Title:
Kevin Bright ACA Oral History, March 29, 2016.
Creator:
Bright, Kevin, 1955-
Creator:
Matz, Jenni
Creator:
Emerson College. American Comedy Archives
Creator:
American Television Foundation
Record Type:
digital moving image formats
Record Type:
oral histories (literary works)
Date:
2016-03-29
Description:
In his three-hour interview, Kevin Bright discusses his childhood in New York City, and his father, Vaudeville comedian turned talent manager, Jackie Bright. He talks about attending Emerson College, and, after graduation, working for producers Joseph and Gilbert Cate and producing David Copperfield specials. Bright shares stories of producing the syndicated series 'Madame’s Place' and cable comedy specials, before working on the pilot of 'In Living Color.' He talks about his work on 'Dream On,' where he met Marta Kauffman and David Crane, with whom he created 'Friends.' For 'Friends,' he describes the pitching and development of the show, casting, shooting the pilot and the famous opening sequence, directing episodes, and ending the show after ten seasons. He touches on 'Veronica’s Closet,' 'Jesse,' and the 'Friends' spin-off, 'Joey' and concludes by sharing his greatest career achievements and regrets, advice to aspiring television professionals, and why he decided to return to Emerson College, where he now serves as the Founding Director of Emerson College Los Angeles. Jenni Matz conducted the interview in partnership with the American Comedy Archives at Emerson College on March 29, 2016 in Los Angeles, CA. Additional topics covered include: 9/11, Censorship/Standards & Practices, Classic TV Series Episodes, Comedy, Creative Influences and Inspiration, Emmy Awards, Fame and Celebrity, Historic Events and Social Change, Overcoming Adversity, Pivotal Career Moments, Pop Culture, TV Theme Songs, Television Industry, Comedy Series, and Late Night. An additional show mentioned during the interview include 'The Emmy Awards (Primetime and Daytime).'
Extent:
03:00:21
Subject:
Career development
Subject:
September 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001
Subject:
Television -- Censorship
Subject:
Television producers and directors
Subject:
Women
Subject:
Aniston, Jennifer
Subject:
Burrows, James, 1940-
Subject:
Cates, Gilbert, 1934-2011
Subject:
Cates, Joseph, 1924-
Subject:
Copperfield, David, 1956-
Subject:
Cox, Courteney, 1964-
Subject:
Crane, David, 1957-
Subject:
Kauffman, Marta, 1956-
Subject:
Kudrow, Lisa
Subject:
Landis, John, 1950-
Subject:
LeBlanc, Matt
Subject:
Moonves, Leslie
Subject:
Ohlmeyer, Don
Subject:
Perry, Matthew, 1969-
Subject:
Schwimmer, David, 1966-
Subject:
Sheinberg, Sid, 1935-2019
Subject:
Wayans, Keenen Ivory
Collection:
Bill Dana Oral History Interview Collection (ACC-MSS 002), 1L
Location:
Emerson College Archives and Special Collections
Rights Restrictions:
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) (http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/). For questions about rights statements, or access to the original document please contact the Emerson College Archives and Special Collections at www.emerson.edu/library/archives.
Access Restrictions:
No known access restrictions.
Language:
English
Identifier:
acc_mss002_bright_2016_03_29.mp4