Titled “Community Message Points” (don’t you just love corporate-speak?), a list of suggestions of how to deal with the inevitable onslaught of questions about Dan Harmon’s inauspicious exit from Community (he got fired, read about it, here) has been circulated to the show’s cast.
TV-land being what it is, the leaked memo has popped up online via The Hollywood Reporter, so it's with thanks to them that we have the full text below:
“Team Community:
With last night's news of David Guarascio and Moses Port as new showrunners/EPs on "Community" running in the press, and since we know that cast members have interviews coming up this week, I wanted to forward some messaging we hope our cast will find helpful as they navigate questions that will undoubtedly come up. I know that David and Moses are reaching out to them all directly but I've also heard from some of the actors that they'd like some guidance on the topic.
I saw some of the tweets that went out and were glad they all addressed their own sentiments quickly, and we're hoping that the news will lose some steam over the next day, especially if we're not perpetuating the topic in any way
We're tracking the coverage and conversation and will circle back if we feel the need to re-shift our plan or messaging. Please let me know if you have questions.
Why did Dan get let go from the show?
We're not made aware of why staffing changes take place but I will always be grateful to Dan for his great work on the show and wish him only the best. We're also excited that we'll be back on NBC's schedule in the fall and are looking forward to working on those episodes.
Were you aware that Dan was going to be let go?
No, that's not something we're consulted on. I'm sad to see him go but I am looking forward to starting our next 13 episodes of "Community."
Did the studio or network consult with you about these changes?
No they didn't but we're looking forward to working with David Guarascio & Moses Port on a new season of Community.
What are their plans for the new season?
It's a little early to say at this point but we're looking forward the stories our characters will find themselves in come Sept.”
Our favourite bit? The somewhat sinister reference to NBC “…tracking the coverage and conversation” and being prepped to “circle back if we feel the need to re-shift our plan or messaging”. Teensy bit of a threat there, wouldn’t you say?
The game for next week’s official cast interviews will be playing “leaked memo bingo”, and ticking off each of these pat answers as we hear them. Who’s playing?
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