'The Simpsons' to air 'live' episode May 15

[mvcg66b3r]

Well, this is new — even for Springfield. After 27 seasons, Homer Simpson will appear “live” during a May episode of Fox’s “The Simpsons.”

In the episode, Marge, Lisa and Bart will turn the show over to the family’s patriarch, who will take a break from stuffing his face to comment on the events of the day live during both the East Coast and West Coast broadcasts, Fox revealed on Tuesday. Executive Producer Al Jean told us much more on a phone call immediately following the announcement — for example, how in the world they plan to pull this thing off.

The final three minutes of the May 15 show will use motion capture technology to animate actor Dan Castellaneta — the voice of Homer whom Jean called “a great improviser” — in real-time. All the while, Castellaneta will also be providing on-the-fly voiceover. Jean promised TheWrap that producers will find some interesting ways to “prove” the effort is live.

While his is the only character going live, Castellaneta won’t be alone. Jean and the writers will be hanging out in the booth/motion-capture facility, offering any last-minute rewrites they can — kind of like an awards show.

http://www.thewrap.com/the-simpsons-to-air-live-episode-al-jean-tells-us-how-theyll-pull-it-off/

 

[only1moore]

I'm surprised that they would pull this one out. "The Simpsons" have been known to come up with cutting edge episodes, and what better way to do it than during the May Sweeps.

 

[nomadcowatbk]

that'll be a strain on the animators wrists

 

[tripinva]

that'll be a strain on the animators wrists

I am really, really hoping they make reference to that line during the live show.

- Trip