‘Adolescence,’ ‘Squid Game’ Creators Spill Secrets at Produced By

The behind-the-scenes details of the making of the hit Netflix series “Adolescence” were revealed by co-creators and executive producers Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne during the annual Produced By conference hosted by the Producers Guild of America. The duo shared the challenges they faced in bringing the show to life, including the need to coordinate a fire drill scene with 300 middle school students while maintaining the show’s one-take format.

Graham emphasized the importance of collaboration with the local community and school leaders to successfully execute the ambitious production process. By empowering everyone involved in the project, they were able to navigate tricky scenes like the fire drill with hundreds of students. The inclusive approach extended to the cast and crew, with Graham ensuring that every person felt valued and invested in the show.

To achieve the seamless one-take format, the team used drones to allow the camera to fly and capture continuous shots without interruptions. Thorne explained that maintaining the camera’s connection to the characters was crucial for preserving the intensity of the storytelling. The meticulous planning and multiple takes per episode helped perfect the one-take template, with the final take for each episode being the one used in the series.

The success of “Adolescence” highlighted the impact of storytelling that embraces authenticity and specificity. Graham and Thorne credited the hard work of the producers, cinematographer, and director for bringing their vision to life. They also acknowledged the contributions of first-time department heads, whose work on the show has propelled their careers forward.

In a separate session, “Squid Game” creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk shared insights into the challenges of writing and filming multiple seasons of the acclaimed series. Despite facing time constraints and budget limitations, Hwang adapted creatively to overcome obstacles and create signature elements of the show. The unexpected success of “Squid Game” demonstrated the power of innovative storytelling that resonates with global audiences.

Overall, the stories shared at the Produced By conference underscored the importance of collaboration, creativity, and perseverance in the world of television production. By pushing boundaries and embracing diversity in storytelling, creators like Graham, Thorne, and Hwang continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.