As Saturday Night Live heads into its 50 th year the words that echo for me are those of Lorne Michaels, “The show doesn’t go on because we’re ready. It goes on because it’s 11:30.”
In ad world we too battle impossible timelines. But the SNL deadlines are their own kind of withering
That is why I’ve always felt a visceral connection to Micheals and SNL. In ad world we too battle impossible timelines. But the SNL deadlines are their own kind of withering: new show every 7 days created from the ground up with a new host and musical guest. Forty skits get written, only 12 or 13 make it to air. Table reads, blocking and dress rehearsal are a blur. Oh, and pack that all into exactly 90 minutes. I feel kinship – and awe–in equal measure. This show has shaped our culture for half a century, and it’s the ultimate creative high wire act.
Michaels says the show’s longevity boils down to two things: collaboration and trust. But when pressed for the real secret to SNL’s success? More cowbell.