Taping of the Coming out Episodes of Series 4.

Taping of Ellen's Series 4 Coming Out Episodes.

Inside Outsider
by Allie

So Fri. was to be THE episode. On Mon I tried to phone directly for reservations but after being on hold for 11 minutes at 9:11 am. I was informed that sorry the list was booked. Hmm make’s sense minimal GP, keep a tight audience. Ok so time to call in a favor. An viola after much ado at 2:00 am Thurs. eve the phone rings and we’re in on that precious list Fri afternoon think quick! I had to come up with some plausible excuse to leave work I had my friend place a call from my dentist’s office to confirm my "emergency dental appt." "But I just have to see the "gaypisode" wasn’t gonna cut it so why take chances. So I stick a wad of tissue in my mouth, fake a loose filling and presto by 3:30 I am picking up my friend and racing to Burbank .We arrive at 4:15 and are instructed to join a throng of people outside the gate. There we wait and wait and languish till the inevitable separation and count begins. The Nazi pages wield their trusty clipboards, marshaling the crowd you there, you over here, tickets, reservations, VIP? The VIP’s wonder why they are waiting at all, the Reserved look longingly at the VIP’s wishing they knew someone better, the GP ticket holders wish they had made reservations or had just arrived sooner..

The VIP’s cockily lined up in front, a large portion obviously lesbian as pointed out by one grumbling straight guy huffing "Humph that must be Ellen’s crowd" I chuckled thinking cool, it looks like Dinah Shore weekend and glad I didn’t bring my girlfriend J.

Any way so finally through the detectors to the seats which were almost back row left facing the stage generally crappy but who’s complaining at this point

Ellen was already on the set when we were seated, speaking to the crowd taking questions like, Do you consider yourself a trailblazer? (daaa!) Who’s your hairdresser?. The usual "Ellen I loved your book you’re so funny you make me laugh." Likes she’s never heard that before. The enamored lesbian flower thing. At one taping the MC (In another of his lame giveaway contests) allowed a girl to recite a poem called "I want" about the show which quickly devolved into a lusty lesbo "Ellen I want you type of thing" before is was abbreviated. Back to tonight

The stage looked odd no supporting cast (though Higgins and Lewis were present offstage), no bookstore, no apartment, rather a restaurant, airport lobby, hallway and hotel room. We were in new unfamiliar territory (at least to some) Hmm only the most obtuse yokel could help but notice the anticipatory air. The MC announced it here it is "The" episode. Ellen explained it would be a one hour show part of which would tape tonight and that the taping would be a little odd, shot out of sequence Cryptically she told the audience it was just about feeling good. Hm When given a flower by one female fan, she said "Thank you did you remove the thorns? Here I’ll give it to Laura, (taking it back) then she’ll give it back to me"

The scene opens with Ellen meeting Richard an old college buddy, now a news weather man from Pittsburgh for dinner. They are finishing their dinner catching up when Susan (Dern) Richard’s producer walks in tall slim wearing a white pant suit. She approaches their table waving to Richard, awkward (hmm) apologising and rambling …(In much the same way Ellen herself would) when Ellen stops her by asking "Who are you" Susan informs Richard of a scheduling change, compliments Ellen on her blue sweater , whereby Ellen invites her to stay for dessert. Susan sits but asks them to pretend like she’s not there. As Ellen and Richard talk Susan picks parsley from Ellen’s plate. Ellen comments on the "disappearing" parsley when Susan leans over in an intimate sort of gesture to pick an eyelash off of Ellen’s face, asking her to make a wish. Coffee is suddenly served prompting Ellen to remark that that was her wish. "Try again and I’ll get us some creme broulee." Susan does this time picking an attached eyelash. Richard is lost in the middle of this clearly some kind of chemistry exists between the two characters.

In the next scene Ellen and Richard are at Richard’s hotel sitting on the couch jibing each other on past relationships. (Poor Adam is completely forgotten) Richard remarks that he’s been wrong dating models and actresses, and expresses he should date someone like Ellen. Ellen doesn’t know how to take this, as a compliment or otherwise. He flatters her and says he is comfortable with her, nestling closer putting his head into the nook of her shoulder, caressing her arm. Ellen is obviously uncomfortable. And hastily breaks from him when he tells her how great she smells "We all know where smelling leads." Richard it’s been a long time I think we’re moving to fast…Etc Etc. I’ll call you tomorrow. Ellen has trouble with the door lock nervously rushing to exit.

Next she is in the hotel hallway outside the door, in distress talking to herself about how uncomfortable it was. And who should happen to walk passed en route to her room, but Susan the producer of course. She observes Ellen noticing her distress and asks her who she is talking to? To which Ellen answers "You!" Susan opening her hotel door, invites Ellen to finish the conversation in her room, an invitation Ellen enthusiastically accepts. At this time the crowd went wild shouting a long lascivious wooooooo .

Inside the room Susan offers Ellen a (non-alcoholic) drink, which she declines. Ellen and Susan both move to the couch Susan throws a leg over the back of the couch accidentally, almost sitting on her before moving to the opposite end. Sitting on the couch Indian style facing each other. They talk of New Orleans Jazz festival, Hooker their similarities "You’re like a mirror image of me well only a Funhouse mirror taller and skinnier when it comes to what’s bothering her Ellen says that Richard came on to her and she doesn’t understand why she isn’t receptive to him, despite his being smart successful etc ect Susan chimes in with the praise of Richard , thereby prompting Ellen to question why she and Richard had never gotten together. Susan begins to answer but is cut off by Ellen "Oh I see that office romance thing" To which Susan says "No Ellen I it’s because I don’t date men. Ellen is confused "Why?" "Ellen because I’m gay. Ellen is caught off guard and uncomfortable "I thought you knew" No "Cuz I thought you were gay too. Ellen I’m sorry. Really uncomfortable now gets up and absently overfills a glass with ice. What would make you think that! Do I give off some gaaaay vibe. Cuz maybe what you felt were really strong heterosexual vibes that threw you. Shaky still playing with the ice sticking pieces into her mouth. "I like ice. Heterosexuals like ice. She leans nervously swaggering against a doorway and continuing I know what’s going on it’s not enough that you have to be gay but your trying to recruit me. To which Susan jokes I’m gonna have to call headquarters and let them know I lost you... damn one more and I would of had that toaster oven. Ellen really defensive, jittery disconcerted. Oh was that some gay humor cuz a heterosexual like me doesn’t get it. Any way Ellen again trying to extricate herself from the situation is backed against the door as Susan leans over her to disengage the lock Ellen squirms out of the room, then knocks Susan opens and Ellen’s arm is seen giving back the glass of ice.

From this scene we skip to the finale. Skipping the self realization scene which tapes next week, to the self-declaration/, affirmation scene. At the airport in the boarding lobby. Ellen rushes in obviously looking for Susan when she glimpses Richard who mistakenly assumes Ellen is there to say see him off. Ellen what are you doing here etc. Ellen I came to bring you this, (digging through her pocket, pulling out a stick of gum) Yeah you really need this for the flight to help with the a, ear popping. After mutual apologies for the night before. They agree to be friends. Ellen says there a lot she want to say emotions etc. but that she’ll write him a long letter. Dispensing with Richard she inquires where’s Susan? Susan crosses from a group of pay phones. Ellen stops her near a speaker podium and starts telling her. Susan let me say this … You were right. I’ve been doing some thinking for a long time actually and you made me realize. That that that (halting) giving up she say What I’m really trying to say is that I got the toaster joke. Susan: Are you saying what I think you’re saying cuz I’m not going to say it again and be wrong again. No no Susan you were right. I’m I’m I’m Why can’t I say it (agonizing) (This was so intense It didn’t even seem like acting it was so surreal daa). Breaking down into what is wrong with me, why can’t I say it why can’t I say the word. (Her voice was audibly cracking) I’m tired of lying hiding who I really am. She pauses leaning on the side of the podium dangerously close to the microphone with, her head looking down lifting her head she blurts Why can’t I say Susan I am gay or something like that damn it I can’t remember the exact words and I’ll have to wait till April 3o anyway after that Ellen looked so relieved, jubilant exuberantly leaping into a victorious skip to the side of the stage where the production staff greeted her with hug after hug after hug after hug. Actually a section of seats in the back left aisle behind us remained taped off until a group of execs or were seated it seemed to view this scene of the men while Ellen was doing I could here whispering to his group Look at her she’s gonna hug everybody she needs to get her ass back over there I still wonder who this jerk was. I mean here’s this wonderfully touching moment and this suit is making fun of it.

The taping was really short and over by eight. My mischievous friend always looking for a limelight walked off to find a restroom slipping off to a side path. With no one ever stopping us asking to see wristbands we walked and kept on walking, till we reached the studio perimeter, then rounded a corner and lost ending up Oh no we were behind the Ellen set. Trying to look normal like we belonged. My friend just kept saying "keeping walking" I just wanted to get out of there. The last thing I wanted was a trespassing hassle I’m 25 not 15. Any way Laura Dern was leaving her trailer less than a foot a way. No big deal just that I assume the cops were there to protect against the nutcases out there and my friend and I walked right past them and weren’t stopped at all! We even asked one for the time Anyway just an observation. All in all knowing that next week will be great too This was so ineffably spectacular to see. Such a moment. Ellen and her staff did a wonderful wonderful job! Such a brave thing. And it was a little sad cause in the back of my mind. I kept thinking that this was the beginning of something really great or the beginning of the end. Either way Ellen, made this solo gamble alone and the rest of us gays are just gawking on the side like at a craps table rooting for the hot roller who’s risks more money than most of us will make in a life time. Normally if the roller wins you get nothing but if Ellen wins this bet, perhaps we can share in a windfall of if not, acceptance at least some measure of tolerance. Whatever the outcome, I still can’t believe it was done. WOW WOW WOW!!!

Week 2
by Jude

It is a very well-written script, compassionate and touching, and it should be very easy for viewers to identify with Ellen and the feelings she has. It was a long taping, almost five hours, and Ellen took good care of the audience, which was mainly VIP, industry people and friends. She had lesbian chefs going up and isles passing out food and drinks. They played a tape of the first part of the show to fill the audience in on the story.

k.d. part was hilarious. She sang a song she must have written, Sisters, with lyrics about the life, gaydar, signifiers. Oprah was great. She asked Ellen if she ever had crushes on girls in school and Ellen said "No, ... . well, .. there was that one time. .. and than .. .. .....! When Ellen has come out, she thanks Oprah and is about to leave when Oprah says "what about dating?" and Ellen sits back down and says "You're just trying to get more money." Ellen, talking about coming out, says "no one gives you a cake that says "Congratulations! You're a Lesbian!" After the taping, Oprah comes out with a big cake with that written on it.

Paige is the only one of Ellens friends that has trouble with Ellen coming out. Ellen said "You're having a hard time with this, aren't you?" Paige said "yes, I've known you for so long? Are you attracted to me?" Ellen says no, she isn't, and Paige says - "Why NOT?"

At the end of the taping, Ellen thanked everyone for being there and supporting her, the producers of the show come out and say how corageous she is for doing this and give her a photo of the moment between her and Laura Dern. Ellen's looking at the photo when someone from the audience yells out, "WHAT IS IT?" and Ellen said, "Oh, I forgot you were there."

There were tears and lots of love, hugs and laughter after the show. Melissia Etherage did a hilarious tag for the show, which was taped sometime during the week, so she wasn't there. There was a big party with Ellen for those who had the VIP wrist bands.

WOW
by Liza

Hi, this is Liza, the lesbian niece of Carolyn. I am visiting from Oregon, and we went together to the taping of the above mentioned episode. She asked me to write to all of you to tell you about the experience. I hope that others who attended the show will chime in with their recollections and make this something that is truly a shared moment.

We were seated in the middle of the second row. The delightful warm up comedian, Ron Pearson (if I remember correctly), played mostly in front of us. There were 5 sets (to the best of my recollection) on the sound stage. In front and above us were monitors (on which we could watch all of the scenes, and were shown out-takes and openings during breaks in the action). Hanging above us were microphones. The seats themselves were comfortable, well spaced and cushioned. There are about 220 seats in the house (according to Ron). I think it was mostly filled (since I was more interested in what was happening in front of me I didn't look back much).

Parenthetically, ET was filming, even talking to some of the audience as we waited in line outside. They also filmed during some of the breaks and the introduction of the regular cast.

I do not intend to tell the story of the episode, other than comfirming what seems to be common knowledge; that Ellen comes out of the closet to her parents. The episode was touching, funny, and very realistic. I had tears in my eyes (through the laughter) during some of the scenes. Overall, the cast was quite remarkable, particularly Steve Gilborn (Harold) and Alice Hirson (Lois). I have never been to a taping before, so all this was new. I had a hard time remembering that the cast has identities outside of the show!

Before taping commenced, Ellen answered questions, listened to comments and fielded several "Hi Ellen, I just wanted to be able to tell my friends that I said 'hi' to you" (she said "hi" back). She was gracious, but I felt that she was really focused on the upcoming work, and not really present. It must take a lot of energy to even be able to say hi under those circumstances! Kudos to her for sparing some for us. By far the best question was one shouted out from the back, "How did you like the kiss from kd?" Ellen paused, turned away, turned back, said, "OK, turn off the cameras [ET]... let's start taping." Then she looked at us and said, "kd and I are friends. It was a very friendly kiss." (I am losing some of her charm in the writing) Any way, it satisfied the audience, we laughed appreciatively.

After the scenes were done, and before the 'tag'(that little funny blurb that the credits play next to) was taped, they had to tape some 'pushes' (same scene, different angle) that Ellen didn't have to be in. So she came over, climbed on to a 6 foot step ladder that was right in front of the audience next to the railing, and sat on the top. She just hung out with us for the duration, until she had to go back for the tag. VERY COOL.

At the end of the show, the entire cast was introduced. Ellen, of course, received a standing ovation from the entire audience. How great is she.

OTHER CELEBRITY NOTES: Dan Ackroyd was on the set, with Laraine Newman (who had a part). He had his photo taken in the bookstore set with Laraine.

Cher was in attendance, seated 4 seats and 1 row in front of me. She was there because Chastity had a part.

Ellen's mom (how gorgeous is she!) was there too. Is she a celebrity too? *grin*

The Season Finale
4/3/97
Disney Campus, Stage Three
By Eudora

Thursday afternoon ABC taped the last show of the season and I was lucky enough to get reservations. I promise I won't give anything away, but I will tell you about the taping from my humble perspective. . .

If you have never been to a studio taping before (I hadn't), it's really strange. I stood in a line behind a green metal fence adorned with mouse ears among other hopefuls who were waiting to see the taping. Just because you make a reservation doesn't guarantee you get in -- it all depends on how many "V.I.P.s" are in the audience. And yes, they really call them V.I.P.s.

It's like being outside the gates of Disneyland, but not having money for admission. There are two kinds of people; those inside the gate and those outside the gate. I don't think anything more needs to be said.

The weather was warm and balmy and the landscape was unmistakably Southern Californian with signature palm trees adorning the wide streets that lead to the freeways. At approximately 4:15 p.m. the "pages" arrive to open the gates and verify the people with tickets and reservations. Lines are formed and the pages lead us to the studio. It's very Disney-like in that everything is so clean. Employees ride around on 1950's style bicycles just like the old studios used to have. There is a distinct difference between the old studios and the new studios and that would be SECURITY. With the John Hinkleys and Mark David Chapmans in this world it makes perfect sense that everyone is checked with a metal detector before entering.

As we are seated I can see Ellen's TV parents on in the bottom row looking relaxed and chatting with people. "Coffee Joe" is drinking coffee in the office area. He doesn't look at all out of character. "Audrey" walks on the edge of the set like an introspective New York method actress. Although she is slathered in pink, she hasn't yet worked up to her bouncy, twirly, shrillness.

Suddenly there is some lively music -- some song from the Average White Band. Ellen comes out (no pun intended) and introduces the cast. She attempts a friendly interaction with the cast and invites questions, but there seems to be an underlining caustic edge to her humor. After some "Thank-you Ellen/you go girl/right on sister" blather someone asks if there will be another season. Ellen says that nothing has been finalized.

They begin to film the first scene. You can see the live action juxtaposed with the filming over head on Sony monitors. Audience microphones dangle overhead like black bananas capturing our laughter. The crew films every scene twice. Sometimes the scenes vary slightly with different dialogue and nuances. The set is sectioned off. Starting from the left is the bookstore, Ellen's old apartment (the cupboards are empty!), the hallway of her old apartment and finally the living room of her new house. Everything moves on wheels; the set, the cameras, the monitors. Everything is quick and efficient. The two little girls who play the daughters of Ellen's boss are running up and down the stairs. They are rather unruly and one of them sits in the isle next to me. I wonder where the heck their stage mothers are!

The "V.I.P.s" watch the monitors on the set. They wear plastic yellow wrist bands and mill about the set like haughty lounge lizards. Many are garden variety sycophants mixing with the hard-working people who invest so much of their time on such a fragile project. I can see Ellen's brother, Vance, on the set. He is wearing a dark suit. He would look boyish if it weren't for the serious expression on his face. He looks like a melancholy dandy, watching the monitor with his arms crossed.

In between the scenes Ellen whisks by flashing her smile at the audience in a mechanical way. Her smile disappears as quickly as it appeared. It's clear she has a lot on her mind. I saw another side of Ellen -- not the kooky, zany, madcap, people pleaser, but a somber, serious, businesswoman who, by the way, would only sign ELLEN merchandise!

There was a dramatic scene between Ellen and her boss. The writers did a brilliant job of condensing the points of view of two opposing sides. I think *everyone* will be pleased.

After the final scene Ellen seemed to find comfort when she hugged her brother. She did a little Ellen dance before the audience was dismissed. I got the impression she wanted to get on a plane and go anywhere other than where she was. Everything is "in the can" so to speak. There is no telling what will happen after April 30 (Ellen reminded all of us who are going to big screen parties to make sure those of use with Neilson boxes to make sure we set our VCR's).

CLICK HERE for more experiences from the current Series FIVE tapings.