Middle of Nowhere director and Women and Hollywood hero Ava DuVernay helmed tonight’s episode of ABC’s Scandal. DuVernay spoke to us (by email) about her own Scandal fandom, Shonda Rhimes’ bad-assery, and why we’re all addicted to Washington’s fiercest gladiators.
Women and Hollywood: What was it like directing Scandal?
Ava DuVernay: It was dreamy because I’m such a fan of the show. It didn’t feel like a job. I mean, imagine being able to work on scenes with your favorite actors on your favorite show. Pretty cool. I had a ball.
WaH: Can you tell us any secrets about tonight’s episode?
ADV: I can’t. B613 will throw me in the hole if I do.
WaH: Is Shonda Rhimes as bad ass as we think she is?
ADV: Pretty much. Maybe even more than we think. She juggles a lot and does it all so, so well. Amazing is an over-used word, but she amazes me regularly. Very bad-ass.
WaH: Why is Scandal so deliciously addictive?
ADV: Oh my goodness. Good question. It’s just got that “thing.” Shonda and her team write the hell out of these characters. And Kerry leads a cast that brings it each and every week. No one is sleepwalking through this stuff. I mean, I’ve seen the veins in Jeff Perry’s neck up close and personal when he’s giving one of those classic Cyrus rants that we all love. He ain’t fakin’ it! He’s right there. Tony is right there. Everyone is into it and very tuned in. And Kerry is just the sun they all revolve around — beautiful and full of light and warm.
Watch Scandal tonight on ABC at 10pm.
