32 PRODUCTION SOUND & VIDEO – Fall 2025
THE BEAR
The challenges of managing kitchen chaos
Back in 2021, I received a call from a Unit Manager whom I had previously
worked with, inquiring if I wanted to do a pilot for a little FX show that was based
on running a take-out sandwich shop. "Sure," I said, without really thinking of
what might be waiting for us. I had done other shows which involved restaurant
and kitchen sets. I mean, how difficult could it be? Little did I imagine what it
would morph into four seasons of a top-rated TV show that would go on to win
multiple Emmy awards for the cast and crew, along with some highly unusual
challenges presented to the production sound crew.
by Scott D. Smith CAS
The Bear stage sign
