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Fred Barron is a fast-talking dynamo, with the kind of credentials that would make any writer green with envy.
He was executive producer of the hugely successful Seinfeld, and wrote and produced comedy hits including The Larry Sanders Show and Caroline In the City. Fred's career spans from journalism to screenplays and outstanding situation comedies, the "holy grail" of television networks around the world.
Why make My Family in Britain, not in the U.S?
"I had always wanted to create a show based on my own family and I felt I couldn't do such a project in the U.S. for a number of reasons. Firstly, the lead is a middle-aged dentist, which doesn't exactly fit the glamorous image other sitcoms in the States have to project. Secondly, my father wasn't always right, he could give really bad advice and that was OK in my own family, but not in American sitcoms. Thirdly, a lead character in a comedy couldn't have been flawed or cynical every week."
How did My Family come about?
It was through Don Taffner Sr., who runs the successful DLT Entertainment in the U.S. and the UK, that the project came together. Fred and Don had known each other for 15 years and Don was always keen for Fred to work with the company.
Fred continues, "I met with Don and his wonderful representative, Martin Booth, discussed the project and we took it to Geoffrey Perkins, Head of Comedy at the BBC. He was very open to the project but concerned about the sentimentality, which is typical of American television. This was music to my ears! I was very eager to create a series without the usual caveats to keep the characters 'nice,' and here was a network executive who was actually encouraging me to do exactly that. Still, there was one aspect of the writing I wanted to import from the States. I wanted to make it as I would have done in America – basically tailor the scripts to the actors."
What is the best part of working on My Family?
As well as being impressed with British writers and the technical talent and developments that he has discovered, Fred has found that a key part of his enjoyment of working on My Family has been with the actors. "I've never had more fun on a show," he continues.
"Once I'd met Robert, I knew I was dealing with someone truly gifted. He is incredibly talented, funny and physical and it was clear all these people were special. I think I'm good at trusting other people's instincts, so when Geoffrey came up with the idea of working with Zoe, I thought I'd give it a shot. Apparently, Zoe wasn't initially interested until she read the script on the way to the airport and by the time she'd arrived, she wanted the part. I therefore consider myself incredibly lucky – the whole cast has been wonderful."
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