Key Takeaways:
– Taylor Sheridan sent untouched scripts, typos, and all, to the actors in 1883.
– Isabel May, who played Elsa Dutton, received the raw, unedited drafts of the scripts.
– The unaltered scripts had a profound emotional impact on the actresses, especially for Isabel May.
– Despite being contrary to the usual practice of script revisions, this approach proved successful.
Actor's Experience: Raw and Unedited Scripts
In the world of TV series and film scripts, it's a common practice to revise and polish the contents until they're deemed perfect. But Taylor Sheridan, creator of the popular TV series 1883, bucks this trend. When he completes a script, he sends it to the actors without a second thought. This means a script in its raw, untouched state – complete with typos, spelling errors, and other first-draft marks. For Isabel May who played Elsa Dutton, this meant engaging with the material in its most authentic incarnation.
Isabel's Experience: Sheridan's Scripts Reflect Her Personally
May recounted that she received all ten scripts over two months, each bearing the untarnished marks of Sheridan's initial draft. On The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast, May expressed her awe when she saw the degree of attention Sheridan put into each episode detail. She described how the scripts were like a piece of her own self, imprinted on paper, noting that the minute details he used to describe Elsa felt as if it was a reflection of her. The impact was profound, moving May in unexpected ways.
Impact of Unaltered Scripts: Profound and Emotional
Isabel May's experience with Sheridan's unedited scripts reached an emotionally intense peak when she read the season finale of 1883. Reading the ending of her character's journey was a heart-wrenching experience for her. She candidly admitted that she sobbed inconsolably upon reading it. This absolute rawness and authenticity of the scripts gave her a chance to connect with her character and the storyline in its most pristine form.
Sheridan's Surprise Success: Unedited Scripts Win Hearts
In a TV and film production landscape defined by constant script revisions, Taylor Sheridan's approach seemed like a precarious risk. But the success of 1883 demonstrates that this gamble paid off. The show garnered rave reviews from both critics and viewers, proving that the raw, unedited scripts had a unique appeal. The series holds an impressive 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes – a clear indication that Sheridan's innovative and maverick style, while unorthodox, is a bona fide hit with audiences.
1883, along with its compelling narrative and characters, offers a fresh perspective on television storytelling. By preserving the raw energy and authenticity of his scripts, Sheridan has created a standout TV series that's touched millions of hearts.
Conclusion: The Magic of Authenticity
While Sheridan's approach to 1883 may deviate from the typical path of limitless edits and revisions, it has carved out a novel space in the realm of TV storytelling. The unpolished, raw creative vision employed by Sheridan has not only captured the hearts of many viewers but also the admiration and recognition of critics. It's a living testament to how the authenticity of an artist's touch, no matter how unusual, can bring brilliance and success in unanticipated ways.
So, if you're ready for a taste of raw authenticity on screen, 1883 is there waiting for you on Paramount+.
