Los Angeles, California – The recent episode of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” titled “Charlie Work” has captivated audiences with its cinematic single-shot effect. This technique, which was used prior to the film “Birdman” in 2014, showcases the show’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries. In a 2015 interview, actor Charlie Day explained that the inspiration for this episode came from the extended-take episode of “True Detective” season 1, demonstrating the show’s dedication to experimenting with different storytelling techniques.
“We’re always looking for new ways to challenge ourselves,” shared Glenn Howerton, another cast member of the show. “That’s a lot where that came from. And we were kind of leaning into the fact, because I do think that episode’s funny, but we were also kind of leaning into the idea that it didn’t really have to be that funny, it just had to be interesting to watch.”
The single-shot effect presented numerous obstacles for the cast and crew of “It’s Always Sunny.” The actors had to ensure they were thoroughly rehearsed, memorizing their lines and cues to maintain the seamless flow of the extra-long shots. This gave the episode the feel of a live theater performance, with actors waiting on the sidelines for their cues, fearful of disrupting the rhythm of the scene.
Glenn Howerton discussed this experience with his co-star, explaining that it reminded him of the tension and anticipation felt during stage plays. He recalled the anxious moments in the wings, waiting for his cue, emphasizing the importance of not messing up the timing as it could derail the entire take. The pressure was on not to be the one who made a mistake and disrupted the flow of the scene.
Interestingly, it was not the actors who faced the greatest challenges during the filming of “Charlie Work.” According to Charlie Day, it was the crew members who had the most difficult tasks. The single-shot effect required meticulous coordination and precision from the technical team, ensuring that everything went smoothly and seamlessly.
In summary, the recent episode of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” titled “Charlie Work” has impressed viewers with its innovative single-shot effect. This technique, which was inspired by the extended-take episode of “True Detective” season 1, showcases the show’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries. The actors’ theatrical performances and the crew’s meticulous coordination contributed to the overall success of the episode. The “Sunny” cast and crew have once again proven their dedication to delivering compelling and unique content to their audience.