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TOW All the Q&A
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All answers are by Todd Stevens, "Friends" Supervising Producer The questions: Q1: In 'The One With Chandler In A Box', was Matthew Perry really in the box or was it a stunt guy? Q2: I previously saw an episode of Friends when Ross proves his love to Emily. Ross proves his love to Emily by getting an earring. I was wondering if that was a real (post-style) earring or a clip on? Q3: I want to know what the door between the bathroom and the balcony window in Monica's apartment leads to. I have never seen it opened or even acknowledged. Waiting patiently for an answer...? Q4: Phoebe lives now with Rachel, but I don't understand where. Is it in a building near Monica's and Joey's apartment building? Or, is it in the building where Ross lives? Why don't they ever show where Phoebe lives? She always seems to be over at Monica's. I know that she lives with her grandmother. Q5: I've noticed that when Chandler and Joey first got their reclining chairs, they were black and stayed that way for the first few episodes. Now they are brown. What happened?? Q6: What is the best way that I can write to a cast member for an autograph or photo, or to contact one of the stars personally, including getting their e-mail addresses? Q7: I've noticed that, in the early episodes, Chandler and Joey's door number is 4 and Monica and Rachel's is 5, but later the door numbers are 19 and 20. Why did they change? Q8: Who sings "...I went to the desert..." in that season 5 episode? Q9: In 'The One With Ross' Sandwich' did Matt LeBlanc really have to shave his leg, or was that someone else's leg? Q10: In "TOW the Thanksgiving Flashbacks," when Joey had a turkey stuck on his head, Phoebe got there in time to help him. But I thought he didn't move in until she moved out. Why does she still has access to the apartment when she has already moved out? Q11: Who performed the music at Ross and Emily's wedding? Q12: I have noticed that in Joey's apartment, there is that kids drawing thingy on the back of the door. It seems that, in every eposode there is a new drawing on it. Some of them are really funny and some are really good pictures. So I was just wondering- who draws them ? Q13: How come Ross has 2 birthdays? He once told Gunther that his birthday was in December. When he was thinking, before, about how it was October 20th and why it was important to him, he said that his birthday was 7 months ago. Wouldn't that mean his birthday was in March? Q14: In certain episodes like "The One With Two Parts", "The One With The Jam", "The One With The Jelly- fish" and "The One With Joey's Bag", Phoebe is seen with her twin sister Ursula. Is there a stunt double playing one the parts, or was that Lisa Kudrow playing both roles at the same time ? Q15: In "The One With the Kips," Monica sneaks over to Chandler's apartment. When Joey comes out of his room to see what was going on, he walks into the bathroom and sits on the toilet. The audience can see it, but in "The One Where Everyone Finds Out" when Chandler goes into the bathroom to get "lotion," the toilet is on the other side of the door. Why? Q16: Ever since I started watching "Friends" I have wondered -- Where is Central Perk? I have always noticed in the establishing shot, when they show the whole apartment complex, I see something red at the bottom. Is that Central Perk? Q17: What happened to Denise? She was supposed to be returning around December 26th of 1999, as I recall, and we still have not seen her. Q18:
I was recently told about a used clothing store in the Los Angeles area
called Q19: Is the fountain from the "Friends" opening credits sequence a real fountain in New York City somewhere? I am going to New York on April 1st and would love to take a picture of the fountain. Q20: I noticed that Ross's name is used in more episode titles than any of the other five characters. How is the title of an episode determined? Q21: I have noticed that when Joey and Chandler first got their foosball table the little men were red and blue, but later they changed to black and yellow. Was there an episode when they got a new one? Why did it change?? Q22: Whatever happened to Phoebe's babies? After they were born, it seems like we never see them any more. Why is that? Q23: Is David Schwimmer Snaro? (From the one with Russ)? Q24: When are we going to hear about the puppet guy that went out with Phoebe? We first heard about him in the episode "The One With The Boobies'. Throughout this one, he is mentioned, but we have never had a good explanation as to what happened to him. I am certain that there a few others besides me that would be very interested to know what happened with the puppet guy. Q25: What do you guys do with the clothes after the girls wear them? You never seem to see them wearing the same thing twice, and I and some of my friends would like to buy the same clothes so we can look like our favorite TV stars! Q26: In TOW Monica and Rachel accidentally bump Ben's head, at the end of the episode, Ross bangs his head on a wooden pole that looks like a ceiling support. It is never in any other episodes. Did they put it there just for that one??? Q27: What is the name of the song, and who is the band, from the episode entitled "TOW Ross Finds Out" in the scene at the end where Ross and Rachel kiss each other for the first time. It happens at the door of Central Perk, and it is quite moving. The melody is only heard for a few seconds, but I like it very much. I'd like to buy the record. Q28: How long does it take to put together each episode of Friends? Q29: I've been hearing around the net that there is going to be a "Friends" feature-length movie. Is that true? Q30: What is up with the one episode when at the beginning, all of the names have "Arquette" after them? This was cracking me up when I first saw it. Is it a blooper, or did they do it on purpose? Q31: Who is the interior designer for the set of Monica's apartment and Rachel's office? Q32: Does the cast ever help in writing the script? Q33: My friends and I love to see the latest fashions on the girls of "Friends." What happens to the clothes that they wear on the show? Where do they go? Q34: I was wondering what the monkey's name is who played Marcel? Q35: I was wondering if you could tell me how long it takes to make one episode of "Friends" and how long it takes to make the whole series? Q36: What is Gunther's last name? I remember in TOW The Worst Best Man Ever, Gunther asked Chandler what it was and Chandler guessed Central Perk and it was wrong. Q37: How far in advance did you plan that Chandler and Monica would end up getting married? When looking back on old episodes, it almost seems like there was some foreshadowing. Thanks! Q38: Who came up with the idea that Phoebe's sister would also be on "Mad About You"? Was Lisa already on "Mad About You" before "Friends"? Please tell me how the whole thing came about.
Q1: In 'The One With Chandler In A Box', was Matthew Perry really in the box or was it a stunt guy? A1: We didn't use a stunt guy for the actual filming of "The One With Chandler In A Box"- so, yes, that was actually Matthew Perry in the box.
Q2: I previously saw an episode of Friends when Ross proves his love to Emily. Ross proves his love to Emily by getting an earring. I was wondering if that was a real (post-style) earring or a clip on? A2:
"Clip on style."
Q3: I want to know what the door between the bathroom and the balcony window in Monica's apartment leads to. I have never seen it opened or even acknowledged. Waiting patiently for an answer...?
A3: That is a closet. It has been there since the
pilot and we have never opened it in an episode.
Q4: Phoebe lives now with Rachel, but I don't understand where. Is it in a building near Monica's and Joey's apartment building? Or, is it in the building where Ross lives? Why don't they ever show where Phoebe lives? She always seems to be over at Monica's. I know that she lives with her grandmother. A4:
Pheobe lives in the same apartment she lived in with her grandmother.
Grandma passed on and at the funeral she met her father (Played by Bob
Balaban)
Q5: I've noticed that when Chandler and Joey first got their reclining chairs, they were black and stayed that way for the first few episodes. Now they are brown. What happened?? A5: The reason that comes to my mind is that the BLACK CHAIRS were like BLACK HOLES for light on the set. Our DP made us make the change. (ed. note: The DP is the Director of Photography, sometimes referred to as a Cinematographer. The black in the original chairs would absorb more light than the objects near them on the set, making them more difficult to set lights for. Apparently the crew tried to make them work, but ultimately they had to be replaced. I'm just glad the chick and the duck aren't so light absorbent!) A few people questioned this answer, but my new friend Adeline has written what I believe is the final word on this. Adeline
responds: I absolutely believe what Todd Stevens answered, but
reading the question, I got the feeling that 'a reader' was referring
to what happened IN the show. Now, if TS had understood it so, I'm sure
he'd have said that the black chairs were stolen while Joey was in a
closet (in the 4th season). Then Chandler bought the brown chairs out
of guilt cause he stole Joey's girlfriend Kathy.
Q6: What is the best way that I can write to a cast member for an autograph or photo, or to contact one of the stars personally, including getting their e-mail addresses? A6: Write to the service that is employed to handle requests of this nature:
Studio Fan Mail
That is actually the best way to do that.
Q7: I've noticed that, in the early episodes, Chandler and Joey's door number is 4 and Monica and Rachel's is 5, but later the door numbers are 19 and 20. Why did they change? A7:
No one is SURE yet, but I am checking around. One theory is that
we needed to make the building read as if it is bigger. (i.e. more apartment
units). Since our stock shot always zooms into the top floors of the
building we thought they should live in an apartment with a higher number. Q8: Who sings "...I went to the desert..." in that season 5 episode? A8:
A band called AMERICA. The full name of the song is "I've
Been To The Desert (On A Horse With No Name)
Q9: In 'The One With Ross' Sandwich' did Matt LeBlanc really have to shave his leg, or was that someone else's leg? A9:
In TOW Sandwich Matt really shaved his leg - no 'stunt' legs were used.
Q10: In "TOW the Thanksgiving Flashbacks," when Joey had a turkey stuck on his head, Phoebe got there in time to help him. But I thought he didn't move in until she moved out. Why does she still has access to the apartment when she has already moved out? A10:
Of all the times in all the seasons that everyone has walked into the
apartment, why does this one stand out? We have actually made jokes
around the set about the door always being open!
Q11: Who performed the music at Ross and Emily's wedding? A11:
The music is from a band - The HORMONES - On V2 Records in the UK. It
may not be easily available in the US. "Tired Old Soles" was the track. Q12: I have noticed that in Joey's apartment, there is that kids drawing thingy on the back of the door. It seems that, in every eposode there is a new drawing on it. Some of them are really funny and some are really good pictures. So I was just wondering- who draws them ? A12:
Over time various cast members and crew have contributed to the drawings
on JOEY's apartment door. Two of our crew artists are Greg Bruza who
is a set dresser and another is Paul Swain in our electrical dept. Sometimes
the drawings do represent some inside information that even I am not
aware of. But good eye!!! (One week Paul's truck got stuck in a ditch
and that was depicted.) Q13: How come Ross has 2 birthdays? He once told Gunther that his birthday was in December. When he was thinking, before, about how it was October 20th and why it was important to him, he said that his birthday was 7 months ago. Wouldn't that mean his birthday was in March? A13:
Well, we've spent some time trying to find a way to explain this away,
and we have not been successful. All the reasons seemed like science
fiction, so all I can really say is "You've got us!" Q14: In certain episodes like "The One With Two Parts", "The One With The Jam", "The One With The Jelly- fish" and "The One With Joey's Bag", Phoebe is seen with her twin sister Ursula. Is there a stunt double playing one the parts, or was that Lisa Kudrow playing both roles at the same time ? A14:
Lisa did play both roles! We did have a stand in for matching eye lines
and for the over the shoulders but we only saw the FAKE PHEOBE from
behind.
Q15: In "The One With the Kips," Monica sneaks over to Chandler's apartment. When Joey comes out of his room to see what was going on, he walks into the bathroom and sits on the toilet. The audience can see it, but in "The One Where Everyone Finds Out" when Chandler goes into the bathroom to get "lotion," the toilet is on the other side of the door. Why? A15:
Good question. The building super, "Mr. Treeger," could have remodeled
the bathroom, but the truth is that we don't like seeing the toilet
unless it is "on story." It was moved for that episode!
Q16: Ever since I started watching "Friends" I have wondered -- Where is Central Perk? I have always noticed in the establishing shot, when they show the whole apartment complex, I see something red at the bottom. Is that Central Perk? A16:
The answer is that in "FRIENDS"-TV land it is downstairs! In reality
Central Perk is only on our set.
Q17: What happened to Denise? She was supposed to be returning around December 26th of 1999, as I recall, and we still have not seen her. A17:
It was a joke. There is no Denise. That is all the information that
I have. Thanks for asking.
Q18: I was recently told about a used clothing store
in the Los Angeles area called A18:
To answer your question we never use Q19: Is the fountain from the "Friends" opening credits sequence a real fountain in New York City somewhere? I am going to New York on April 1st and would love to take a picture of the fountain. A19:
Sorry, sweet Melissa, The fountain is actually somewhere on the WB Backlot.
Q20: I noticed that Ross's name is used in more episode titles than any of the other five characters. How is the title of an episode determined? A20:
There is no time spent in the writers room on this one - This is one
statistic we will have to study in the future!
Q21: I have noticed that when Joey and Chandler first got their foosball table the little men were red and blue, but later they changed to black and yellow. Was there an episode when they got a new one? Why did it change?? A21:
Yes you are correct. If you remember when the apartment was robbed,
you'll probably recall that, in addition to the black reclining chairs,
they also lost their foosball table. Chandler then went out and bought
new furniture and of course a new foosball table. Q22: Whatever happened to Phoebe's babies? After they were born, it seems like we never see them any more. Why is that? A22:
Seems that they haven't really been that involved in any of the story
lines. They are not central characters, so they are not involved in
many plot. For this reason, you don't see them too often. This doesn't
mean that they are not important; they are. When the writers have something
that involves them, you can expect to see them again. Of course, you
may not recognize them, given the rate that babies grow up, especially
on TV!
Q23: Is David Schwimmer Snaro? (From the one with Russ)? A23:
I have to tell you it was this guy named Snaro.
Q24: When are we going to hear about the puppet guy that went out with Phoebe? We first heard about him in the episode "The One With The Boobies'. Throughout this one, he is mentioned, but we have never had a good explanation as to what happened to him. I am certain that there a few others besides me that would be very interested to know what happened with the puppet guy. A24:
The writers like to have fun once and a while, just like with Pheobe's
roommate, Denise. (Editor's note: Longtime newsletter readers will recall
an earlier response from Todd on the question of "What happened to Denise,
the missing roommate?" when we learned that Denise was imaginary.)
Q25: What do you guys do with the clothes after the girls wear them? You never seem to see them wearing the same thing twice, and I and some of my friends would like to buy the same clothes so we can look like our favorite TV stars! A25:
The wardrobe department has a special cage where the cast's clothes
from the show are kept. You and everyone else would love to have some
of the girls' wardrobe. (Respondent's name withheld by the Newsletter
Editor)
Q26: In TOW Monica and Rachel accidentally bump Ben's head, at the end of the episode, Ross bangs his head on a wooden pole that looks like a ceiling support. It is never in any other episodes. Did they put it there just for that one??? A26:
No this beam has been there since the pilot. Jimmy Burrows used it as
a cutting piece, but over time it has been cut back because of shadows
and so the booms can get in there to hear actors in front of the refrigerator.
Q27: What is the name of the song, and who is the band, from the episode entitled "TOW Ross Finds Out" in the scene at the end where Ross and Rachel kiss each other for the first time. It happens at the door of Central Perk, and it is quite moving. The melody is only heard for a few seconds, but I like it very much. I'd like to buy the record. A27:
Sorry, but that is a library piece, so it is not available. It was found
by my music editor. It is common practice on many TV shows to use licensed
music from library CDs. A "library" is usually a large number
of CDs featuring music and/or sound effects. Libraries often consist
of 10 to 50 CDs that are sold on a per use basis and incorporated into
a TV show as needed so that a show producer can find a piece of music
that evokes a mood or feeling to help the story. This is easier than
getting a composer or band together to record original sounds, and costs
less than doing that or licensing a popular song. And clearly, it works.
:-)
Q28: How long does it take to put together each episode of Friends? A28:
It takes a minimum of 5 weeks. Three to plot the story and write the
script. One week on the stage to rehearse and block cameras. One night
to film in front of our audience! Another week or two for editing and
Voila!
Q29: I've been hearing around the net that there is going to be a "Friends" feature-length movie. Is that true? A29:
There are no plans in the works for a "Friends" movie at this
time.
Q30: What is up with the one episode when at the beginning, all of the names have "Arquette" after them? This was cracking me up when I first saw it. Is it a blooper, or did they do it on purpose? A30:
We did that to celebrate Courtney getting married to David Arquette.
Q31: Who is the interior designer for the set of Monica's apartment and Rachel's office? A31:
The same design team that works on every one of our sets. Here is how
it breaks down: the Art Director JOHN SHAFFNER designs the walls and
decides the layout and color selections with our Set Decorator GREG
GRANDE, who then furnishes the sets.
Q32: Does the cast ever help in writing the script? A32:
They don't actually help when we are writing the script. When we rehearse
and rewrite the script, then all of the cast members are included in
the process of fine tuning and pitching jokes.
Q33: My friends and I love to see the latest fashions on the girls of "Friends." What happens to the clothes that they wear on the show? Where do they go? A33:
Every piece of clothing on the show is sitting in our wardrobe department
or at the Warner Bros. costume department "cage" area where
clothing from the show is stored and catalogued. Every so often a piece
of clothing is donated to a charity and auctioned off!
Q34: I was wondering what the monkey's name is who played Marcel? A34:
Monkey is the monkey's name. Q35: I was wondering if you could tell me how long it takes to make one episode of "Friends" and how long it takes to make the whole series? A35:
One episode of "Friends" takes a month to write (sometimes less near
the end of the season), one week to film and one week to edit - so you could
say about six weeks or so. For the whole season, it takes about 45 weeks from
the time we start writing to the time we deliver the final episode. Q36: What is Gunther's last name? I remember in TOW The Worst Best Man Ever, Gunther asked Chandler what it was and Chandler guessed Central Perk and it was wrong. A36:
But no last name was used in the episode! Q37: How far in advance did you plan that Chandler and Monica would end up getting married? When looking back on old episodes, it almost seems like there was some foreshadowing. A37:
When the writers were planning the London episode (Season Four finale), they
thought it would be a great surprise for viewers if Chandler and Monica hooked
up in London - so they did! Q38: Who came up with the idea that Phoebe's sister would also be on "Mad About You"? Was Lisa already on "Mad About You" before "Friends"? Please tell me how the whole thing came about.. A38:
Lisa was playing Ursula in "Mad About You" when we started our series,
and during the first season, she was on that show while she was also on "Friends".
It was the kind of tie-in NBC loved, since both shows were on Thursday night!
A39:
The same special effects artist who did the movie 9 Months, Keith Vanderlaan.
Jennifer was fitted with a latex prosthetic device that weighed less then two
pounds and was attached behind her - that's why it looked so real in every angle. A40:
It is an extensive list over the years, including set dresser Scott Bruza, Burton
Moris and some guest artists. A41: This is a show tradition that started from Season One because, before the writers had a title for a particular episode, they'd discuss the idea by saying "We are working on the one with the..." And it just stuck!
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Last updated: 28/7/03 |
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