Cynopsis catches up with Alissa Bachner, Executive Producer of “The Better Sister” and EVP of Development, Tomorrow Studios. What makes acquisitions of books for TV adaptations so appealing?
It’s always great to read or watch something you love and think, I wonder what this story would be like if I could expand it, fill it out, slow it down etc. Of course there is also a bias in the industry toward IP and writers often like having a blueprint. The most satisfying adaptation experiences I have had are ones in which the essence of the material is always present, but the roots are able to sink a bit deeper and expand a bit wider.
“The Better Sister” debuted at #1 for Prime Video. Why do you believe this limited series resonated with audiences worldwide?
It’s sisters! And a murder in the Hamptons! What’s not to love? But truly, we have a dream cast that people want to see, that’s for sure – it doesn’t get better than Jessica (Biel), Elizabeth (Banks) and the whole incredible ensemble. The mystery that Alafair (Burke) dreamed up in the book was absolutely killer. And then we had some of the most talented writers in the business in Olivia (Milch) and Regina (Corrado). Not to mention Craig (Gillespie) setting that incredible tone, which was carried forth by our other wonderful directors. The alchemy of that was both magical and utterly simple. Great team from top to bottom and great material.
To what do you attribute the success of Tomorrow Studios?
Our success comes from hard work. There is no substitute for working hard and never giving up. Also, writers know that we love what we do, and we respect what they do. Our job is to make Tomorrow Studios the best environment for writers and artists of all kinds to be creative and let us worry about the rest.
How does longevity working at a studio helped you achieve personal and professional success?
There are enormous advantages to working at a company for such a long time, if you are fortunate enough to be on the ground floor of something and feel supported by your bosses, as I am. I have been here long enough to really build trust and that trust lets all of us feel secure doing our jobs every day and taking the risks we need to take. I have been at Tomorrow Studios for just about 9 years – that is long enough to feel part of the fabric of the place and to really mark the cycles of the industry. We can all reflect together on what we have seen, how we can improve, anticipate and grow. It has been an incredible privilege to get the sustained support and mentorship I have had here.
You can stream all episodes of The Better Sister now on Prime Video.
