Behind the Scenes of 'Saturday Night Live' Film

Jason Wrightman, the co-writer and director of the film 'Saturday Night,' discussed the immersive experience they aimed to create as they depicted the critical moments leading up to an episode of Saturday Night Live. The film captures a 90-minute real-time journey showcasing the energy, chaos, and the backroom antics of the iconic show. Early on, viewers are introduced to characters like John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, and Garrett Morris, set against a backdrop of frenetic rehearsal. Wrightman emphasized the need for a 'roller coaster ride' for audiences, capturing genuine tension as the scene transitions from structured preparation to a pandemonium-filled performance. To achieve this, the production team turned to an unconventional method: treating the film corporeally like a dance, featuring choreographed movements where each background extra underwent thorough training. Wrightman creatively utilized giant whiteboards to illustrate where everyone should be positioned during various scenes, mirroring the deliberate planning akin to a sports playbook. He marveled at the rigorous schedule that Lorne Michaels maintained for SNL. This film seeks to convey an authentic look at the whirlwind of emotions and the near chaos that characterizes a live television show, echoing the familiar yet unpredictable nature of SNL itself.