It is actually a completely different kind of production. A modern TV show is made in hundreds of takes in any order with loads of repeats, and the result is then cut to make the final show.
Filmed with a live audience implies one more or less continuous take, in order, no repeats, and each actor has to be able to run his or her part perfectly, know every position and line.
That is quite tough in comparison to modern methods, and I am convinced that most modern TV or movie actors would have difficulties with that concept.
In friends the writers and producers are present during the live audience shoots they look at how the live audience reacts to the jokes. If the reactions are mild they take a break and brainstorm on how to make the punchline better. They even asked the audience what went wrong with the joke. I don’t think they shoot in sequence either.
It is actually a completely different kind of production. A modern TV show is made in hundreds of takes in any order with loads of repeats, and the result is then cut to make the final show.
Filmed with a live audience implies one more or less continuous take, in order, no repeats, and each actor has to be able to run his or her part perfectly, know every position and line.
That is quite tough in comparison to modern methods, and I am convinced that most modern TV or movie actors would have difficulties with that concept.
In friends the writers and producers are present during the live audience shoots they look at how the live audience reacts to the jokes. If the reactions are mild they take a break and brainstorm on how to make the punchline better. They even asked the audience what went wrong with the joke. I don’t think they shoot in sequence either.
Here’s the documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBScomgeX5E
The live 30 rock episodes were amazing