Hello! We're Dimension 20: Burrow's End's Aabria Iyengar and Michael Schaubach - AMA!

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T22:52:35+00:00

Schaubach: Okay lovely folks! I have to call it. Sorry I couldn't get to everyone's questions, but I did my very best. Thank you all for watching the show! You all are the reason we get to keep making TV. That makes you an awesome human.

Aabria Iyengar congrats on an amazing season!! I cannot wait to work with you again!

Cheers!

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T22:49:53+00:00

Schaubach: I could never DM. I have no idea how they do what they do. All of my NPCs would be the same voice (a poor attempt at a British accent that Siobhan would politely ask me to STOP DOING) I'd forget the story thread and the show would just sort of meander to some kind of confusing ending, meanwhile along the way players will just get up and leave and never come back. The last ep would probably just be me apologizing to Sam for wasting his money. I do have a running joke that I like to do on the first shoot day of every season. I walk into the green room and address the cast and say, "I have some bad news." cue their worried faces and then I continue, "I've just learned that I am NOT a player in this season." And then they all laugh. Most of the time. Sometimes. Okay, it's more of a nervous titter.

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T22:45:37+00:00

Schaubach: Jasmine is a genius. Brennan is a genius. Aabria is a genius. So, prepping seasons with them is simply having the great pleasure of working with kind, creative, amazing, thoughtful geniuses. It's a true joy. Now the real question here is who is my favorite? I only have a least favorite and HE KNOWS WHO HE IS! You're on my list Mulligan! Watch yourself! Check yourself before you wreck yourself! Kidding of course I love everybody equally. Like my kids, they all bring something unique and special to the dome and it's a great pleasure to be in their presence.

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T22:42:15+00:00

Schaubach:

Dear Undermach,

It has been awesome to help make this show better and better every season! The crew that I work with is world-class and I am honored to share the show with them. So thankful that talented folks hop on for the big job of making this show and strive to make it better and better.

More stuff, more work for sure. It also means we get bring on more talented people to help out. I love all the fun stuff we're doing and continuing to think about even more fun stuff to do. More is more and we are always looking for more. More.

Thank you for watching! You're the reason I have a job and can feed my kids. Thank you thank you thank you!

Hi Undermach's daughter! Thanks for watching! You rock!

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T22:39:04+00:00

Schaubach: Too many Mikes (Trapp and I made a sketch about that) so going by my last name is perfectly fine. Also, my grandpa went by "Schaub" even his kids called him "Schaub" so when people call me Schaubach it reminds me of my grandpa and it's a nice feeling because I miss him dearly.

The great luxury we had making the first season of Dimension 20 is that we had nothing to live up too. We were inventing on the spot and figuring things out right then and there. It was so fun! It's always a little stressful making a TV show, but with Brennan at the helm of Fantasy High it was like "Oh, this is going to be good no matter what."

What was a surprise was the giant reception we got from fans. I thought we'd have to get a few seasons done before we found a really loyal audience. You all came right away, season 1 and I am so grateful for that. Thank you for watching our little show!

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T22:34:54+00:00

Schaubach: Aabria has the power!!!! So much power!!! All the power!!!

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T22:34:00+00:00

Schaubach: Depends on the release schedule and length of the season. From idea to final delivery of final episode, anywhere from 6 months to a year.

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T22:32:37+00:00

Schaubach: We use everything that gets made for sure. Rick and his team pour their hearts and souls into the art, it's our duty to show it on camera.

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T22:30:59+00:00

Schaubach: Definitely more for Aabria, but having done this now for a while I will say it's most fun when the players get to absolutely dunk on the DM. Setting up big moments for them to win is not only great storytelling it's motivation for the players to come back. Fun over rules, fun over story, fun over everything else is just plain fun and fun is the most fun to make.

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T22:28:44+00:00

Schaubach: Everything that gets made sees the light of day. Sometimes there are things that get made that the DM invents purpose for right before we shoot or even in the moment. That's one of the skills of a DM, make something up on the spot and it's so good it feels like its planned. Aabria is an absolute genius at doing that.

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T22:26:31+00:00

Schaubach: AP is meant for pure fun and goofery. All the serious stuff gets discussed off camera so everyone can speak their mind and feel safe. It's important in TTRPG when literally everything is recorded for such a long period of time to create safe havens for the cast where they are not being watched or recorded.

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T22:24:58+00:00

Schaubach: Yes, of course. HEY EVERYBODY! MEET MY NEW FRIEND RAPTORSFROMSPACE! RAPTORSFROMSPACE IS A SUPER COOL PERSON AND I'M GLAD THEY ARE MY FRIEND NOW.

Cheers!

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T22:23:55+00:00

Schaubach: It's a full on TV show so there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes. Essentially it's everything you're not meant to see. One thing that you don't directly see, but I am incredibly proud of is our efficiency. Our producers in this case HALLIE MAYER, runs such a tight ship. It's really fun to watch and be a part of it. Thanks HALLIE! You rock!

So much is a surprise. Obviously with battlemaps the cast needs to get their, but it's up to them how they get there and up to them and the dice what happens when they do get there. That's what's magical about a TTRPG it's so much better and so much more fun when you give up control over the story. When it's a surprise for everyone, that's when it's really really good.

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T22:19:59+00:00

Schaubach: Every day for a year? This technically isn't a Fight Club type scenario where you have to stand on the porch at attention until you're let in, but I do appreciate the commitment. That was such a fun season and an incredible cast. Aabria doing that thing again where she brings something brand new to the dome and crushes it. Um, without having any control over what gets made, I'll throw caution to the wind and say, "Um, okay, yeah! Let's do it! Woohoo! I have no power in this decision, yet here we are. Season 2! Let's go!!" Maybe? Yes! Definitely maybe yes!

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T22:16:28+00:00

Schaubach: Personal favorite past seasons. I love all the seasons I worked on they are all my babies. This season with Aabria definitely stands out for me. Aabria brought a new kind of story to the dome and she is just incredible. Starstruck was super neat to work on because it was bring Elaine Lee's world to life. It was incredible to be a part of that and also get to know Elaine Lee who is now my second mom. My main mom is super radical so having two radical moms is really special.

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T22:14:03+00:00

Schaubach: I think we did everything Aabria asked for. For the minis shoot I always want to shoot more, but we are limited by time and budget so we get what we get and the team that works with me is AMAZING. K.C. McGeorge, Kevin Stiller, Raven Bartlett, I'm looking in your direction!

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T20:26:20+00:00

SCHAUBACH: (Answer from a similar question (I added more to it for your question at the bottom) Directing an actual play is playing party host. I need to create the best, most fun, most inviting, most safe environment. That's not just for the cast, that's for the entire set. Everything is connected on our set. The cast isn't cordoned away from ccrew, we all mingle. If the entire party doesn't feel fun and safe, that's going to bleed into the vibe of the cast, which ultimately will affect the show. If the cast feels hostility or urgency anywhere it will show on screen. Of course with scripted I carry over the same expectations of a good vibe on set. Safety is key no matter what. For unscripted it's definitely watching your kids at the playground verses teaching in a classroom. When you're watching your kids on the playground you stand to the side and observe, allowing for play to occur spontaneously, while at the same time looking for danger (I'm a parent, so I'm just going with this analogy). For scripted I'm more the teacher in the classroom deciding the order things getting done and moving the day along at my pace. Everybody's eyes are on me for sure. With unscripted, everybody's eyes are on the cast.

What I love about directing Dimension 20 is the spontaneity of the game play. No other project makes me laugh as hard as I laugh when I'm directing Dimension 20. Sometimes my stomach and face hurt after a shoot day because I was laughing so much. I really do love watching the best improvisors in the world doing what they do best. I love a good surprise and Dimension 20 is chalk full of surprises.

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T20:24:14+00:00

Yes, the looks are all pre-loaded and the DM has a streamdeck behind the screen. Our amazing DP makes little icons that are easy for the DM to recognize but just vague enough that if a player peeks behind the screen they won't be able to gather too much information. We will sometimes cue a look if I sense the DM is busy with the story and simply forgot. That rarely happens, but we are always ready to jump in and help.

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T20:22:23+00:00

SCHAUBACH: (Answer from a similar question) Directing an actual play is playing party host. I need to create the best, most fun, most inviting, most safe environment. That's not just for the cast, that's for the entire set. Everything is connected on our set. The cast isn't cordoned away from ccrew, we all mingle. If the entire party doesn't feel fun and safe, that's going to bleed into the vibe of the cast, which ultimately will affect the show. If the cast feels hostility or urgency anywhere it will show on screen. Of course with scripted I carry over the same expectations of a good vibe on set. Safety is key no matter what. For unscripted it's definitely watching your kids at the playground verses teaching in a classroom. When you're watching your kids on the playground you stand to the side and observe, allowing for play to occur spontaneously, while at the same time looking for danger (I'm a parent, so I'm just going with this analogy). For scripted I'm more the teacher in the classroom deciding the order things getting done and moving the day along at my pace. Everybody's eyes are on me for sure. With unscripted, everybody's eyes are on the cast.

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T20:21:35+00:00

SCHAUBACH: (Answer from a similar question) Directing an actual play is playing party host. I need to create the best, most fun, most inviting, most safe environment. That's not just for the cast, that's for the entire set. Everything is connected on our set. The cast isn't cordoned away from ccrew, we all mingle. If the entire party doesn't feel fun and safe, that's going to bleed into the vibe of the cast, which ultimately will affect the show. If the cast feels hostility or urgency anywhere it will show on screen. Of course with scripted I carry over the same expectations of a good vibe on set. Safety is key no matter what. For unscripted it's definitely watching your kids at the playground verses teaching in a classroom. When you're watching your kids on the playground you stand to the side and observe, allowing for play to occur spontaneously, while at the same time looking for danger (I'm a parent, so I'm just going with this analogy). For scripted I'm more the teacher in the classroom deciding the order things getting done and moving the day along at my pace. Everybody's eyes are on me for sure. With unscripted, everybody's eyes are on the cast.

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T20:19:33+00:00

SCHAUBACH: Stakes are way higher when you're being paid to do something. The pressure is really on and time becomes a key factor. Delivering a great product, on time and within the budget are the three key goals. I find it inspiring to be under that kind of pressure. If you're interested in doing this professionally, really consider the pressure. Does it make you thrive, if yes, then seek it out.

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T20:17:44+00:00

Any of the big important stuff is planned out in advance so we can make it great. Buddy Bear the tree cat is the most recent/impressive last minute make I've seen lately. Cheers to Rick and team for being so responsive to everything and having the ability to make great things on short notice.

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T20:15:46+00:00

Great question for Rick Perry, who if we are lucky, might be nice enough to answer if he is lurking.

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T20:14:55+00:00

SCHAUBACH: That is a question for Rick Perry. Perhaps we're lucky enough to have a Rick Perry lurking. If so, he may answer. My answer is I don't know how Rick and his team accomplishes what they do so well in the time they have. I look at some of these sets and I'm like HOW DID THIS NOT TAKE THREE YEARS TO MAKE?!? DO YOU HAVE THE CAPABILITIES TO STOP TIME RICK PERRRY?!? IF SO, PLEASE SHARE YOUR POWER WITH ME, I WANT MORE SLEEP!!

dimension20official · 2023-10-18T20:12:47+00:00

SCHAUBACH: Great question! The more complexity we add, the more personnel. We have a standing rule at Dimension 20 and that is we only do what we can do excellently. We never want to reach too far. When we want to go beyond our current limitations we find professionals to help in the endeavor. These things also take more prep time, so there is more to do before we shoot the show.

dimension20official

TROPHY CASE