Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1504875
James Williams as a substitute teacher, Gregory; Janelle James as the principal, Ava; and Sheryl Lee Ralph as a kindergarten teacher, Barbara. Although the show traces its origins to creator-star Brunson's personal history, "Abbott Elementary" has attracted viewers for reflecting an experience that nearly everyone has in common: going to school. To better recreate the hubbub, commotion, and excitement of a public school environ- ment, Brunson and executive producer/ producing director Randall Einhorn ("The Office") adopted a mockumentary filming style that involves handheld cameras and spontaneous-seeming staging. Balancing the truth, humor, and sweet- ness of the show is the post-production team, each of whom describes the experi- ence as among their professional highlights. In the end, going back to elementary school has turned out to be a most welcome detour for Edelson, Zeitlin, and Adelman, who recently spoke with CineMontage. CineMontage: Richie, you cut the pilot and have continued with the series ever since. How did you first get involved in "Abbott Elementary"? Richie Edelson: Randall and I have known each other a long time and we work together whenever we can. He called me and let me know about this pilot. I thought the script was really, really good. It just felt authentic and was filled with heart. The script really spoke to me, so I was excited. CineMontage: What were you trying to accomplish editorially in the pilot? Edelson: I tried to establish an editorial tone that fit hand in hand with the way Ran- dall was shooting it. The way Randall shoots the show has a lot of movement, so I wanted to play with that. I wanted to take what he GET ON THE BUS: "Abbott" is "absolutely different than other shows," Zeitlin says. P H OT O : A B C 'Our show lifts teachers up to star status, where they belong.' 25 F A L L Q 3 I S S U E F E A T U R E