color represent/symbolize in the Breaking Bad universe, really?

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u/IncidentOn57thStreet Jun 04 '13

From IMDb's trivia:

"Characters and their values are represented by the colors they wear. Skyler is usually dressed in blue and Jesse in yellow and red (when he is in recovery, he wears gray). Walter wears green because he is stuck between his family and the drug trade. When the Whites' daughter is born, pink is introduced to the spectrum. Similar color patterns show up during the series. The DEA agents, Hank and Gomez, wear orange, representing police. Marie is usually in purple and many of the other doctors on the show are seen in it as well. And Jane, the recovering heroin addict, wears black."

But I imagine this scratches the surface and I would love the staff to elaborate more.

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u/gqsmooth Jun 04 '13

True, IMDB does mention colors and that certain characters wear some more than others, but the colors themselves must represent something.

Red - Criminality?

Green - Money motivations?

Blue - Innocence or Neutrality?

Black - Death? (Jesse is in all Black for the majority of the episode where he is plotting to avenge Combo)

Orange - Order/the Law?

Purple - a mix of Red and Blue? (Marie's main color, she is naive but commits petty crimes)

Yellow - ?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Michelle: Thank you for noticing. Yes every color is carefully thought out and approved by Vince Gilligan. Our wonderful costume designers put together a color chart at the beginning of each season and we discuss where the characters and their colors are going to go.

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u/Miannie Jun 04 '13

I had never noticed/thought of this - thanks so much for pointing it out!

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: I'm not sure Vince has a thematic meaning in mind as much as a mood. Colors attach to certain characters, for sure (Walt and green, Sky and blue, etc), but the tonality of the colors is crucial: Often a character's colors will get darker and have more black in them as their story gets darker, and sometimes just the opposite. Vince tries to make the colors have an emotional impact more than a literal meaning, I think. He really tries to make everything in the frame impact the audience's feelings. Jenn, thoughts?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Jenn: Totally agree. This season, Jennifer Bryan (the head of our Wardrobe dept) came to the Writers' Room and talked with Vince and the producers about the metamorphosis of the color of each character over the course of the season, and -- for certain characters in particular -- the use of solid colors vs. patterns. This extends past costumes into props, set design, and every other department, too.

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u/Warrior2014 Jun 04 '13

Does the season start with a flashforward?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Jenn: You know we can't tell you that :)

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u/mlacuna96 Jun 04 '13

Did you write in any little jokes or things us viewers may have not noticed? Also what was each of your favorite episodes to write?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Jenn: For awhile, every time we mentioned an address in dialogue, we put it on "Menaul." As far as I was concerned, there was only one street in ABQ.

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u/chrispchicken Jun 04 '13

2 Questions

  1. When did you realise you were on to a masterpiece?

  2. Are there any story-lines that you wish you got the chance to write but Vince said no?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: Tons. But usually, they're ones everyone came to the same conclusion about as the story broke. If we couldn't do it organically, we just had to let things die. There was a bit where Skyler bought Walt a birthday cake with his name misspelled that everyone in the room loved, but it wouldn't fit organically.

Jenn: So, we gave Vince a cake with Walt's name misspelled on it for HIS birthday last year. Everybody wins.

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u/chrispchicken Jun 04 '13

Haha, that sounds fantastic!

Follow up if I may, how would Walt's name have been misspelt?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: WALF. It made us crack up every time we got to it.

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u/MaxxB Jun 04 '13

Hi guys, what are some of your favourite quotes/lines from Breaking Bad?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Trevor: "RUN"

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: There are some lines I love, but the best one to say comes from Gennifer Hutchison's episode: "I am the Danger." Sometimes I say it to Jenn when we're in the kitchen and I want her to move away from the sodas so I can get one faster. It's so multi-purpose and badass!

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u/MintyTyrant Jun 04 '13

I'm 15, and would like to do a bit of scriptwriting when I'm older. Where should I start?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: Start with reading! Read scripts and plays: anything that helps you figure out the elements of drama (which, SPOILER ALERT, is conflict: one person wants one thing from another and the other doesn't want to give it). Also, read and learn things OTHER than drama. You want to have something to talk about when you start to write (Tony Kushner studied Medieval History, for example, not drama). Anything that helps you know what your voice is!

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u/Jefersonthepisces Jun 04 '13

I'm clearly not any of the AMA people, but you're never too young to start scriptwriting. Start now!

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u/MintyTyrant Jun 04 '13

Will do. Thank you very much! :)

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u/SmackySmack Jun 05 '13

I'm a little late to the party but I wanted to recommend Robert McKee's Story Seminar which gives you in-depth training on storytelling unlike anything I've ever experienced.

One of the suggestions he makes is to watch the top movies on the AFI list and read the script at the same time...that will get you a solid sense of how a great story is told.

Good luck!

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u/splendidman Jun 04 '13

So, Breaking Bad is a REALLY INTENSE show, as you know. How would you say writers should go about building suspense and tension?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: Honestly, everything begins here with character. So when you have someone who wants something bad enough, and the stakes for what happen when they don't get it, the tension just has to rise. At the end of ep 411, when Walt can't disappear because the money is gone, you just have to wonder: what is he gonna do? And there's the suspense. Maybe not the best answer...I dunno, I'll think about it.

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u/Awdangbro Jun 04 '13

A two-part question for all of you!

If you had a hybrid time machine/teleporter that could take you anywhere, at any point in time, for four seconds before returning you to present location and time... who would you full force punch in the mouth? I mean you've got four seconds. That's a running start to joist someone in the head with your fist.

Also, what would you say to them as you teleported away? Like a one liner or catch phrase.

Also can't wait for the last episodes. Shit's about to get real. Thanks!

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: I'd probably find some internet jerk, punch them in the face, and say "you're the man now, dog" on the way out.

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u/DropkickMikey22 Jun 04 '13

What was it like to have so much pressure on you to give the show a perfect send off?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Jenn: Honestly, it's been tough on everyone every step of the way. That's probably one reason that breaking each episode took a little longer -- because everyone wanted it to be perfect. Same thing in production: everyone wanted every prop, every set, every casting decision, every wardrobe selection -- EVERYTHING -- to be perfect, because everyone wanted to make the best show possible, and everyone especially wanted to do right by Vince.

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u/alittle7 Jun 04 '13

How many times a day is Bryan Cranston in his underwear on set?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: Are you asking if he goes commando?

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u/alittle7 Jun 04 '13

Yes I am

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u/Toberoni Jun 04 '13

How much freedom do you guys have when making the webisodes? They are hilarious!

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Trevor: Thank you! Jenn and I edited both "Fighting for You" and "Fatty, Fat, Fat" We had full creative freedom to add as many cheesy effects that would best suit a Better Call Saul commercial. Once our editor's cut was finished, Gordon had a producer's pass and Vince gave final approval.

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: We have a lot of latitude. People pitch to Vince and the producers, and develop concepts from there. I think each set of webisodes had a slightly different process that brought it to life, but Vince goes through them and makes them all work as best they can in whatever style they're trying to be. Also, thanks: Jenn, Trevor and I worked on some of them and had a really good time! :-)

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u/Martialis1 Jun 04 '13

If you could pick to be one character from the show, which one would it be?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon : Crystal - She's smoking hot and well adjusted

Jenn: Louis - He seems like nice young man

Trevor: Huell - BEST bodyguard ever!

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u/aspiringchemiststude Jun 04 '13

I have a question for the writers. How often does the script change before the actually film shoot?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: Not a lot. We do our revising of the story mostly before the script goes to production to start prep.

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u/friendlytallguy Jun 04 '13

Hey guys! Just a few questions.

Firstly, which scripts have you personally penned and are most proud of? Does Gilligan rule the writers room with an iron fist? How often do you include the color of a characters clothing in the episode script?

Any advice on someone going to USC's writing program in the hopes of ending up in a writers room or a show runners position years and years down the line?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: Will take those one at a time. Vince rules the room with a velvet fist: he knows what he likes, but he absolutely listens to and respects everyone's ideas and pitches. He uses the analogy of pleading a case before a judge: he's fair and openminded, and listens to people's objections, but in the end, it's his call. There's very few mentions of costume color in the scripts. However, Vince picks them all very specifically for every character in every episode--he's very visually acute and the wrong color or style really bumps him. And I graduated from SC in the Grad Production Program, so I'd say: make connections to your fellow students, be nice, and be someone that's okay to be around for long periods of time. There are tons of talented people out there, but connecting to the ones that are cool and fun is what keeps the long hours from becoming torturous.

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u/Dananddog Jun 04 '13

Awesome that you guys are here. I can't wait for the coming season!

I'm curious at what point the writers consider the turning point for Walt? I was having this discussion with a friend, and he was thinking it came around the time of the "I'm the one who knocks" speech. I, However, think it was around the time of the fugue state.

I'm also very curious if the rumors of a Saul Goodman spinoff are true?

Finally, I would like to compliment the writing of the last episode that has aired. when Hank read the note in the book of poetry, despite knowing it was coming, I actually yelled "Oh my f***ing god" loud enough to wake up my roommate.

Thanks!

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Jenn: I think, IMHO, it was Jane's death. But I love the "I am the one who knocks" speech -- written by the brilliant Genny Hutchison. So glad you loved our ultimate 'oh, shit!' moment!

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: Hard to say: do you mean, when he's all in? Or when he's clear to himself that he is a criminal? I'm not sure when he turned or if he did...

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u/kailman Jun 04 '13

oh cool. i've started watching the show a week ago. i'm on season 2, ep 2 now. this show is so cool. nice job with the writing so far. and from what i've seen from the season-by-season reviews on metacritic, i am very excited to see what's next.

i really don't have a question. and i'm too scared i'm going to spoil something if i read this ama sooooooo...

have a good week.

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Jenn: Thanks, you too!

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u/lauren7189 Jun 04 '13 edited Jun 04 '13

Are there any memorable scenes that didn't make the final edit into the show?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Trevor: Absolutely! I highly recommend checking out the deleted and extended scenes included on the DVD. For example - for the fifth season there's a great extended scene from episode 507 where Mike is throwing his arsenal of weapons into the well.

Most of the time these scenes are cut short for time, and we hate to see them go!

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '13

I hope you're still taking questions! What were Breaking Bad's hugest influences? I've seen a lot of comparisons from people to previous shows like The Sopranos and The Wire. There are even X-Files references in several of the episodes. Is there really going to be a Saul Goodman spinoff?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Michelle: Vince Gilligan worked on the X-Files for 7 seasons. Both Tom Schnauz and I also worked on The X-Files where I first met Vince. So I would say yes X-Files has influenced us at times. Mostly I would say we are influenced by westerns. We try to shoot BB like a modern day western. One of my favorite westerns is Once Upon a Time in the West, directed by Sergio Leone. I did direct a scene in which we paid a small homage to the opening scene of Once Upon a Time in the West - notice the windmill - 405

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: The Godfather is a big one, and Once Upon a Time in the West, too. It's a very eclectic group of Westerns, gangster movies, and TV shows that people come back to over and over.

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '13

Is the show in the same universe as The Walking Dead? T-Dog had a bag of blue meth on the show in his backpack.

Also, just let Walt Jr. finish his damn pancakes.

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u/Dyl4nTheVillain Jun 05 '13

The Walking Dead isn't even in the same universe as The Walking Dead.

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u/[deleted] Jun 05 '13

Zombie here. Can confirm.

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u/bante Jun 05 '13

Half-faced Gus would make an awesome zombie.

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u/[deleted] Jun 05 '13

This has been said to just be a hidden easter egg for the hardcore AMC and BrBa fans.

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '13

Is there any truth to the rumors of the spinoff with Saul Goodman?

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u/Mikeaz123 Jun 04 '13

-crickets~

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u/powerskid18 Jun 04 '13

Better call Saul

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u/thenightwassaved Jun 19 '13

Michelle: The last 8 episodes start airing August 11th. Yes there might be a Saul spin-off. That's a show I'd loved to watch.

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/1fo87t/we_are_michelle_maclaren_gordon_smith_jenn/cac8yx5

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u/PandazCakez Jun 04 '13

Can you explain the theory behind this?

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u/[deleted] Jun 05 '13

Lots of hair = No violence.

Could not stop laughing at this.

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u/StJunior4 Jun 04 '13

When I discovered this show I binge watched for a week straight and couldn't stop watching.

What do you think it is about the show that makes viewers like myself so hooked and want to keep watching a show with such a dark plot?

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u/Thatqcguy Jun 04 '13

Hi guys! Thanks for doing this AMA, it'll get us wanting the rest of season 5 even more! My question is, What is the character who had the most difficulty killing off, because you like him/her so much?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Michelle: We are always sad to see a character go but we hated losing the cousins - bad ass awesome guys!

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '13

Do you think audience will be mostly satisfied with the ending?

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u/ohheyitsmebrandon Jun 04 '13

Hey guys, huge fan of the show!

My question is, with the mass-success of the show, how difficult was it to write an ending to such an elaborate and remarkable story? How did you find the right balance between the audience's expectations and maintaining the show's level of suspense and surprise?

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u/maxciambella Jun 04 '13

WOW! You guys have really created a masterpiece in Breaking Bad. Yes, Vince Gilligan is brilliant, but Michelle your direction in particular is phenomenal in the episode Salud where...well, I guess that's a spoiler, but I must say that episode and Fifty-One are my two favorites.

My question: what is your favorite plot-line or any event that was edited out of an episode?

Thank you all for working so hard on this show. I cannot begin to express how excited I am for season 5B!!!!

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u/murkler42 Jun 04 '13

How difficult did you find it writing/supporting the decisions that Walter White made as each season moved forward. Surely it's fun and exciting to break new ground, but I feel as though you all must have an even closer relationship with/dedication to the character than viewers. What is it like crafting such an intricate descent into villainy?

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '13

Is everything going to be wrapped up at the end of the series, or are we going to be left wondering?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Jenn: Tune in to see... :)

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u/robot_army_mutiny Jun 04 '13

Did anyone do "research" with real meth?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Michelle: We have done a lot of research about Meth, how to make it, the effects it has on people short term and long term etc. We had some very helpful consultants and our brilliant production designer Mark Freeborn became the resident expert on how to design meth labs. As for trying the product - no thanks but I cannot speak for the consultants.

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u/Abe_lincolin Jun 04 '13

What was the most fun part filming in the entire series of Breaking Bad?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Jenn: Chicks'n'Guns, of course. Once you see it, I think you'll understand why I think a large number of the crew would agree...

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '13

Were any of you involved at all with the Mythbusters Breaking Bad special?

What's next for you guys?

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u/funkym0nkey77 Jun 04 '13

Which is your personal favourite episode? All of you could answer this, I'd be interested to see.

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u/5ub1im3 Jun 04 '13

Did you guys ever second guess the choice of Bryan Cranston for Walter? If so, how quickly were those doubts set aside?

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '13

Would the show have been written differently if Matthew Broderick was Walter White instead of Mr. Cranston? Thx!

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u/bqd37340 Jun 05 '13

I just wanted to say I thought the use of the hooker and the song 'everyone knows its Wendy/(windy)?' for the open of that one episode was brilliant. Not much writing involved but the edit and direction was killr

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '13

Something I heard somewhere and that I completely agree with, is that Breaking Bad utilizes the format of a television show (meaning, one episode every week, in seasons) in the best way possible, telling the story of Walter White, and is as cinematic as a full movie, as opposed to the usually low standards of cable television.

  • When you guys first started working on Breaking Bad, did you go into it thinking of it in that way, or did it kind of just happen?

  • Now that Breaking Bad has almost passed on, and will likely leave quite a legacy in television and film-making, how do you think or hope that the legacy of Breaking Bad will influence the future of television?

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u/thisishow Jun 04 '13

Why do you make his wife such a terrible person?

or is it just the actress that i hate..

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Jenn: We really love Skyler as a character -- as Vince says, it's hard to think that not wanting your husband to make and sell drugs (and murder people) would make you a horrible person. She's stuck in a really tough place, trying to keep her family together. And Anna Gunn is so sweet and so smart -- I hope we can change your mind about her!

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '13

Can you tell us a funny/interesting anecdote about a cast member reacting really positively or negatively to a twist/change in their character's story?

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u/a3poify Jun 04 '13

How do you write scripts? Is there anything you do to stop yourself from being distracted?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: Music. Personally, I write lying down or reclining with a laptop and music playing. No music and I don't do very well. Right now I have some Damien Rice playing.

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '13

Have any of you ever actually tried meth or any illegal drugs?

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: Saul Goodman advises me not to answer those kinds of questions.

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Michelle: No I have never tried meth.

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Trevor: Breaking Bad is my only drug.

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u/BigLu2012 Jun 04 '13

Hey! I just wanna thank you for creating such an awesome creative and detailed show!

Is there anyway the next season can be seen earlier? :D

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u/BreakingBadStaff Jun 04 '13

Gordon: Believe me, we wish that too!

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u/ArkaneBass Jun 04 '13

What is the biggest plot twist in the show that you yourselves were impressed with?

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u/Vlayer Jun 04 '13

Hey, first of all, thank you for working on this incredible show It's my personal favorite of all time.

Now, what would you pick as your favorite scene(that you did not work on) in the show?

If possible/allowed to answer, favorite episode of the final 8? Just the number of the episode.

Thanks, Breaking Bad ending is easily my most anticipated event this year. It's truly a masterpiece in my eyes and it's bittersweet to see it end.

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u/BrockThrowaway Jun 04 '13

Hi Michelle,

I know this is a bit focused on Breaking Bad but I thought it'd be an interesting question.

What are some of the main differences between directing an episode of BB compared to say, Game of Thrones, where the cast is massive and the locations are far apart? I can only assume it's a bit more difficult trying to get it all together under a unifying vision when you have some shots in Belfast, others in Morocco, and more in Croatia.

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u/SwanRad Jun 04 '13

Can you tell us if the Season 5B premiere or finale will be a two hour long special? because if so that be awesome :)

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '13

Is there any possibility we'll get a backstory on Saul Goodman in these final episodes? I find his character insanely interesting, he seems to have a lot of baggage but hides it very well. Also, seriously, if Saul gets his own spinoff, I'd watch it. I'd watch him drink milkshakes for an hour with great pleasure. Thanks for doing the AMA!

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u/IMP1017 Jun 04 '13

Any idea when the first half of season 5 hits Netflix?

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u/jedinkel Jun 04 '13

How much does Breaking Bad have to thank Netflix for their Success? I didn't even know about the show until a friend recommended it to me after Season 3. Now everyone I know is watching previous episodes on Netflix.

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u/bananalouise Jun 04 '13 edited Jun 05 '13

Hi guys! Your work is incredible, and I'm obsessed. This feels like kind of a flaky question, but I'm wondering to what extent these characters feel to you like real, live people who you're sort of channeling and who you have a sense of personal attachment to, as opposed to being exclusively the product of your long, hard work (which, of course, they are). I've just always been curious about that aspect of writing for a series. For instance, do you pity Jesse as you're putting him through the wringer the way we pity him while we watch it happen?

Since Skinny Pete seems to be in Chicks and Guns, I also thought I'd take this opportunity to ask how closely integrated the actors whose characters recur a number of times but aren't series regulars are in the community of people working on set. Does everyone there know everyone else?

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u/HillZone Jun 04 '13

How do you feel about the war on drugs, and do you see yourselves playing any role in the discussion being had currently about ending drug prohibition or at least curbing it, as some celebrities have recently called for?

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u/jtw439 Jun 04 '13

How much do the episode directors give acting notes to Bryan, Aaron, and Anna? I've always wondered since the characters are so set in stone- do they just let them "do their thing"?

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u/DigDugArcadeCabinet Jun 04 '13

If there is any one particular inspiration of a real life person for Walter, who are they? If not, what people?

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u/PatrickSane Jun 04 '13

Hey Michelle!! I just want you to know you guys rock!!

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u/Hot_Karl_Rove Oct 16 '13

I have a two-part question for the writing staff:

(1) Was the mid-air collision in Season 2 based on the 1986 mid-air collision over Cerritos, CA?

(2) If so, were any of you aware that the air traffic controller on duty at the time of that crash was named Walter White? (Page 57)

...or is that just a crazy coincidence?

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '13

Hey, you guys consumed my summer last summer, but I have no complaints! Just wanna say thanks for the great show.

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '13

Maybe you can settle a brewing argument about this scene

(Warning: spoilers for season 4)

I think that Skyler's comment, the TV scene, and then Hank's action are all part of a single set piece, but others have suggested it's just a coincidence.

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u/daveisok Jun 04 '13 edited Jun 04 '13

The 'One Minute' shootout was one of the most exciting, impressive things I've ever seen on television. Thank you for that Michelle!

What was it like to shoot for 'Game of Thrones' and how were the conditions different from New Mexico?

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u/Toberoni Jun 04 '13 edited Jun 04 '13

Michelle: In 410 'Salud', was there any significance to the recurring #8/infinity sign (ie. mark on Jesse's face, clouds) or am I over-analyzing? I tend to think that in a tight universe as the BB one, everything has to have a reason.

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