Our Richard gets a chance to talk to editor / associate producer Tom Costantino about FOX’s The Orville.
UPDATE: On May 11, 2019, the FOX Network renewed “The Orville” for a season 3.
At the annual Las Vegas trade show called NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) on April 10, 2019, myself and SIDEWALKS ENTERTAINMENT associate producer Rebeca Zuniga had a chance to view part of a session on the editing of the popular FOX television series, “The Orville.” Associate producer / editor Tom Costantino and assistant editor Hillary Wills were on hand to demonstrate some of their techniques in editing the sci-fi series that’s created, produced, and starring Seth MacFarlane.
During the presentation in the booth for Avid Technology (a multimedia company known for its editing software), the two editors shared some moments with the crowd on how they do some of special effects for the episodic show, now in its second season. For instance, they showcased the use of the green screen, how they render a shuttle launching from a planet, and how they manipulate previously-filmed scenes that can add an actor in the shot or remove background players on the bridge. Additionally, Costantino — who also have done editing on TV shows such as “9-1-1,” “Bull,” “One Mississippi,” to name a few — briefly showed how Lieutenant Gordon Malloy (played by Scott Grimes) lost his leg during a first season storyline with the Orville’s artificial, non-biological crewmate Isaac on lessons on practical jokes.
After the session, we had a chance to walk up to Costantino and Wills, who were already talking to a couple of “The Orville” fans. The very friendly Costantino noticed I was listening and invited us to join in in their conversation. Surprisingly, he talked to us for about 10 minutes and answer questions.
One of the things about Costantino is his excitement about the project and how open he’s about the behind-the-scenes process. As we promised him (the SIDEWALKS crew) that we wouldn’t spoil any upcoming storylines, he showed us a photo about the April 11, 2019 episode (“Sanctuary”) and a delete scene from his cell phone. I kidded him that “The Orville” fans would love his phone, where he has a huge library of videos and photos at his fingertips.
Now, this was an informal chat (three people sharing their love for the TV show) and not a directly an official interview, although I started using my interview skills to get some answers. Please keep in mind, I am paraphrasing some of his answers since I wasn’t writing anything down.
- I asked him about the possibility of a season 3, which FOX hasn’t said anything official. Of course, he couldn’t say anything even if he knew the answer. My feeling is there is no official decision yet even for him and “The Orville” cast and crew. Although he used statements like “more to come” and “scenes we can save for next season,” his words are probably in hindsight. I did asked if FOX were to make an official announcement about the cancellation or renewal would it be at the annual upfront, a time in May where the broadcast networks announce their new fall schedule to advertisers and press, he told me most likely. While he was discussing the possible future of the TV show, I get a positive feeling from him. I believe he is hopeful that there will be more live-action stories for “The Orville” crew.
- The final episodes of season two will be impactful, similar to their recent two-part adventure, “Identity.” The Isaac (played by Mark Jackson) storyline, where he turned on his crew in those episodes, will be featured prominently again and the repercussion of his past actions will be addressed.
- I told him some fans thought the first two episodes of season 2 were slow and had a lack of action and space battles, he responded that it was MacFarlane’s decision to always use “Ja’loja” as the season premiere to reintroduce the characters. FOX did have the 2nd episode, “Primal Urges,” scheduled as the first episode of the season to air following football on a special Sunday night, but it was MacFarlane’s final choice on the episode order.
- I asked him about making more than 12-13 episodes a season, Costantino told me that they will always do a shorter season to keep the quality up in the production. He also mentioned that sometimes they are rushing to get episodes done. For instance in a (possible new scene or pickup) sequence with Commander Kelly Grayson (Adrianne Palicki) and Commander Bortus (Peter Macon), their scenes were shot less than 2-weeks before the airdate.
- Another question I brought up was my feelings about the lack of promotion that FOX has done with the show, especially in season two. His response was he wasn’t worry too much about it. He told me that they (assuming he is saying FOX to me) consider the show as a “streaming” show. While the “live viewing” ratings are not as high, the delayed viewing and online audience are saving the show.
- I asked him about the popularity of the show with fans through podcasts and social media. I was curious if he follows them? He showed me his phone and his folder with social media, especially pointing to Reddit. So, he does see the fans’ comments and follow the fans. He loves the fans are promoting the show through those mediums. They use Planetary Union Network as their official podcast choice.
- We talked about the differences between seasons 1 and 2, directly pointing on the “jokes” aspects. I mentioned to him that some fans were upset about the lack of jokes appearing in season 2. Costantino told me that they can’t please everyone. He added that many jokes that were shot have been dropped from the episodes, so the scenes would work better. He and the staff are aware on how to use “jokes” on the show to fit it in organically.
- I told him that I was disappointed that the season one DVDs are in the DVD format only and not in Blu-Ray. He was disappointed too, but that was FOX Home Entertainment decision on how they release season sets (FOX usually do not release Blu-Rays for most TV shows). He also mentioned that he and MacFarlane will continue to put online deleted scenes and special features as a bonus to fans, as long as FOX lets them.
- One of Costantino’s favorite episodes (from season 2) is “A Happy Refrain,” an episode where Dr. Claire Finn (Penny Johnson Jerald) dates android Isaac.
- One of my final questions, I told him fans were really missing the show, due to a block of reruns in FOX’s schedule. He understood, but he warned that after the season two episodes are shown, there will be a long wait for season 3 (if there is one). Most likely more than a year. He believes fans will wait for new episodes, like the scheduling of HBO’s “Game of Thrones.”
To me, Costantino is a very open and transparent type of person. He appreciates the fans and their support of the show, as he considers himself as a “fan” too.
I did asked him if there’s a possibility that SIDEWALKS ENTERTAINMENT could do some interviews and coverage of a proposed season three, he told me we will keep in contact. I think he is a man of his words … and we hope we can do that for the fans, too.
Editor’s Note: SIDEWALKS ENTERTAINMENT host Richard R. Lee is a viewer and fan of “The Orville.” It’s one of the few TV shows he watches on a regular basis, due to his time commitment to our show.