When TV Is Like Going To Work

Aug 1, 2005 12:00 PM, interviewed by Erin Semple

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER GARY SCOTT THOMPSON created NBC's drama series, “Las Vegas,” which follows a surveillance team charged with maintaining the security of one of Sin City's largest resorts and casinos. His intent was to “get back to the fun television that I knew and loved as a child.”

Q: How would you describe your TV show?

A: A fast, furious and fun look at Las Vegas through the eyes of security employees.

Q: What have you learned from this show?

A: Security is amazing to us. We are briefed on the next wave of security breakthroughs by the Secret Service or the police. I have learned not to cheat a casino.

Q: What did you model the show after?

A: I wanted a fun show unlike the procedural dramas on television now. I wanted to get back to the fun television that I knew and loved as a child.

Q: How did you prepare for the first season?

A: I am a big fan of Sin City and its security. I kept in touch with my contacts and met with them before beginning this show.

Q: How realistic do you consider the show?

A: It is set in a mythical casino and resort, but our highest compliment is when surveillance teams in Las Vegas tell us they watch the show to see what cheaters are going to do next. They call us and say “That just happened last week.” Most of the story lines are famous Vegas stories. We focus on the reality of the situation and figure out how to make it a great story.

Q: What is your biggest challenge?

A: Trying to remain faithful and true to Vegas. We have to stay up-to-date by continuing to reinvent the set. At the end of last season, I blew up the set, so that this season we could have a new owner, a new look and a wide screen format.

Q: What are your goals for the show?

A: To build our audience and to move the show into the top 10.

WHAT COMES NEXT: Thompson's latest screenplay is “88 Minutes,” which begins shooting in October of this year. He resides in Los Angeles. “Las Vegas” begins its third season on Sept. 19 at 9 p.m. on NBC.

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© 2012 Penton Media Inc.

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