Table Read Question

[dolphinboy]

From what I understand, for TV sitcoms there is usually a table read where actors sit around a table and read through the script. The idea, I think, is to familiarize the actors with the script and to allow the writers and director to test it out to determine what parts work and what parts don’t, and perhaps to discuss technical issues.

My question is, do they also do table reads for TV dramas? Would the actors for ‘Fargo’ sit around the table and read the script through out loud before blocking and shooting starts, or are TV dramas treated differently for some reason?

[Maserschmidt]

I think so, I’ve certainly read enough stories about TV table reads (these stories often seem to revolve around an actor learning of his/her incipient death before or during the read).

In addition to your question, I’d be curious to know if soap operas do them…

[Bryan_Ekers]

@Maserschmidt

I think so, I’ve certainly read enough stories about TV table reads (these stories often seem to revolve around an actor learning of his/her incipient death before or during the read).

Well, his/her character’s death, one hopes.

[Lucas_Jackson]

Depends on the director but usually.

[TriPolar]

Most TV fiction does this. Soap operas are an exception, although there are some rehearsals there also.

[Maserschmidt]

@Maserschmidt

I think so, I’ve certainly read enough stories about TV table reads (these stories often seem to revolve around an actor learning of his/her incipient death before or during the read).

In addition to your question, I’d be curious to know if soap operas do them…

@Bryan_Ekers

Well, his/her character’s death, one hopes.

Okay, now I have an idea for a new reality show called “Table Read”…

[Quimby]

I imagine all shows do it but it is a bigger deal in Sitcoms where they are constantly writing and rewriting the jokes.

[Colibri]

@dolphinboy

My question is, do they also do table reads for TV dramas?

I’ve seen references to table reads for Breaking Bad, as here.

The doc shows the “BB” cast and crew reuniting to shoot the final eight episodes and sitting down for a table read of the first of the eight, “Blood Money.” We see Paul and Cranston reading an emotionally wrenching scene, and even though it’s just a table read, Paul is fully invested; we even think we saw tears in his eyes. Do they give out Emmys for table reads? If so, Paul gets our vote.

I’m pretty sure it’s standard to do table reads on most shows.

[dolphinboy]

Thanks everyone. Ignorance fought.

[Mahaloth]

Movies, too. There is almost always a first script read-through for any movie, just for folks to meet each other and to hear the movie read through.

Lots of notes and dialogue changes are made at these.