DEADWOOD BLOG

Here's a really nice article from Associated Press, posted earlier this year at MSNBC, that relays the attention to detail and authenticity the show strives for. A must read!

On 'Deadwood' set, history comes alive
HBO's hit Western is built on a mountain of research

Actors and stand-ins mill about the main street set of HBO's "Deadwood" series. Authenticity is a top priority for creator David Milch: “It’s precious to me to get the world right.” Kevork Djansezian / AP

The article begins:

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. - A visit to the dingy Western set of “Deadwood” makes you wonder: What century is this, anyway? — until director Ed Bianchi yells “Cut!” and the scruffy miners put on sunglasses and haul out cell phones to check their messages.

For creator David Milch, “Deadwood” is not a TV show; it’s living history.

...and continues

Perhaps the most astonishing realism is delivered by the army of extras who often populate the main street.

“We have a core group of about 150 guys and 30 to 40 women,” explains assistant director Kenny Roth, who’s responsible for making sure each muddy prospector is performing a bit of “business” that will add to the street scene’s realism.

“I love those days where the whole street’s working,” says Timothy Olyphant, who plays Seth Bullock. “I find I’m really taking them in, and it really helps us to connect into the environment and make it real.”

Give it a read!

PS: As soon as we get a photo of Emmy Award winner Le Dawson (mentioned in the article), we'll post a short story about one of the special things that happened one morning at work.