BELOW THE LINE PODCAST

S23 - Ep 7 - JAG - Assistant Directing

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Before streaming and prestige TV, there was network television — and few shows ran tighter, longer, or more efficiently than JAG.

This week on Below the Line, Skid is joined by First Assistant Director Robert Scott and Key 2nd Assistant Director Kevin Koster to look back at their time on JAG, the hit CBS procedural that ran for ten seasons and laid the groundwork for the NCIS franchise. Together, they explore how the show combined military precision with Hollywood problem-solving — and how their team navigated last-minute script changes, tight location logistics, and complex stunts on a weekly basis.

We discuss:

  • Working with series creator Donald Bellisario — and his instinct-driven writing process
  • Balancing legal drama, action sequences, and military protocol within a single episode
  • The importance of trust and tempo in an AD team working at network speed
  • Designing efficient workflows for multi-location shoots, vehicle setups, and stunts
  • Welcoming new directors into a well-established style — while giving them room to breathe
  • Managing day players, guest stars, and recurring cast across episodes
  • Building and maintaining a core crew across ten seasons — and how long-term collaboration shaped production flow
  • Lessons learned from JAG that still apply to today’s television sets

    • Robert and Kevin also reflect on the camaraderie that sustained the crew across ten seasons — and why “making the day” meant more than just finishing on time.

    🎧 Press play and go Below the Line on JAG. For more, visit belowtheline.biz.

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    BELOW THE LINE PODCASTBy Skid - DGA Assistant Director
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