Top Limited Series Writers on Adapting Novels and Finding the Right Stars to Play Presidents, Serial Killers and Real-Life Lovers
By Arushi Jacob
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The writers and creators behind some of TV’s biggest limited series took to the stage at Variety’s Night in the Writers Room on May 7 to give audiences a glimpse into their production processes and adapting material for television.
Moderated by Variety’s Senior Artisans Editor Jazz Tangcay, this year’s panel featured Annie Weisman of “Imperfect Women,” Connor Hines of “Love Story,” Mike Makowsky of “Death by Lightning” and Ian Brennan of “Monster: The Ed Gein Story.”
The creatives spoke about developing their shows and adapting their respective source material, whether it’s a true story or a novel.
In the case of “Death by Lightning,” which focuses on the assassination of President James Garfield, screenwriter and producer Makowsky said that he first encountered the original novel during a BOGO sale at a Barnes & Noble seven years ago. “I tried to have fun when I was writing [the show], because I didn’t want it to feel like a typical period piece,” said Makowsky. “I wanted it to feel like something that could have resonance in the 21st century, because I think the themes of the show are so relevant even today.”
For Weisman, “Imperfect Women” was brought to her by Elisabeth Moss, who starred in and executive produced the Apple TV drama. While the novel is set in England, Weisman explained certain changes that had to be made to set the story in America, including creating an interracial friendship.
Hines’ “Love Story” and Brennan’s “Monster” are both Ryan Murphy projects and draw from real-life history, albeit very different in nature. Hines mentioned that “The Crown,” which follows the story of Britain’s royal family, sent him “down a rabbit hole” about the closest American counterpart: the Kennedys. Sensitive to the fact that John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette were beloved public figures, Hines explained they were “meticulous” in the research process. “What drew me to this project was how much I loved their love story, and how much reverence I had for John and Carolyn and their family… compassion was our North Star in the creative process.”
The story behind “Monster” was “tricky” to land on, according to Brennan, who describes serial killer Ed Gein as having “existed in the background,” making him harder to focus on as a subject. “He’s sort of an enigma, which is an opportunity and an obstacle,” said Brennan. “You’re guessing, but you’re actually trying to tell a fuller story.”
Casting actors to resemble an actual person was a unique process shared by the participants of the panel.
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