Variety’s Michael Schneider and Kate Aurthur had the unique opportunity to play themselves in the Season 4 premiere of the hit comedy series “Hacks,” starring Jean Smart. In this episode, they portrayed reporters at a press conference held by Smart’s character, Deborah Vance, as she promoted her new late-night show.
For Michael Schneider, playing himself was a surreal experience. He dove into the role by arriving on set in his own beat-up Honda CR-V and wearing a suit jacket straight from his own closet. Fully committed to the part, Schneider made sure to embody the most authentic version of himself possible.
Kate Aurthur, on the other hand, was initially nervous about her acting debut. Not being an actor herself, she found herself amused by the requests from the costume and makeup departments for photos and guidance on her reporter look. Despite her apprehensions, Aurthur embraced the experience and ultimately felt relieved when the creators approved her outfit based on a video interview she had done with them previously.
During the filming of the press conference scene at the Skirball Center, both Schneider and Aurthur found themselves surrounded by background actors, adding to the authenticity of the setting. While Aurthur felt overwhelmed by the large crowd, Schneider grappled with the evolution of his line in the script, which had become a mouthful to deliver accurately.
Reflecting on the experience, Schneider admitted to feeling slightly underprepared for the scene but ultimately found comfort in the fact that he and Aurthur delivered their lines convincingly. The duo also shared a moment of amusement when they realized that an actual actor was among them posing as a reporter, with his wardrobe attracting attention from the cast.
Overall, the opportunity to play themselves in “Hacks” was a memorable and rewarding experience for both Schneider and Aurthur. Their performances added an extra layer of authenticity to the show and showcased their versatility beyond their roles as entertainment journalists. After the wardrobe team downgraded his look, he blended in with the rest of us. It was impressive how quickly we wrapped up filming. I’ve never been a fan of TV show set visits due to the “hurry up and wait” vibe making me anxious. The repetition of watching the same scene being filmed multiple times can become monotonous. However, for our scene in “Hacks,” we shot it numerous times from different angles, but it didn’t feel like overkill. Maybe I just wanted to soak it all in and ensure they had enough decent takes to work with.
One memorable moment was when Jean Smart called on me by name, kicking off the press conference in several takes. It wasn’t in the script; Jean Smart just remembered my name, which was a “pinch me” moment after writing about TV for 30 years.
Kate Aurthur, also part of the scene, shared her excitement for people to see her on TV in “Hacks.” She was surprised when people started reaching out after watching advance screeners of the show. Despite some self-doubt, she is trying to enjoy this unique experience and hopes not to become a meme.
As a journalist who covers television, Kate found the efficiency of the set impressive. The scene where Deborah faces the press was meticulously shot with different camera setups. Lucia Aniello would give Jean Smart alternative responses to the reporters’ questions, adding depth to the scene. Helen Hunt’s character, Winnie, would then drag Deborah off the stage after a controversial response, setting up a pivotal moment in the episode.
After shooting the scene multiple times, Kate didn’t anticipate that the takes with the cameras facing them would be used in the final cut. She went method by holding her phone as if she had written her question on it, adding to the authenticity of the scene.
Overall, the experience on the set of “Hacks” was a mix of excitement, professionalism, and efficiency. The cast and crew’s attention to detail and dedication to their craft made the filming process smooth and enjoyable for all involved. The process of being on set for the hit TV show “Hacks” was a luxurious eye-opener for both Michael Schneider and Kate Aurthur. As seasoned reporters, they were no strangers to the entertainment industry, but being in the midst of a production of this scale gave them a newfound appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making a TV show.
From the spacious dressing rooms with their names on them to the top-notch catering that kept the entire crew and extras well-fed, the level of attention to detail and care that went into every aspect of the production was impressive. The makeup artists, sound technicians, producers, and director all played a crucial role in ensuring that everything ran smoothly and that the actors looked and sounded their best on camera.
One surprising element of the day was the presence of stand-ins for Michael and Kate during the scene. While it was a bit embarrassing to have someone sit in for them while the cameras were reset, it highlighted the level of professionalism and dedication that goes into every aspect of production. Seeing someone who looked slightly older than them as their stand-in also made them question their own age and place in the industry.
Despite any initial nervousness or concerns about being memed, both Michael and Kate thoroughly enjoyed their time on set. Watching Jean Smart deliver her lines with precision and creativity was a master class in acting, and they both walked away with a newfound appreciation for the hard work and talent that goes into making a successful TV show.
While Kate may pass on a potential spinoff focusing on reporters who cover television, Michael may have a real shot at it. Overall, their experience on “Hacks” was a memorable one that they will always cherish, and it gave them valuable insights into the world of television production. In a shocking turn of events, Mike has finally come clean and admitted to stealing his neighbor’s sign. The admission came after weeks of speculation and denials, but it seems that the truth has finally come out. The stolen sign has been a point of contention between the two neighbors for quite some time, with accusations flying back and forth. But now, with Mike’s confession, it seems that the matter has been settled once and for all.
The revelation has left many in the neighborhood stunned, as Mike was always seen as a trustworthy and upstanding member of the community. His admission has called into question his character and integrity, leaving many wondering what other secrets he may be hiding. The stolen sign may seem like a minor offense, but it has had a major impact on the relationship between the two neighbors.
Despite the confession, it remains to be seen what consequences Mike will face for his actions. Will he be forced to return the stolen sign and make amends with his neighbor? Or will he be able to simply brush off the incident and move on? Only time will tell how this situation will ultimately play out.
In the meantime, the neighborhood is abuzz with gossip and speculation about what other secrets may be lurking beneath the surface. It just goes to show that you never truly know someone until their true colors are revealed. As for Mike, only time will tell how his reputation will be affected by this shocking revelation.
