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Published Jun 25, 2017

Episode 823 - Jenji Kohan

Jenji Kohan delves into the creative process, challenges, and personal journey that led to her influential work on groundbreaking shows like "GLOW," "Weeds," and "Orange is the New Black." She offers compelling insights into maintaining creative control, the collaborative dynamics of television, and the rebellious spirit that propelled her success in the industry.
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  • Creative Control

    shares her approach to creative control in TV production, emphasizing the importance of flexibility over rigid planning. She avoids using a "Bible" for her shows, preferring to let characters evolve naturally, which allows for more organic storytelling 1. This approach was evident in her work on "Weeds," where she focused on each season individually rather than planning far ahead 1. Despite the challenges of transitioning from "Weeds" to "Orange is the New Black," Jenji managed to maintain her creative vision, even while juggling multiple projects 2.

    I created an environment and a show where I had learned from mistakes of the past. I had learned from shows what I didn't want to do, what I did want to do.

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    Her ability to adapt and learn from past experiences has been crucial in her success.

       

    Collaboration

    Collaboration plays a pivotal role in creative process, particularly in casting and working with writers. She highlights the importance of giving unique talents a chance, as seen in the casting of "GLOW," where unconventional choices led to a dynamic ensemble 3. Jenji believes that when the creative process flows smoothly, it's a sign that the project is meant to be 3. In the writers' room, she fosters an environment where ideas can flourish, watching entire seasons in one go to understand the narrative arc and prepare for future developments 4.

    It's the experience I think some people are having of just being washed in it.

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    This immersive approach helps her team stay aligned and inspired.

       

    Writing Dynamics

    The dynamics within the writing room significantly influence the creative output of a show. recounts her experiences in various writers' rooms, noting the impact of leadership styles on the creative process 5. She describes the collaborative yet challenging environment of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," where the writers' room was a mix of camaraderie and tension 6. These experiences taught her the importance of creating a supportive and democratic space for writers, which she later implemented in her own projects.

    It was a rough room. That's what it's called. The upstairs, I guess.

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    Jenji's journey through these varied environments has shaped her approach to leadership and creativity.

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