| LMS: So you are approachable. BS: Yes, the door's always open! LMS: What do people want from the person in charge? BS: Confidence. I become their best safety net. They know III never have them say anything inappropriate or stupid That's why I make a conscious effort to compliment. A compliment goes a long way in this business, especially if it's given with sincerity and appreciation. LMS: Are you on the set daily? BS: Only if I'm writing the script. Otherwise, I don't hang around. The writer and director for that episode are in charge. LMS: Who has the final cut? BS: I do the final editing. LMS: Wait a minute. Doesn't that lead to some resentment? BS: All my directors, editors, writers, tell me, and I know they're not just shining me on, that they're impressed with the changes I make. I am the final writer in that sense. I am the thru line. I have no ego here. *My* mark is the show. I want to be proud. LMS: Since no other female executive producers have achieved your distinction, you must be "the Sherry Lansing of television." BS: The most powerful woman? (Laughs) Thank you, but I'm not treated that way by the network. LMS: But you've succeeded on what used to be that dreaded Saturday night line-up. The Emmys, Golden Globes, People's Choice Awards have all saluted you. BS: The bottom line is I proved them wrong. LMS: The big guys? BS: The big guys. LMS: Yet, you achieved what you set out to do ... and more. BS: "DR. QUINN" is still not looked upon with the same kind of status as other 1-hour dramas. LMS: Such as? BS: Such as "NYPD Blue and "ER" It's hard for people to understand, but I did the market research which I passed onto the network. They snickered at me and my Saturday night programming. I told them that "QUINN" would bring families back to the television, just like they did with the days of "BONANZA." LMS: And they didn't believe you? BS: 'It won't happen,' they kept insisting. I kept saying it would I proved them wrong on two fronts. I outstripped them, and they don't like a woman to do that. |