The Challenge's Lloyd Garver talks about Bob Newhart and making webisodes
When I first learned about Strike TV, I thought it would be a way for me to learn about writing for the Internet and help raise money for people who were hurt by the Writers Strike. I had an idea, and I knew that Bob Newhart would be perfect for it. I had worked on "The Bob Newhart Show" more than 30 years ago. Yet I still had the courage to call Bob up to ask him if he wanted to do it. Talking to him on the phone was somewhat surreal. I couldn't stop thinking that I was on the phone with the guy who was the funniest guy in the world when it came to talking on the phone.
He said "yes" almost immediately. I have to admit that his interest in doing the project was mostly because of his desire to help raise money for people who needed it rather than in being re-united with me as a writer. Of course, it's possible that he was very excited about the thrill of working with me, but he just didn't want me to get a swelled head.
I didn't care what his reason was. I was just excited that he would do it. Michael Zinberg (who had been kind enough to hire me on "The Bob Newhart Show" way back when) agreed to direct and Stephen Grossman another MTM and Newhart veteran was the producer. I was thrilled to be working with people I respected and felt comfortable with. There was a shorthand involved that brought back a lot of fond memories.
I also got to work with an editor whom I've known for about 26 years, my son, David Garver. And we're still speaking to each other after having worked togtether! Bob's granddaughter played Bob's granddaughter, so the whole thing was somewhat of a family affair. The shoot went smoothly. The whole thing took about five hours, and that includes time out for bagels.
My son was amazed at how well things went and said, "If only things could always go smoothly like this." I answered, "They used to." And my hope is that Strike TV will provide an arena like those charmed days at MTM where people who respect each other will be able to do work that they're all proud of in an excitingly collaborative manner.
Oh, yeah. I almost forgot. Newhart's hysterical in "The Challenge."
He said "yes" almost immediately. I have to admit that his interest in doing the project was mostly because of his desire to help raise money for people who needed it rather than in being re-united with me as a writer. Of course, it's possible that he was very excited about the thrill of working with me, but he just didn't want me to get a swelled head.
I didn't care what his reason was. I was just excited that he would do it. Michael Zinberg (who had been kind enough to hire me on "The Bob Newhart Show" way back when) agreed to direct and Stephen Grossman another MTM and Newhart veteran was the producer. I was thrilled to be working with people I respected and felt comfortable with. There was a shorthand involved that brought back a lot of fond memories.
I also got to work with an editor whom I've known for about 26 years, my son, David Garver. And we're still speaking to each other after having worked togtether! Bob's granddaughter played Bob's granddaughter, so the whole thing was somewhat of a family affair. The shoot went smoothly. The whole thing took about five hours, and that includes time out for bagels.
My son was amazed at how well things went and said, "If only things could always go smoothly like this." I answered, "They used to." And my hope is that Strike TV will provide an arena like those charmed days at MTM where people who respect each other will be able to do work that they're all proud of in an excitingly collaborative manner.
Oh, yeah. I almost forgot. Newhart's hysterical in "The Challenge."
