After a week on CSI, it’s no mystery why this is the number one drama on television.
Everyone I’ve seen is fiercely dedicated to the success of the show. The actors know and care about their characters, and how they interact with each other. When they’re called to the set, they come immediately. They are prepared: they know their lines and they talk with each other and the director about the scene.
The attention to detail at all levels is meticulous to the point of obsession. Yesterday, I walked around the stage, and looked at the set decoration. Every bit of paper on the wall was from a police department. The magazines in one of the offices aren’t just Las Vegas Showtime guides, they’re Las Vegas Showtime Guides from this freaking year. When the makeup department turns me into Walter, I sit in the chair for half an hour while I get scabs and scars and dirt and track marks and scrapes and cold sores and all sorts of other things applied. It would be easy to just make my hands dirty, but there’s a beautiful logic to the makeup: this scrape leads into this scab, this bruise has a track mark in the middle of it. This streak of dirt ends on my finger, so there’s black makeup applied beneath that nail, and it’s thicker than the gunk beneath the next fingernail. Will the audience notice? Probably not. If the audience is marvelling at how realistic my dirty hands are, we’re in trouble dramatically . . . but all those details add up unconsciously to make the show real. I know as an actor that it’s helped me inhabit Walter at a cellular level. In fact, Walter is the first character I’ve played in my entire career where I have been able to completely abandon myself and totally commit to becoming another person . . . and it’s the most fun I have ever had.
The production office gives DVDs of the recently-aired shows to all the department heads so they know what’s happening in the various story arcs, and every single person that I’ve talked to is proud of the show. I get the sense that this is more than just a paycheck for the people who bring the show to life, they are part of something special, and they know it. CSI could be exclusively about solving the crimes, and it would still be entertaining . . . but it’s the development of the characters, and they devotion with which the actors bring those characters to life that sets CSI apart from its countless imitators.
Friday night, I overheard two of the regulars talking about an episode from a year or so ago.
“Man, I remember the day we shot that,” Actor A said. “It was the end of a long day, I was tired, and I just wanted to go home.”
Actor B said, “Yeah, we’ve all been there.”
“But the scene really suffered because of that,” Actor A said, “and I vowed that I would never let it happen again.”
The hours are long, and the crew frequently works “splits” where you shoot some day exteriors as well as night exteriors. I’ve worked splits before, and they pretty much suck if you want to have any sort of life outside of work . . . but I haven’t heard a single person complain.
Fun fact: there’s wireless in all the stages where they shoot CSI. Sad fact: my iBook’s hard drive had a seizure, so it’s currently at Apple General Hospital and I can’t use the WAP at the studio.
I can WarChalk the studio when I get to work today, though. 🙂
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Can’t wait to see the episode.
I am so happy that you can be doing something you love so greatly. Keep up the good work, wil!
also.. am I the first commenter? Sweet!
OMGOSH!!!!!!
I am so Stoked for you dude–(minus the herbal use)
I LOVEEEEE CSI—-
I am soo there with the DVR!!!! Glad to see you back on the small screen!
You Rock-!!!!
-WooT!
~sweet I am early for once!~
I can’t wait to see the ep. I’m glad you’re feeling this character so strongly, it’s hard to be passionate about something that, deep down, you really couldn’t care less about.
I’m looking forward to more stories!
Very well written Wil. I am so glad that this experience is filling you with so much joy and fun, it will be something to remember and draw form later.
You almost done shooting the episode? Keep sucking the marrow out of life Wil. The emotional whirlwind you sometimes experience is what makes life, and you, interesting.
That is really awesome, Wil! I am so totally jealous of you! It is really cool to hear that you had a great experience working on it. It also sounds like Walter could be a new direction for your career. You will now be playing crazies for the rest of your life. (haha)
Hearing about those little details like dirt under you finger gets my creative juices stirring. How often do you get to work on a show where everyone really cares about the product? Not only is this a cool role, but it’s on an infinitely cool show. Keep up the good work, and let us all know when it is going to air. I am thinking there will be a small jump in the ratings because of your website, and your strong fan following. What’s really cool is your fanbase is now more of a “FriendBase” than a fan base. They like you for who you are, not for what you’ve done. This is a genuine grassroots movement of “We love Wil!” and we want to see him succeed on his own terms!
Keep it up, brother!
-Coogan
Dude, your enthusiasm is contagious! I’m looking forward to this episode. Can’t wait to see Crazy Walter live and in person.
Just don’t warchalk the place dressed as Walter.
I don’t think I’ve ever been genuinely *excited* for someone I don’t even know.
Sounds like you’re having a blast! Congrats.
Hey Wil,
Thanks for updating blog while ur working ur ass off. An irish comedian call Des Bishop wasdoing a documentary and met a few people from CSI last week, maybe you met him too? He has his own blog site and was talking bout it last week. Go to my blog page and click on the link for Des’s Blog Click here to open up my blog page
Hows sketch doing by the way?
Laterz,
Noel
Sounds like an experience where your skill will improve while you are enjoying yourself. Also fun for us.
Warchalking… I just learned another nifty new geek term 😛
Sounds like you are having a blast, I think it rocks that you are taking the time to update us on whats going on right now.. I am certain you must be tired when you do get home.
Can’t wait to see the episode… 🙂
Hey Wil, that is so awesome that all the people there are extremely cool and fun to work with. I actually read somewhere online that talked about you being on CSI and I can’t remember who its from but they said “If that[playing Walter] isn’t ‘edgy’ then I don’t know what is.” Or something like that. LOL
We are all really proud of you and I can’t wait to see the episode!
I can’t wait to see it! Sounds awesome.
Wil-
I have never been an actor (except for a church play or something) nor do I ever want to be one. But I have wondered what it would be like to be one. Thank you for allowing us into your life and shareing with us your experiences. I had no idea the magnitude of what it is like to be an actor with or without work.
Keith said it well that we are your friend base. Through your writtings I have come to know you as well as many of my own friends. So as a friend (hopefully) I wish you all the best and am excited for you for your experiences on CSI.
I look forword to seeing the episode on CSI. I may become a regular CSI viewer. Who knows?
Val
Wil,
I have to admit, I’ve never had the desire to watch CSI (my wife and I only got into Law and Order, and that stopped after Jerry Orbach left), but, after reading your comments, I think I’m going to have to start setting up the TiVo for those nights when I’m working and can’t catch the show. I’m sure you’ll let us know when the episode you’re in will be on so I’ll keep my eyes peeled and have the TiVo standing by.
WarChalking, huh? That’s my new word for the day.
Sounds like a really great experience. I am happy that you are getting this chance, I know that many of your “hollywood experiences” leave a bad taste in your mouth. Enjoy it while the getting is good and I’m looking forward to watching you in CSI!
oh wow that sounds so exciting.
I am so glad you are having a wonderful time
doing CSI. I can’t wait till your episode airs, I will be sure to watch.
I can also see why CSI is such a wonderful show, they won alot of SAG awards and a gentlemen who works on the show(not sure who he was, sorry!)
was crying because he was so happy that CSI won awards because he was so proud of the cast and was so proud to be on the show. It was really wonderful to see that.
Oooooo! “WarChalking!” More Geek XP for me!! A few more terms like that combined with my growing knowledge of HTML and I might just level up to Level 2 Geek soon!! Thanks, Wil!
I’m glad you’re having an awesome time. *peers into your future using the Force* I foresee…the highest rated episode ever for CSI…your poor agent inundated with phone calls from other networks and all the cool studios clamoring for your presence on *their* lots…and something unprintable that brings a maidenly blush to the Goddess’ cheeks…okay! We’ll stop there!
I hope Sketch is doing well. Still Mojoin’ for the fat boy.
Herself,
The Goddess of Justice and Vengeance
Gah, that is so awesome. Exactly what I envision true acting to be like… all about integrity. Too bad I couldn’t stand the politics and marketing and shit… otherwise I’d have graduated beyond high school/community theater. 😉
First time commenter (friend of Kat’s)…
What’s really cool about this post is how genuinely enthusiastic, and, well, humble you are about having a role on CSI. A lot of people get jaded when they do something big, and it’s just so cool when you read about someone who is willing to share the rawness of the experience from new and fortunate eyes.
Will the audience notice?
You never know. When they made the King of the Rocket Men serial it probably seemed like a waste of time for them to have created such detailed newspapers to flash momentarily up on the screen. Viewers in the theatre at the time may have only seen the headlines, but in these days of freeze frame you can really appreciate the care that was put into it.
Here’s hoping CSI is a springboard to more rewarding experiences… best of luck!
I can’t think of anything else to add other than, enjoy it, revel in it, soak up the good times. And thanks for sharing them with us.
I’m still so happy for you!!! I was wondering where you’ve been the last week and now I know you’ve just been having too much fun. 😉
Congrats again!! And thank you for allowing us to share your happiness. 🙂
Wil,
Looks like someone is having fun at work. That is a great show. You will do a great job.
FG
Wil,
Any idea when this episode will air???
(oh yeah, and congrats on getting the part)
Walter looks like one crazy sob! I hope the best for you, as always. When is it going to air!?
I was wondering if they were going to do anything to your fingernails? I kept picture crazy Walter on the stand in a courtroom with meticulously clean fingernails. I probably wouldn’t have been able to make out the details anyway, but people do look for things like that. Well, at least I do.
The thing I am always looking for is reflections. I remember a major motion picture where you could see a crew member walk into the reflection of a sliding glass door and drink a soda right in the middle of a romantic scene.
Well done.
Sounds like you landed in a great place.
Yep I’m gonna have to check that episode out..
Rock on Wil!!!!
Keith (Lifetime Gamer) Dick
Hearing about hardcore great actors makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside just like a rare live “walk on”
maybe more *determined* than warm and fuzzy, but you get the point.
By the way, were you lucky enough to score U2 tickets? Or were you one of the thousands and thousands of folks that Larry apologised to the other night?
Hi Wil and fans-of-Wil,
A CSI-fan here, and reading all the posts on this board has got me really looking forward to this episode. Wil, thank you so much for the insight as an actor on the set – loved hearing about the wig and I’m looking forward to the action scene!
For the fans. This will be CSI episode 5×17 entitled “Compulsion” and looks like it may air on March 3rd. Check the listing at CBS.com to make sure, cause I don’t know if they’re putting in re-runs.
Oh, thought I’d include for those who don’t watch: CSI usually airs on Thursdays at 8:00pm on CBS.
Cheers! ~taramis
Wil, like I commented on earlier, I knew to any blogging, although I’m still a geek. Anyhow, your’s is the first blog I’ve been keeping up on and commenting on. You should feel proud! I’m really enjoying watching your transformation as Walter, and it makes me want to pursue drama as I have for some time. My wife thinks I’m nuts, but I’ve always wanted to do a musical. Specifically a Roger and Hammerstein… and to be more specific Oklahoma. Here’s to my lady still interested in being married to me if I pull that one off.
Looking forward big time to your episode, and be sure not to get your nice dirty nails messed up!
-Gregg
Wil, thanks for the inside look at what must be a fascinating experience. We are so lucky to have you to give us a sneak peek into another world. Glad to hear it’s been such a great time for you; can’t wait to see the episode.
Dude… you’re seriously not about to warchalk the CSI set, are you? Wouldn’t the producers get, um, a bit pissed?
Come to think of it, nevermind. Warchalk the hell out of the place. Make it visible INSIDE Grissom’s office, right there on the linoleum. Grissom’s the kind of character that would do that to his own office if he had wireless, isn’t he?
Pax,
Matthew
You’ve got everyone on this comment list salivating for this epsiode! Looks like “someone” in Hollywood thinks Wil Wheaton is “edgy” enough to give him a shot!
And hey, all, don’t forget, Wil will be on the WPT Hollywood Home Game along with LeVar Burton this Sunday at 9pm!
Will, Will, Will…I’m so glad you’re not one of the Cory’s…Great to hear that experience of losing yourself in a character…What great fun – When will it air?
CSI is such an awesome show. I’m glad you’re gaining so much from the experience! :o)
All those little details do make a difference. Seeing CSI in Hi-Def is startling, the show has a visual depth that is absent in most TV shows. You can feel the art direction without being overpowered by it.
It’s airing on March 3?? But aren’t you supposed to be doing Liquid Radio that night? I had hoped to bring my young friends along that night to see you at Acme… guess we could always TiVO CSI…
~ Thanks Taramis~
I was looking for info last night about what episode it’s supposed to be called– Hey March 3rd–just in time for my B-day–Mar 7th–
as a total CSI fan– I repeat — I am looking so forward to this! 😛
Congrats again Wil!
ps– Dude how’s Sketch? any new pics of the little guy?
That freakin’ rocks, Wil. I never much got into CSI, but I am so going to watch this episode when it’s on. And now I can’t wait until my improv class in a couple of weeks so I can get back on stage!
I hope Sketch is doing better!
So, I go off and stop reading WWdN for a little while and then all of the sudden …
Maybe I should stay away more often.
Congrats Wil. I’m really stoked for you.
CSI SCHEDULING
Okay, it seems that NCAA will be bumping CSI a couple episodes in March. So Wil fans, either keep an eye on the CBS.com site or check in Elyse’s nifty schedule list at http://members.aol.com/JRD203/csi-news.htm#airings for airing.
Best, ~taramis
wil,
which CSI?
Cant wait to see the episode, I watch them all. Which series is it? Walter is soon to be the guy I talk about at work, it is awesome. It is hard to believe but yes, you are getting my friends to enjoy the shows, they cant wait to see you in it as well as the other episodes.
It is great to hear that the show my son and I watch together has a wonderful love inside of it. I am glad for the insite, makes me wish I could go and be on the show myself. Thanks for letting me live it through you.
Hope the “fat guy” is still going well. Tons of Mojo still going his and your way.
Wil, when I read your posts about this role, I kinda sit back and with my mind’s inner ear, I can hear you saying these things out loud and I can feel the excitement within you pouring through your words. As a writer, myself, I can totally feel the emotion coming across. I just cannot WAIT to see you play Walter. When you can post the ep name and date, please please do *well i KNOW you will* but I feel I have to ask anyway.
On another note, I had a dream about a kitty last night and it reminded me of Sketch this morning and I felt I should inquire about his well being this week. I mean I know you can’t respond to just ME but please give your readers an update as to how the Fat Guy is doing. And let him know his fans are pulling for him.
Wil, I’ve been reading your blog for about 2years now and I must admit that sometimes I’ve almost felt annoyed that you haven’t posted as much {I put on my stroppy/temperamental head and blamed it on how well you were doing] (my issue not yours) but reading your entry on working for CSI feels so……….well
Hey Wil, glad to hear it’s going so well. Not that I thought there was a chance it wouldn’t! 🙂
Sorry about your iBook. Hasn’t that thing freaked out on you a few too many times now? :-/
Keep kicking @$$. You’re an inspiration; it’s great to have a reminder that it pays to stick with what you know is right.
ciao~
jenga
Hey Wil, I can’t wait to see you on CSI. I love that show! Just wanted to wish you well…