How ‘The Assembly’ Producers Convinced Michael Sheen to Participate in a Three-Hour Grilling With 30 Neurodivergent Journalists: ‘It’s an Interview Wi

Famous people being interviewed normally involve a lot of control and focus in their one-on-one conversations - similar to what Michael Sheen acted out in "Frost/Nixon," where David Frost interviews Richard Nixon, which was retold by Peter Morgan.

In "The Assembly," Sheen is interviewed by a group of nearly 30 novice journalists with neurodiverse backgrounds, and it's not your typical celebrity interview. This format is inspired by a French show called "Les Rencontres du Papotin," where French public figures, like President Emmanuel Macron and actor Camille Cottin from "Call My Agent," are questioned by a team of individuals with autism or learning disabilities.

Rockerdale Studios, a production company run by individuals with disabilities based in the United Kingdom, has collaborated with the Welsh actor Michael Sheen to create a special episode that will be aired in the U.K. as part of Autism Awareness Week. The recording lasted for three hours but it will be edited down to less than an hour for the broadcast. The success of this special episode could potentially lead to a full series, similar to the French show that has already been adapted for Poland and Denmark and is now in its second season.

Michelle Singer and Stu Richards, the founders of Rockerdale, took extra precautions when producing their content to ensure the safety and well-being of both participants and crew. Additionally, their commitment to disability representation extended beyond what was portrayed on screen and extended to the individuals behind the camera.

The performer had a chat with Variety after finishing shooting to talk about how she and Richards persuaded Sheen and the show's team of new questioners to agree to participate.

What brought your attention to "Les Rencontres du Papotin"?

Our company is run by people with disabilities and our U.S. representative recommended us as the ideal partner for producing the show in the U.K. It's important to note that this show is meant to be fun and entertaining, not a factual documentary. We wanted to avoid the standard interview questions and instead create an unpredictable and unscripted atmosphere. The celebrities we interview aren't there to promote anything, so there are no barriers or restrictions in place. This creates an exciting dynamic where anything can happen. Our team is made up of people with autism, so there are no hidden agendas or ulterior motives. We simply want to create a fun and exciting environment where magic and mischief can happen naturally.

Was it a challenge to convince Michael Sheen to participate?

Michael Sheen is the perfect fit for the upcoming BBC special. He is both clever and considerate, with strong convictions that he articulates with ease. Additionally, he has a great sense of humor and a playful nature that make him an ideal candidate for the job. He can shift gears effortlessly from serious to silly, making it a truly unique experience. Furthermore, other influential people in the industry are eager to work with us if this initiative moves forward and becomes a series.

When you're putting together a production involving 30 novice journalists with neurodiverse traits, what are some of the factors to think about?

When creating a film project, there are several important factors to be taken into account. These include assessment of the filming location and the possible risks, thorough background checks of the main contributors, and transportation arrangements for the crew and cast members. Although such preparations are typically commonplace when making a TV show, this particular group recognizes the need for a more meticulous approach to ensure every detail is carefully considered and planned out.

Perhaps that is the reason why the photography session didn't take place in a conventional studio setting.

This is a highly particular concept related to sensory overload. No artificial lighting is utilized in any way, so the setting must be a place where natural light is present. Additionally, the focus is on creating a natural environment to make our team and interviewees feel comfortable, while also contributing to a unique aesthetic. This results in a distinctive appearance and atmosphere compared to a standard celebrity interview.

Did everyone who contributed know about Sheen?

Many people were familiar with Michael Sheen and had some impressive inquiries. A specific gentleman, who was a dedicated follower of "Top Gear," knew the precise speed that Sheen managed to complete his lap when he guest-starred back in 2013. There were numerous admirers of Sheen's work in the "Twilight" series and other television programs. It's no surprise that someone was fixated on his appearance in "The Simpsons."

What was your process for finding and choosing the contributors?

In May and June of last year, we started developing our project and had conversations with several autism charities. At first, the people who run these charities were hesitant because they often receive requests from television crews who want to feature them and their work. However, we aimed to avoid any inappropriate or exploitative behavior and made sure that those who contributed to the project had control and were the ones who held the power. This approach has helped us create a show that captures the fun, mischievousness, and curiosity of our contributors.

This conversation was shortened and modified for better understanding.