Disclosure: This post is part of my all expense paid trip to Los Angeles provided by Disney. No spoilers to follow!
Sneak Peek: Can Willa Fix It?
When the Governor’s wife threatens to reveal Claire’s drinking,how will Willa handle the situation?
From The Family Season 1, Episode 8, “Sweet Jane” SUNDAYS 9|8c on ABC.
All PHOTOs C/o the talented: LOVEBUGS AND POSTCARDS
I was lucky enough to basically hang out and watch the 2 episodes of The Family with the cast and producers from The Family. We spoke with Zach Gilford (“Danny”), Alison Phill (“Willa”), Floriana Lima (“Bridey”), Creator & Executive Producer, Jenna Bans (also from Grey’s Anatomy & Scandal) and Executive Producer, Laurie Zaks (also Produced 89 Castle Episodes). Needless to say, I was trying my hardest not to geek out!!
Before our group interview, we had a family style meal together. The cast and creators get along so well and they were so sweet to us. We watched two episodes with them and chatted during the commercials. I love how open they were with us and with each other.
As you know if you are following the show, Alison plays an emotional character, Willa. We asked Alison how she get into Willa Character.
We have really good writers, and it really makes sense to me. And then I think, I think the sort of touchstone for me is the moment when me and Madeline Arthur switch places on the bed in the motel. And she’s fully frozen at thirteen. Like, she is somebody who will do anything to keep her family together. And everything else that is built up- all of this armor is only to get to her ultimate goal, which is having her entire family under one roof again. That’s it. And everything else is driven by that, so when anything threatens that, that is the worst thing that can happen in the world. So all of the emotion just comes from that thought of being thirteen and trying to keep your family together. And I was a very emotional thirteen year old. -Alison
The next question kinda blew my mind. I knew that shows were directed by different directors, but I didn’t realize that it impacted the actors. It totally makes sense, but if you are not in the business, you are just taking in the show and the acting. You really don’t think about all the other party of the puzzle. The only time you really notice a difference is if it feels off.
What is it like working with different directors for different episodes?
It’s, it’s weird. It’s super weird – Alison
It’s definitely weird to get used to somebody. – Floriana
It’s the hardest thing about TV. It really is because it’s not the director’s medium, and I love to act mostly because I love working with directors, and getting cool notes, and being, like, yeah. And now what? I could do it different. First of all, we don’t have as much time. And then there’s suddenly, the next day, there’s somebody new who doesn’t know your set, doesn’t know your crew, doesn’t know your camera guy’s name…
Thankfully, my scenes with these wonderful people and with the extraordinary Joan Allen…everything she does is amazing. So reacting to that is- you’re just lucky. But it’s really weird and, going back and forth to different people, having Andrew- a familiar face, because he came and did three, and then five and six, and having him for all of those ones was…at least you’re not a stranger.Because often the bad, the sort of annoying part, is by the time you’re done eight days of shooting, you finally know this person and their vibe, and then they’re gone. – Alison
This next answer just cracks me up! I’m kinda obsessed with Scandal and I totally get where she is coming from because I had no idea where Scandal would go either.
How many seasons do you see this show running?
Definitely three. Beyond that, what happens is, you know, I was on Scandal, too, and were like, this can only go, like, a season.What are we gonna do?And then you get to the end of the first season, and you’re like, oh, that’s a second season, and then in second season, you’re like, that’s obviously the third season.So you sort of- somehow it always works itself out, but yeah. – Jenna
Watch ‘The Family’ TONIGHT on ABC at 9/8C
Here is another sneak peek at tonights episode! So good!!
After watching Adam sneak out of the house late every night, Hank warns Claire to pay more attention to her son’s whereabouts. This scene cracks me up at the end!! (PS only funny if you are watching the show…) This clip is from The Family Season 1, Episode 8, “Sweet Jane” SUNDAYS 9|8c on ABC.
For more information, clips, news, and more about The Family head to ABC.go.com. Be sure to tune in on ABC Sundays at 9/8c. If you DVR, be sure to watch within 3 days to help the ratings stay accurate. We want this show to get picked up because I imagine not finding out what happens next!!