Join us for an exclusive interview with Jeff Blitz, the talented producer and director behind the hit series 'Upload.' In this engaging conversation, Jeff delves into the highly anticipated Season 3, sharing insights about the remarkable cast, exciting highlights, and what fans can look forward to in this upcoming season. Get ready for an inside look at the making of 'Upload' Season 3!
Following the suspenseful conclusion of Season 2, 'Upload' has left viewers on the edge of their seats. Nathan's unsettling nosebleed, though seemingly benign in ordinary circumstances, takes a sinister turn when considering the catastrophic fate of the first human download.
Get ready for a thrilling revelation as 'Upload' Season 3 makes its highly-anticipated return on Prime Video, with the first two episodes dropping on October 20th. Fans can finally expect some answers to their burning questions.
In an exclusive interview, Elias Giannakopoulos sits down with 'Upload' Producer and Director, Jeff Blitz, to delve into the depths of this gripping season, the talented cast, and even ponders the intriguing concept of uploading. Join us as we explore the world of 'Upload' and uncover the secrets that await
Interview Introduction: Jeff, thank you so much for joining us in this interview. In the entertainment industry, everyone has a story. In a few words, describe yours.
Jeff: I grew up as a stutterer who became fascinated with finding ways to share stories I couldn’t easily speak. That impulse begat writing and then filmmaking. I started with a documentary about genius nerdy spelling bee kids, and the success of "Spellbound" opened the door to directing on "The Office," which in turn blossomed into a career in comedy directing and writing.
Expectations for Upload Season 3: With the arrival of Upload Season 3, what are your expectations for what viewers and fans will take away from this season?
Jeff: Season 3 develops the romance, the sci-fi thriller storyline, and expands the world of the future by leaps and bounds. "Upload" knows it’s a comedy, first and foremost, but it’s pretty ambitious on those other fronts too.
Characterizing the Essence of Season 3: How might you characterize the essence of season 3?
Jeff: What the multiverse did to MCU, Season 3 does to 'Upload.' Meaning: the permutations of the future get pretty wild.
Approach to Directing Episodes 301 and 302: As the director of episodes 301 and 302, can you elaborate on your approach and creative process in handling these two episodes?
Jeff: The first couple of episodes of Season 3 needed to wrap up all the cliffhangers of Season 2 and also propel us into our new storylines. We knew we needed to make it clear that Nathan is back in the actual world, that he's with Nora "for real," and that they both have work to do to challenge the bigger conspiracy of Freeyond. Plus, Ingrid's sad life needs some help. Essentially, we wanted to conclude some things about Season 2 in a fun way and launch us into what’s to come. It’s a lot of characters and plot, but by focusing on the heart of each relationship, the focus of scenes and of the episodes became clear.
The "Ticking Bomb" Concept: In previous interviews, you've referred to season 3 as having a "ticking bomb," with the lead of the show being the focal point. Could you please provide more details or elaborate further on this concept?
Jeff: We know from Season 1 that prior attempts at downloading have resulted in head-splattering disasters. (See Creed Bratton’s wonderfully demented cameo.) Now that Nathan has downloaded, he and Nora and all of us are left to wait and wonder whether that will be his fate too. It’s a constant awareness of mortality that hangs over them as they try to get on with their lives. Greg Daniels shared a good analogy for us to consider in crafting these early scenes of the season – that it’s like Nathan is on leave from a war, returned home for a weekend with Nora. They’re trying to connect and ignore what’s to come, but it’s a sword hanging over them nonetheless.
Guidance to Robbie Amell: What guidance or advice did you offer to Robbie Amell, who is juggling roles in both the real world and as an uploaded character in Season 3?
Jeff: Robbie has terrific command of Nathan, and he finally gets to flaunt just how deeply he understands him here. We encouraged him to make choices that would let him more easily inhabit “Nathan” or “Back-Up.” Some were physical, and you’ll note some changes to his appearance or in the wardrobe that Farnaz Kahki-Sadigh chose to convey different versions of him, but much of it were subtle choices Robbie made in speech and gesture. He’s still Nathan after all, whether the original or the back-up. It’s just that one Nathan is a bit more lived-in than the other.
Exciting Episode in Season 3: Last question, regarding a specific episode, which one are you most excited for viewers to see this season?
Jeff: Oh, there’s a lot of delicious stuff happening this season, but if I had to pick one… the finale episode of Season 3 directed by Sarah Boyd really lands for me.