When you watch The Studio, the latest comedy series from Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, you might notice something unique. The show doesn’t rely on the typical quick cuts and edits that dominate modern filmmaking. Instead, every single shot is designed as one long, continuous take — a technique known as a “oner.” This method is not just a stylistic choice but a tool to dive deep into the world of Hollywood, its frantic energy, and the high-stakes chaos behind the scenes.
Inspired by the Masters: Robert Altman’s Legacy
Rogen and Goldberg’s decision to use long takes is rooted in one key influence — The Player (1992), directed by Robert Altman. The film opens with an iconic eight-minute sequence that introduces multiple characters without a single cut, showcasing the intricate choreography of filmmaking. Critics and cinephiles alike celebrated the shot, and for Rogen and Goldberg, it was the perfect example of how to make a statement with cinema.
“The Player is an example of doing something hard and making fun of it at the same time,” Goldberg shared in an interview with IndieWire. “It asserts that you’re qualified to speak about filmmaking because you’re doing something so difficult, so technical.” With that in mind, Rogen and Goldberg decided to infuse The Studio with a similar challenge, framing every scene as one seamless shot.
The Purpose Behind the Long Take Technique
Why go through all the trouble of shooting in one continuous take? The answer is simple: it brings the audience into the experience. Rogen explains it best: “We want you to feel the panic and stress of working in Hollywood.” By not cutting away, the filmmakers create an immersive experience that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the action, constantly moving with the characters.
The technique also mirrors the frantic, fast-paced world of Hollywood itself, where decisions are made on the fly, and executives often have to think on their feet. The wide-angle lens, which they use throughout most of the series, enhances this sense of urgency and intimacy. “It forces you to see the world from the perspective of a person standing right in the middle of the chaos,” Goldberg says.
A 21mm Lens: The Power of Limitations
One of the most notable elements of the show’s shooting style is the decision to limit the lens to a 21mm focal length. Cinematographer Adam Newport-Berra was instrumental in this choice. Initially, the team tested various lenses to achieve the desired look. However, it became clear that the wide 21mm lens gave them everything they needed.
“Once we picked the 21mm, we could just focus on the movement of the camera,” Newport-Berra explains. “By knowing exactly how much space we had to work with, we could design our shots and blocking more precisely.” The limitations imposed by this decision freed the team to focus entirely on the dynamic movements of the actors and the intricacies of camera work.
It wasn’t just about technical expertise; the decision also helped establish a unique visual language. “The lens doesn’t distort much but still keeps the world feeling wide and immersive,” Newport-Berra notes.
Simplicity Meets Challenge: No Second Camera, No Safety Net
Perhaps the boldest choice Rogen and Goldberg made was sticking to just one camera and one lens throughout most of the series. “We wanted to commit to the challenge,” Rogen said. “No backup camera. If we had it, we’d be tempted to use it.” This approach not only increased the stakes for every shot but also kept the team focused on getting it right.
There was one exception, though: the cameo of filmmaking legend Martin Scorsese. Rogen recalls his nerves when Scorsese arrived on set. “We had one camera, and I was like, ‘Marty might hate this.’” But to Rogen’s surprise, Scorsese was fully on board with the idea. “We told him we were doing the scene in one take, and he said, ‘Great, I love it.’”
The Writing Process: Crafting a Show for One Take
Planning a series of long takes requires a fundamental change in how you write and structure scenes. It’s not just about memorising lines and blocking. It’s about pacing. As Rogen explains, “Having one continuous shot made us evaluate if the scenes were truly working. Is this good enough? Is it too long? Does it have the right pacing?”
Goldberg added, “You can’t just throw in filler. If it’s too long, you’ll feel it. Every scene had to function perfectly.”
As a result, the writing and shooting process was extremely rigorous. Goldberg and Rogen would often spend hours rehearsing scenes before shooting them, and sometimes entire episodes would be shot in a single take. It’s a level of precision that goes beyond what most shows require.
The Demands of Long Takes: A Test of Endurance for Actors
Filming The Studio with such a demanding technique didn’t just challenge the crew. The actors, too, had to adjust. Newport-Berra recalls that the actors had to be “completely off-book,” ready to perform at a moment’s notice and able to endure the long takes without breaking momentum.
“The first few takes were always rough,” said Newport-Berra. “But once the actors got into the rhythm, they knew when to pace themselves. It’s like a marathon, not a sprint.”
The long takes also had a unifying effect on the cast and crew. As Rogen put it, “Everyone had to work together. One person screwing up could ruin the whole shot. It felt like a team sport.”
Creative Collaborations and Fluid Roles on Set
One of the standout aspects of the production was how fluid the roles became. With everyone involved in such a hands-on process, great ideas came from unexpected sources. “Actors would suggest shots, the grip would come up with a new idea for blocking — it was all about teamwork,” Newport-Berra said. The openness on set allowed for greater creativity and flexibility, and the entire team was constantly evolving their approach to get the shot right.
Conclusion: Why Long Takes Matter in Modern Filmmaking
At its core, The Studio demonstrates that technical filmmaking can also serve narrative goals. By choosing to tell the story through continuous long takes, Rogen and Goldberg immerse the audience in a hectic, high-stakes world where time is of the essence, and every moment matters. It’s a bold choice, one that pays off by giving the show a unique style and intensity.
Relevant links for further reading:
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Robert Altman – Influence on Hollywood Satire.
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The Player – Altman’s Film on Hollywood.
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Seth Rogen Interview – Insights on Filmmaking.
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Cinematography Techniques – The Power of One Lens.
Photo credit: Taste of Cinema
