A Peek at Pawnee: Behind the Scenes of ‘Parks and Recreation’
The Daily Show's head writer Tim Carvell loves Parks and Recreation because "they figured out how to make comedy out of people who like things, as opposed to the usual sitcom where it's just people being awful to each other." Now Rolling Stone can confirm the show's sunny vibes extend beyond plot lines: We recently paid a visit to the show's set to get a close-up look at an upcoming episode directed by the cast's own Nick Offerman.
In this shot, Aziz Ansari runs lines with a PA.
-
Aziz Photo Bomb
Aziz Ansari couldn't help himself from sneaking into this shot with Aubrey Plaza.
-
Good Hair Day
Aziz Ansari gets a final adjustment before "action."
-
Cast Clowns
“The cast lets the director know what they think of his suggestion," Nick Offerman explains.
-
Great Scott
Adam Scott gets fitted for a suit before hitting the set.
-
Aubrey Dines
“Do not trifle with Satan’s child when food is on her plate," Nick Offerman says.
-
Special Skills
“I can urinate to there. About 16 feet," Nick Offerman explains.
-
Listening In
Aziz Ansari eavesdrops on a conversation between Nick Offerman and Adam Scott.
-
Laugh Track
Nick Offerman and Adam Scott share a chuckle on set.
-
Pocket Man
"Adam always makes this face when he has a hand in pocket," Nick Offerman says.
-
Male Gaze
“Wishing I looked like Adam Scott," Nick Offerman says.
-
Human Resources
“Chris reacts strangely to being fired," Adam Scott jokes about his costar Pratt.
-
Message Boards
Amy Poehler and Chris Pratt rehearse a scene.
-
Comma Police
“Teaching our amazing DP, Tom Magill, about grammar," Nick Offerman explains.
-
Knope By a Nose
“Amy’s prosthetic nose is applied by Ian Sommerholder [off camera]," says Amy Poehler.
-
Small Wonder
“The 'Amy Robot’ at rest," Amy Poehler jokes.
-
Writers Room
“Megan Amram and Dave King, the two amazing writers who crafted this episode," Nick Offerman says.
-
Pratt, Poehler and Offerman
“Two beauties and one lucky sonofabitch," Nick Offerman says.
-
A Few Good Men
“The pre-scandal senator joyfully waves to the camera," Chris Pratt says.
-
Billy on the Set
“Billy taking everyone’s lunch order," Adam Scott says about guest star Billy Eichner.
-
Treat Yourself
Retta hangs out at her trailer.
-
Canadian Tuxedos
“I love the feel of denim," Nick Offerman says.
-
Special Effects
“Rob Lowe before the prosthetics go on," Nick Offerman jokes.
-
Pass the Mic
Aubrey Plaza gets wired for sound.
-
Social, Media
The cast hangs in the "video village," where it's safe to use cell phones to check Twitter and Instagram.
-
Ron Com
"The director sporting the 'Full Douche," quoth Nick Offerman.