D.W. Moffett, Friday Night Lights: From Austin to New York
Hello there all you FNL fans!!!
As I reviewed the episode slated for this coming Friday ("New York, New York"), I was reminded of a few things.
First of all, I didn't have to do too much on this episode, so that freed me up to finally get a chance to explore Austin a little more.
If you want a town with personality, Austin is definitely it. When you think of Texas, you probably don't think of a town full of diverse culture and some of the hottest music you'll ever hear, but that's Austin. Nestled in there like a jewel. I think we shot this episode while the Austin City Limits music festival was going on and I had a blast going to the final day of the show! It was a great time as I got out and really experienced not only Austin culture but some amazing music! I got to see (amongst others) Neko Case. Let me tell you, she's my pick for genius female vocalist of the new century.
I also remember that as we filmed this episode, I was very jealous that Riggins and Jason Street got to shoot a large part of their story in Manhattan. I've been really lucky in my career to be able to film in New York, and there is something very fun about shooting in that crazy city. You don't think it's ever going to work with all the traffic and all the people, yet somehow it does. When you're watching the scenes where Riggins and Street are cruising Times Square, people are checking them out, probably thinking, "What show are those guys on?" But you know it works because it looks like a bunch of New Yorkers thinking, "Who are those two hicks and why is one in a wheelchair?" Nice!
Now back in Dillon, I have to say that I am particularly fond of the Coach and Tami storyline in this episode. Some might think it's dorky and kind of pedestrian, but the way it's played and the way it's shot are amazing. The issues that it brings up for these characters is what makes it so wonderful. As we all know, it's the little things in life that provide the telescope through which we gain insight into who and what we are. This episode illustrates that perfectly with this simple storyline. I just love Kyle [Chandler] and Connie [Britton] in these scenes. Can you say fantastic acting? Too brilliant.
Finally, the words "Texas forever" are uttered in this episode. As a Chicago native now living in L.A., I can honestly say that I never thought those words could make me almost tear up. Surprise. See what happens to you when you hear them.
Till next week,
D.W. Moffett
