Randall Einhorn

Summary of Randall Einhorn

by Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney

1h 3m•July 10, 2023
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Summary — Podcast Episode: Randall Einhorn

Hosts: Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney
Guest: Randall Einhorn

Overview

This episode is a relaxed conversation with director Randall Einhorn about his unconventional path into television, his directing approach (especially on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia), memorable production stories, and practical advice for directors. Randall discusses how his adventure/expedition background shaped his problem-solving and calm on-set demeanor, how he helped scale Always Sunny’s production ambitions, and what it takes to get big cinematic moments on a tight television budget.

Key Points & Main Takeaways

  • Career origin:
    • Started as a whitewater raft/raft guide filming expeditions (Australia, Papua New Guinea).
    • Got into TV by filming Eco Challenge (1997) and working with Mark Burnett.
  • Directing style & strengths:
    • Highly collaborative, unflappable, and adaptable — doesn’t get emotionally stuck when plans change.
    • Emphasizes actor comfort: sometimes letting actors talk through notes is essential to their performance.
    • Prefers heavy prep: creates overhead schematics mapping actors’ eyelines and camera coverage.
  • Production techniques:
    • Strong proponent of always shooting multi-camera coverage (advocates three cameras).
    • Uses plates and targeted VFX/CGI to create scale without blowing the budget (e.g., stadiums, sinking/fiery boat shots).
    • Practical solutions and second-unit work can substitute for large-scale access to live events.
  • Episodic vs pilot directing:
    • Episodic directors should see themselves as guests — serve the established tone and constraints.
    • Pilots allow you to set the show’s tone/look and offer more creative agency.
  • On-set work ethic:
    • Efficient mindset: knowing how to get big things done in limited days without overspending.
    • Records: high number of setups/pages shot in single days (e.g., 90 steps, 12 pages).
  • Personal anecdotes:
    • Topanga Canyon life, horses and a falling-off-ride story with Charlie, house once an ashram, name meaning (Einhorn = "unicorn" in German).
  • Career ups and downs:
    • Has experienced “lumps” (rejections or job losses) but treats them practically — learns and moves on.
    • Expedition work trained him to expect unpredictable conditions and prioritize safety.

Notable Quotes & Insights

  • “The secret is just standing out of your way.” — (on letting creators work)
  • “You’re a guest.” — Advice for episodic directors: respect the established show.
  • “You’re the babysitter, you’re not the parent.” — On directing on pre-existing series.
  • “Everybody needs something different” — Importance of tuning into actors’ individual emotional needs.
  • “My greatest asset is not knowing any better; my greatest motivator is really wanting to go home.” — On efficiency and momentum.

Topics Discussed

  • Randall’s journey from whitewater rafting to TV directing
  • Eco Challenge and expedition filmmaking
  • Directing approach on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (notable episodes: World Series defense, boat episode, hockey/gang rivalry episodes)
  • Use of multi-camera setups and shot planning (overhead schematics)
  • Practical VFX/plate-work to simulate scale (stadiums, sinking boats, explosions)
  • Actor management and collaborative directing
  • Difference between episodic directing and directing pilots (Abbott Elementary, Elementary)
  • On-set anecdotes: stunts, rigging, shooting in real venues vs. lot
  • Personal life stories: Topanga Canyon home, animals, past ashram, horses
  • Brief sponsor ad (ZipRecruiter)

Action Items & Recommendations (Practical Takeaways)

For aspiring/early-career directors:

  • Always prepare: create overhead schematics that map actors’ eyelines and camera positions.
  • Shoot multi-camera coverage when possible — it preserves options and efficiency.
  • Learn plate and practical VFX techniques to expand your story’s scale on a TV budget.
  • Be collaborative and emotionally intelligent with actors — help them feel safe.
  • Embrace the “guest” mentality on episodic work: serve the show’s established vision.
  • When directing a pilot, prioritize establishing tone and visual language for future episodes.
  • Cultivate adaptability and calm under pressure — expedition experience or similar challenges help.

If you want, I can:

  • Extract timestamped highlights for the episode (e.g., career origin, shot-planning tips, best anecdotes).
  • Produce a short list of Randall’s recommended crew/roles or tools for implementing his multi-camera/plate approach.