Cody Heller, the showrunner for the mockumentary series Jury Duty, recently sat down with THR to discuss her experience working on the unique show. Initially terrified at the prospect of pulling off such a complex production, Heller found her fear of failure to be a motivating force. She credits the success of the show to the collaborative efforts of the writers and performers, many of whom were multi-talented and able to both write for the show and act in it.
Heller explains that finding the right cast was a crucial part of the production process. Casting director Susie Farris played a key role in finding talented individuals who were skilled at improvisation and able to commit to a three-and-a-half-week shoot without being immediately recognizable. The casting process was rigorous, with Farris interviewing over 2,500 people to find the perfect fit. Ultimately, Ronald Gladden was chosen to play the role of the non-actor jury member, and he exceeded all expectations with his performance.
The production of Jury Duty was a constantly evolving process, with the lack of scripts and the need to react and adjust to Ronald’s decisions each day. Heller and her team had to create a beat sheet at the end of each day to plan for the following day’s shooting and ensure that the main storylines were progressing as intended. While the constant changes created pressure and sleepless nights for Heller, she found the experience exhilarating and fulfilling.
One scene that particularly stood out to Heller was when James Marsden destroyed Ross’ birthday cake. The incident upset Ronald, and Marsden went out of his way to make amends by buying a second cake. Marsden’s dedication to Ronald’s well-being and his willingness to make fun of himself exemplify the caring and supportive atmosphere that the entire cast and crew fostered throughout the shoot.
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Despite the challenges and uncertainties faced during production, Heller reveals that the show ultimately restored her faith in humanity. Ronald’s genuine reactions and the bonds formed between the actors and crew members created a strong sense of camaraderie and connection. Heller believes that shows like Jury Duty highlight the importance of writers and performers, especially amid the ongoing industry strike. Artificial intelligence may be able to perform some tasks, but it cannot replicate the human element and the unique experiences that humans bring to the creative process.
In conclusion, Jury Duty was a groundbreaking and exhilarating production for Cody Heller and her team. The show pushed the boundaries of traditional television by incorporating a non-actor into a fictional scenario, resulting in a truly unique and authentic viewing experience. By embracing the unpredictability and constantly evolving nature of the production, Heller and her team were able to create something truly special that resonated with audiences and restored Heller’s faith in humanity.
