Q&A with John Krasinski

GMMRers..what a day! What a day! I was lucky enough to participate in the Golden Derby online Q&A with my #1 TV boyfriend, John Krasinski. Needless to say it was a thrill.
There was a slight moment of panic when John couldn’t get into the chat, but his publicist, Rebecca, was kind enough to transcribe all of John’s answers for him.

As if the Q&A wasn’t fun enough, I also was stoked to receive a nice note today from John Krasinski himself. It completely made my day…week…year.

Hey xxxxx –
Just wanted to say hi and thanks so much for all your AMAZING support! The Office loves your website!!!

JK

Swoon. Um, John Krasinski knows my name? AND he knows how to spell my name? My dad doesn’t even spell my name right. Sigh.

Anyway, we got some great scoop from John including what it was like to film Casino Night, how he feels about the Emmy buzz, what he thinks of the fans, who his favorite office-mate is, and much, much more.

The following in a transcript of the Q&A put together by Tanster of OfficeTally.com. You guys have NO IDEA how hard this was to transcribe, and how long it took. So PLEASE head over to OfficeTally.com right now and thank Tanster for doing this. Now, sit back and get ready, because there’s a lot of J. Kras goodness ahead.
(Might as well start off with one of my questions and one from tanster.)

tanster: Hi John, this is tanster from officetally.com. Have you had a chance to check out the various Office fansites, discussion forums, and fan videos?

JK: TANSTER – We are all very much aware of all the incredible sites and when I have the time, I defintiely have visited a few. Yours ROCKS, thanks for all the support!!

GMMR: John, I read that your heard about our petition to “Supersize the Office”. Can you talk about the fan impact on the show?

JK: GMMR – the fan impact on the show has been MONUMENTAL it’s the whole reason why we are where we are so first of all, thank you guys SO much. That was INCREDIBLE, and we all cheered on set the day we found out about it. As far as the impact, they say things are cliche because they are true, and it is true that everybody can make a difference. NBC definitely did it because of YOU guys. (GMMR…holla)

(Before the Q&A started it was revealed that John submitted “The Secret” and “Casino Night” as his Emmy submission.)

Tom O’Neil: We’d like to know why you picked those two episodes of “Office” as your Emmy submissions

JK: Basically, both of those episodes he thought were the biggest episodes for Pam & Jim

Tom O’Neil: “The Secret” and “Casino Night”

JK: The Secret was a lighter, funnier episode because he was getting cheered up by Michael, so it was a big Steve & John episode, which was really fun.

Tom O’Neil: And Casino Nights?

JK:…and then Casino Night was just one of the most fun experiences he’s had, and definitely the best episode they’ve done.

Tom O’Neil: Do you know what episode was submitted in the series race?

JK: NBC submitted Booze Cruise and one more TBD

BTN: Do any of those episodes have any Jim and Dwight interaction because they are funny together?

JK: BTN – yes, the Casino Night has the moment where Dwight dares Jim to be telekenetic, it’s hysterical.

Amelia: Here’s my question, John. I know that you wrote the screenplay to the book “Brief Interviews with Hideous Men”, but I read that you are also to direct it this fall. Is this true? Can you say anything new about this project? Thanks and much love.

JK: AMELIA – Yes, thanks so much, I’m so psyched that you know about that. I did adapt the book and will direct it in the fall. It’s basically been something I’ve wanted to do since college. I did a reading of it in college and have always wanted to adapt it, and i’m really looking forward to shooting it this fall. I’m terrified but also really excited.

Tom O’Neil: What can he tell us about Jim and Pam next season?

JK: I actually have no idea the writers haven’t been assigned scripts yet so we are as excited and anxious as you all are to find out!

venom9176: The show struggled in the ratings department early in its run – what do you think turned it around? Did the scripts improve? Did people just get used to the humor? iTunes?

JK: Great question. Early on, i think we all thought this would just be a show that would go out on DVD so that we could prove it actually happened and then i think people really started to understand the humor and i think season 2 it helped to be paired with EARL which brought more viewers. And i think since we were never sure the show would come back we ended up having as much fun as possible which i think really showed on screen and people got hooked

Boomer: What are your expectations for the Emmys? In the other categories, do they expect the show to get in the Series race and Steve Carell in the Lead race?

JK: I have absolutely no expectations about the Emmys. I am so excited to even be considered. I am most looking forward to whether or not the show will be nominated because we’ve just had so much fun and we truly believe it’s a really really great show on TV. I’m hoping for everyone there that the show and the writers are nominated, and even though Steve Carrell is still a struggling actor, I think he has a shot.

CaReporter: Have you had a chance to work on getting your own screenplay in production while shooting this so far summer? If so, how’s it going?

JK: Yes, we’ve been doing pre-production on Brief Interviews while I’m shooting the film LICENSCE TO WED, but I’m having a lot of fun.

flotsette: I am curious about the filming of the confession scene in Casino Night. Was that mostly cut from a first take? It seemed (as always) so real and fresh.

JK: Great question. We were really excited about that scene. We actually did a couple takes before that just to figure out exactly how we wanted it to play so once we figured out how we wanted it to look, i remember taking Jenna aside and we both agreed to just go for it, and not even worry about the words, and it was so much fun to just clear our heads and go into it like a real moment, and that’s the take they used. I’m such a sap for crying

Tom O’Neil: Hey John: what do you think about the flip-flop TV critics have done over “The Office”? At first they pooh-poohed it, said it wasn’t as good as the Brit version, then they quickly warmed up to it and now are solidly behind it. Are they hypocrites? Or just originally misguided and impatient?

JK: The press are absolutely not hypocrites. I was very nervous to see how the show would turn out as well but as soon as we read the first original script, which is “Diversity Day”, we knew it was something fresh and original. There is something to be said about being the underdog and gaining respect genuinely we knew we had a really hard job to do. You cant blame them for being wary the british version was such a good show.

Professor Chaos: John, without naming any names, has there been any discussion of Carell’s Frat Pack brothers (Stiller, Ferrell, etc) to guest star next season? Or any other high profile actors that have expressed interest?JK: We just found out that we have two GREAT directors next year that I’m psyched to work with but I can’t tell you who they are just yet just know they are AMAZING.

Cherith_Cutestory: John, who is your favorite secondary character on the show?

JK: Forget secondary! My favorite character on the show by FAR is Creed – every episode. I never get to see him shoot his scenes so my favorite thing to look forward to are his lines in. There has never been another line funnier on the show than when creed asks “Which one is Pam?”

Tom O’Neil: What was you first big break that got him to the A List? Heck, four years ago he was still in college! JK: My first break was a Kodak commercial where I shaved my head right up the middle reverse mohawk. It was real, and it looked AWESOME it actually premiered on the Emmys. (click here for to watch John’s Kodak commercial…I bet you’ve seen it a million times – GMMR)

Miss Mariel: John, what are 5 CDs you’re currently into?

JK: Ryan Adams / Heartbreaker…Wilco / Kicking Television…Clap Your Hands/Say Yeah…Death Cab / Plans…and…Bright Eyes / I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning. I know that not all of those are brand new but I get hung up on certain albums from week to week.

Liz: John, put simply I love video games, and I was wondering which video games are your favorite?

JK: my favorite video game right now has to be John Madden’s Football bc that’s what we play in the trailer and I need to win my money back I think I’m donw $4

booradley: I know you have screenwriting experience (especially after Brief Interviews…) Have you ever considered writing an episode of The Office?

JK: I would love to write an episode of The Office. I’d be very nervous because i find myself more excited for the writers new ideas than coming up with my own.

Miz_Scarlett: Q: John, did you make a concerted effort to portray Jim noticeably differently from his counterpart “Tim” in the UK version of “The Office”?

JK: I LOVED Martin Freeman on that show, so I think I tried to take the same situation that Tim was in and apply it to Jim. But as far as acting differently, I hope I took all the best parts.

OfficeFan2010: John, who is the most likely to either crack up or forget their lines? & also, how many takes were there to film the “I’m in love with you” scene & “the Kiss” scene?

JK: Most likely to crack up is probably Mindy Kaling (Kelly).

Canadian_Linz: Will you be acting in Brief Interviews with Hideous Men, or just writing/directing?

JK: i think i may have a small acting part but i’m more excited for the movie to be made and to tell the story so probably not a large part

rar728: I would like to know how you feel about being a part of the most talked about and beloved t.v. couple since Ross and Rachel

JK: I knew that Jenna was going to get the part when I saw her at the audition so to be able to create this relationshiop with such a good friend, makes it fun and I just love being a part of this couple

lindseykaye: what is the best adivce you have ever received?

JK: The best advice i’ve ever received… hmm. I guess no matter how cliche it sounds, an old acting teacher asked me if I was having fun because at the end of the day, if you’re not having fun it’s not really worth it. Also, however obscure it sounds, the worst thing you can possibly do in life is anticipate what’s coming next, so there’s no need to worry about it until it happens. That helps me a lot with all the incredible things that are happening with the show i’m happy to be along for the ride.

squibblyicecube: John, which out of the office scene was your favorite to shoot (shopping in Michael’s Birthday, taking Dwight to the hospital in

JK: Dear god, shooting the scene in the van with Steve and Rainn will go down in history as one of the most fun moments i’ve ever been a part of it was the BEST.

CrackerBear: Cast of The Office vs. Cast of My Name is Earl: Who would win in a rumble?

JK: Not saying it would be a walk in the park, but we’d DEFINITELY win bc Steve Carell is a physical force to be reckoned with… but then again, they have Jason Lee

Atypical: John, how do you think the Jim/Pam dymapic will change now that he’s confessed how he feels about her? Was it a good or bad choice to have the confession in the finale?

JK: the best part about this show is that we have never done anything because it’s what is SUPPOSED to happen we did it because we felt it was the REAL thing that would happen. i completely admire the writers being so brave on that last episode and i think we can all empathize with making decisions that we now have to live with and I think that will be a really interesting thing to see

wondergirl9847: Whenever I get in the queue…my question for John is…who would you love to work with and who is your fave actor? Thanks, John! You’re awesome!

JK: There are so many amazing people that I’d love to work with I gotta say, Robin Williams, who I’m working with now, is tough to beat.

jcjcjc: Do you feel that your growing fame had a substantial negative impact upon your privacy yet, and if so how are you are dealing with it?

JK: I don’t see any of it as a negative change. i’m just completely flattered that people watch the show and can recognize me when i’m out but so far people have been nothing but supportive and really fun to talk to

SheIsTheSunlight: John, to break up your typical Office-related questions a bit, let me ask… If you could be a superhero, what would your a) super power be and b) your superhero name be?

JK: My superpower would be…hmm that’s a tough one. i just dont think there’s anything better than flying i also would like to move coat racks with my mind

JK: Hey, gotta sign off now (John was participating in the chat during a break from filiming License to Wed. He had to get back to set – GMMR)

JK: I can’t tell you how much fun this was! Thank you guys SO much for coming in. This was so wild and you have no idea how much each and every one of us appreciate the support and cool fan participation like this. We are defintiely, definitely, DEFINTELY lucky to have you guys, thanks for everything. Bye.
And for those of you who had asked, here is where you can send John’s fanmail.

John Krasinski
c/oJames Suskin
2 Charlton Street, Suite 5K, New York, NY 10014

And a last little note from me (GMMR):

I wanted to tell you that I connected with John’s publicist after the chat, and she and I decided to touch base later in the summer to see if we can’t set up an interview with John. I’m not promising anything but it may happen.