THE ACADEMIC: Review - An Evening with Dan O'Shannon

As a part of our course for Fundamentals of Speech (Public Speaking--*groan*), we were asked to watch a public speech and write up a review about it.  Last week, Executive Producer of Modern Family (and writer on such shows as: Cheers, Fraiser, and Newhart) Dan O'Shannon came to visit and give a little taste of what it is like being in television, being passionate about writing, and chasing dreams.

An Evening with Dan O'Shannon

     Executive Producer for the hit television series Modern Family, Dan O'Shannon, has assembled quite the resume in his near-30 years of experience as a producer, television writer, and editor. In a recent visit to the Ithaca College campus, O'Shannon spoke as the 17^th lecturer of the Park Distinguished Visitor Series. Given his background in sitcom writing and his experience in the T.V. biz, I expected to hear about writing strategies, navigating the entertainment industry, and of course maybe hear some funny anecdotes about his personal experiences. I certainly was not disappointed – O'Shannon engaged the audience in a way that was informative, entertaining, and motivating.

     The format of the lecture, however, was most unexpected. After Associate Professor Jack Powers briefed the audience on some of O'Shannon's previous accomplishments, he informed us that this lecture would be interview-style, with Powers asking questions and then allowing O'Shannon to respond. Powers himself seemed a bit awkward during the introduction, possibly being thrown off my O'Shannon's many witty interjections. But, I couldn't quite shake the feeling of Powers flaunting his friendship with O'Shannon like one giant, self-serving name-drop, which was quite distracting.  In contrast, O'Shannon seemed genuine, confident, and motivated to deliver his message to the audience.

     Yet given the format of the lecture, finding the core of that message was somewhat difficult. The “interview-style” presented similarly to a podcast played out on stage, with Powers asking questions and O'Shannon giving lengthy, anecdotal responses that felt like mini-speeches in their own right. So, while it's difficult to pinpoint a particular thesis, there are certainly themes present throughout O'Shannon's responses. But, what I took away most from this lecture is: chase what inspires you.

     The first question asked was, “How old were you when you knew you wanted to write for television?,” which transitioned into what felt like the 'origin story' of a character. Inspired by a speaker at a school assembly at the age of 8, and not what he would deem “naturally funny,” O'Shannon started “playing” with comedy in an experimental, “Wow-kid-you're-trying-too-hard” way that I found very relatable. About a decade later, things began to click and he moved to California, where he crashed on a friend's couch and honed his writing skills. He spoke of his commitment and dedication to the craft; writing and meticulously formatting spec scripts on a broken, manual typewriter. He stressed that, in order to be successful, it is important that you make sure that you're putting forth quality material – don't be lazy, and do it the right way even when it's a challenge.

     When O'Shannon entered the lecture hall, I overheard him comment to Powers on the size of the crowd. But, despite any nerves that may have caused, O'Shannon's presence was warm, charismatic, and comfortable. He engaged the audience in a way that was both commanding of attention yet down-to-earth and approachable. His voice was dynamic, and though he was seated, he still told his stories in a way which was entirely captivating.

     Throughout the entertaining anecdotes, there was a sprinkling of solid advice for writers and those looking to enter the television industry. He spoke about remembering the things that aren't necessarily funny at the time, because the things that are the funniest and most memorable down the road are likely the things which were mortifying when they happened. He talked about working with actors, children, the collaborative process between a group of writers, and his personal theory about comedy – that it is a landscape that should be a place of experimentation and manipulating variables to see what works, and what doesn't.

     The main lecture portion closed with O'Shannon speaking about the “power” of writing, which made for an appropriate and memorable close. He spoke of the ability to jot down some squiggles on paper, to release your feelings out into the world, and to have someone else read them and feel something. Writing is a special skill that has resonance and permanence in our world. You can have a conversation with someone you will never meet or speak to, and you can share yourself with the world, which is a truly beautiful sentiment.

     Afterward, O'Shannon fielded several questions from the audience. His responses echoed the general sentiments of his lecture, and reinforced the point of chasing that which inspires you – and staying connected to the things which you are passionate about. Overall, there were plenty of memorable moments to take away. And while there were not many points of controversy or drama, he was passionate about what he was saying– and that is infectious, and something that will stay with me for a long time.