Gilmore Girls - Minority Mindset

Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino had an eventful week upon arriving in Los Angeles. Barely 24 hours into their stay on March 26 for a PaleyFest celebration, Amazon MGM Studios head Jennifer Salke announced her departure after seven years.

News about Salke’s departure – a surprise that rippled through Hollywood – is breaking, happening at a time when the real-life couple are preparing for the April 24 premiere on Amazon Prime Video of “Étoile,” an elaborate ballet series set across continents, which serves as a follow-up to their Emmy-winning show, “Mrs. Maisel.” The drama-comedy spans eight episodes and features Luke Kirby and French actress Charlotte Gainsbourg as heads of ballet companies in New York and Paris, who agree to exchange their star performers in an attempt to rescue their esteemed institutions.

The term “Étoile” (meaning ‘star’ in French) signals a return for the Palladinos to the dance world, a first since the 2012 termination of their hit but short-lived series “Bunheads” on ABC Family. However, this time they are working with an Amazon-compatible budget. Moreover, their distinctive fast-paced dialogue is venturing into new territory: the French language. This change will challenge viewers as they will have to read, rather than just listen, to much of the duo’s rapid-fire wordplay, thanks to subtitles. In essence, this means that for the first time, audiences will be reading, not merely listening, to the Palladinos’ quick wit.

Prior to the debut, the extremely entertaining duo had a chat with EbMaster to delve into their experiences mastering “Étoile”, their unusual decision to release episodes all at once, and speculate about the prospects of their ongoing contract with Amazon.

What was Amazon’s reaction when you pitched them “Étoile” as the title of the show?

As a staunch advocate, I anticipated a fierce backlash against it. Surprisingly, the response was overwhelmingly positive. They attempted to persuade me to alter “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” In a moment of frustration, I might have uttered something along the lines of “Go fuck yourself.” However, we never encountered any issues with “Étoile.

Did translating your rapid-fire dialogue into French and then into English subtitles present any challenges?

Daniel Palladino: In our editing process, we made numerous concessions. The translations in the subtitles aren’t flawless. We shortened words, phrases, and eliminated English adjectives to make it less text-heavy. To complicate matters further, the French actors tend to speak at a rapid pace.

Amy: Where have they been all our lives?

Daniel: When they come across a full stop, they seem to speed straight through without a moment’s rest. There’s no break between their sentences, which left us repeatedly urging them to speak more slowly.

The strikes delayed the start of production. Did that turn out to be a blessing or a curse?

Amy: Creatively, we’re not overspending. However, Amazon includes the cost of maintaining inventory (sets) and keeping actors ready (for Season 1) in the budget. This means that we start production with an already inflated budget because money has been spent without any footage being captured yet.

Speaking of costs, Amy, you previously said that Amazon’s decision to end “Maisel” after five seasons was a financial one. But “Étoile” isn’t exactly a cheap show.

Amy mentioned that “Maisel” is in its fifth season, and with each passing year, everyone involved receives more compensation. Given the multiple Emmy awards they’ve won, cast and crew members often renegotiate their deals, thinking, ‘Since we won all those Emmys…’ “Étoile,” on the other hand, was relatively affordable compared to other productions, but it wasn’t a low-budget show.

You made no secret of the fact that you did not want “Maisel” to end. How are you feeling about it two years later? Do you look at the decision Amazon made now and think, “That was ultimately the best thing.”

Daniel: [To Amy] Pass on that! Pass on that …

Amy: It’s not always right to claim something as the ‘best thing’ if you have something unique. Remember, every enterprise has its own set of factors that aren’t within our control.

Are you already writing Season 2 of “Étoile”?

Amy: Not yet.

Amazon gave it a two-season order right out of the gate, right?

Amy: Well … technically.

What is the status of Season 2?

Daniel: It’s pending.

Amy: It seems Amazon hasn’t responded yet to EbMaster’s inquiry regarding the status of the show’s second season that’s been ordered. You might want to reach out to them for more information.

You’ve had a successful relationship with Amazon. But a lot has changed in the past six months. For starters, Amazon’s executive chairman, Jeff Bezos, has cozied up to Donald Trump. Does that alliance make you rethink your partnership with them?

[Amy and Daniel ask to pause the interview. After a few minutes, the interview resumes.]

Daniel: You know, Michael, politics and religion, we don’t discuss …

Your thoughts on Jennifer Salke’s departure?

Daniel: This situation takes me by surprise, but in this line of work, the unexpected is common. Nowadays, it seems like the unexpected happens everywhere. I’m actually more worried about the Department of Education than an individual executive. It’s a period filled with widespread concern.

Amy: Since joining Amazon, we’ve experienced at least four, possibly five different leadership styles or management structures. The company has undergone numerous changes in its regime over the years.

This is the first time a full season of your show will be dropped all at once. Did Amazon explain to you why they decided to go the binge route with “Étoile”?

Amy: Yes, I agree. With diagrams and indicators, the situation was clear. After taking a Valium, I fell asleep. I’m confident there’s a reason for it all.

How do you feel about it?

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve consistently expressed my viewpoint since day one: Dumping full seasons at once isn’t my cup of tea. I’ve been an ardent supporter of the weekly release format. It turns masterpieces into disposable content when you unload them all at once, and they vanish in a single night.

Did you have any creative input on the “Gilmore Girls” Walmart commercials that Lauren Graham and Scott Patterson appeared in?

Amy: We didn’t contribute any creative ideas at all, we just learned about it from Lauren. It seems like Lauren influenced them to modify certain aspects, which, if I had known, would have been devastating for me.

Daniel: I really liked the one with Kirk and all the snow. And Lauren looked sensational.

Amy: Lauren did look sensational.

Daniel added, “I found Stars Hollow quite charming. After all, commercials have a larger budget compared to most productions. They really pour their effort into making them impressive.

Are you comfortable with a Walmart ad potentially being the final time we visit “Gilmore Girls”?

Amy expresses a fond desire for another revival: “We adore the cast, the universe, and crafting these characters. Timing is crucial; it’s like magic.

Daniel: I don’t know if Walmart should have the last word — that’s all I’m saying.

This Q&A was edited for length and clarity.

2025-04-10 20:19