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Randy Douthit Shares Lessons Learned From Judge Judy

by dbhgyrweg932tihrwjgnEARG

If you’re a lawyer, an aspiring lawyer, or just someone who likes to watch Judge Judy, this post is for you. In this blog post, executive producer Randy Douthit discusses his experiences of producing Judge Judy and shares interesting lessons learned from working with Judge Judy.

  1. Producing Judge Judy Is A Great Lesson In The Importance Of Being Specific

Randy Douthit notes that in some situations, it may be best to be general when describing a situation, so there is room for interpretation. However, in the case of Judge Judy, it’s important to be as specific as possible by including details such as time of day, location and names, addresses and phone numbers.

  1. It Is Essential To Know The Format Of The Show

Whereas a variety show is often similar to an improve comedy show, each episode of Judge Judy is pre-produced and thoroughly scripted. Randy Douthit notes that this means that it’s important for the producers to be able to accurately anticipate the actions of all parties involved in each case.

  1. The Importance Of A Good Set

Judge Judy’s courtroom set is iconic. It’s easy to forget, though, that it takes a lot of work to get the set looking just right for each episode. As part of their preparation, Randy and his team go through the script and make notes on each scene to determine which props will be needed. Props range from simple things like notepads and yellow legal pads to more complex items like phones, gavels and mini-cameras.

  1. Talent Matters

Judge Judy is known for delivering witty, no-nonsense and often funny television. This isn’t an accident; it results from many years of experience and a finely-tuned sense of humour. Bring in the wrong talent, and you could have a disastrous episode.

  1. Take The Time To Plan Ahead

Douthit notes that Judge Judy has a strict production schedule, which means they can’t afford to waste time or take unnecessary risks. In addition, they must be careful not to put too much into the show, or they run the risk of having a case that is ‘over-cooked’.

  1. Be Prepared For Anything

Randy DouthitFrom run-ins with celebrities to protesters who attempt to disrupt the proceedings, Randy Douthit explains that there is no shortage of potential obstacles and problems that can arise while filming.