Andy Ackerman

Andy Ackerman was interviewed for three hours in South Pasadena, CA.  Ackerman talked about his break into the industry as an assistant editor on the series Welcome Back, Kotter.  He related how he came to work for MTM Enterprises and discussed working on WKRP in Cincinnati as an editor (for which he won an Emmy Award).  He described his approach to editing and noted how the audience creates the rhythm for the show.  He spoke in great detail about his long association with Cheers , for which he worked as an editor (another Emmy win) and a director.  For Cheers , he talked about working with the series producers, described memorable episodes, and talked about the atmosphere on the set of the final episode.  He then described his continued work as a director in sitcoms, starting with Wings and Frasier. He discussed at length his work as the main director of the later seasons of Seinfeld. For Seinfeld, he described the series’ style of comedy, the visual ideas he incorporated into the show, and gave his impressions of the ensemble.  He offered production stories about such well-known episodes as “The Soup Nazi,” “The Invitations,” and “The Bizarro Jerry.”  He touched on some of the series he’s directed since Seinfeld, including Becker, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and The New Adventures of Old Christine.  The interview was conducted by Jenni Matz on November 13, 2007.