Rich Sommer interview transcript

The Washington Post still has the link up from their live chat this week (if that changes, please tell me in comments).

Here are my favorite quotes:
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Washington, D.C.: So, did you get to spend any time with Meryl while making “The Devil Wears Prada”? Any cute stories?
Rich Sommer: I did get to read Stanley Tucci’s part when he was unavailable for a readthru, so I got to interact with her across the table.

She’s unbelievable.

After this year’s SAG Awards, I approached her. I knew she wouldn’t remember me, but as I got to her, she said, “Mad Men!” And I freaked out. It was awesome. She told me that I was great in Prada, and I laid down and went to sleep. Not really, but my mind was definitely in overdrive.
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Bethesda, Md.: Rich, be honest… How many times has real whiskey been used on the set during filming?
Rich Sommer: Three, that I know of. But I’m not there all the time.
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Little Falls, N.J.: Do you see Harry Crane as futuristic, with his eye on television and his respect for his wife (affair aside), or old-fashioned with his bowtie? Where do you seem him in the 70?
Rich Sommer: Old-fashioned, I think. The guy’s not too quick to catch up with the times.

I think his TV move was more about self-preservation than it was about being on the cutting edge.
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Basket of Kisses, N.Y.: Do we get to meet the new baby on-screen?
Rich Sommer: Now, if you’re from Basket of Kisses, you KNOW I can’t answer that!

By the way, Basket of Kisses is a fantastic Mad Men fan site. Check it out here: http://lippsisters.com
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Out West: Did you already know how to tie a bow-tie or did you have to learn?
Rich Sommer: I did not know. I learned for the Emmys last September, so I am happy to say that any ties tied this year are Sommer Originals.

…but I can’t say that about the first two seasons.
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San Jose, Calif.: Rich, do you think Harry likes Don and wants to emulate him, or fears him, or doesn’t understand him, or is too low on the totem pole to even think like that?
Rich Sommer: Fear. Fear and low on the totem pole.

Maybe like, but mostly fear. I think.
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Bethesda, Md.: RE: Revealing plot point… are you required to sign non-disclosure agreements?
Rich Sommer: I’ve never signed anything, but my friends and family have had to sign when they visit the set.

That being said, my “non-disclosure agreement” is the fact that I want to keep my job.
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Maybe like, but mostly fear: Envy is the cross of those two
Rich Sommer: Is it?

I guess so. Maybe.

That might make some sense.
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Anonymous: Was the casting of Robert Morse as Bertram Cooper a stroke of genius (since he played Finch in the movie version of “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying”) or just a coincidence? How is he to work with?
Rich Sommer: Even if it was coincidence, it was a stroke of genius.

I love Robert. He is great fun to be around, and he’s always singing.

That guy knows a lot of songs.
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Basket of Kisses, NY: Fine. Be that way. Thanks for the shout-out.

Do you have any upcoming film or TV after The Storm?

Rich Sommer: Other than The Storm (whose thrilling conclusion is this Sunday night on NBC), it’s Mad Men all the way. I’ll have more time to work when we wrap in September, so I’m crossing my fingers.