On a morning in May 2024, a group of soon-to-be graduated students from the School of Drama’s production, design, and directing programs visited Warner Bros. Studios for a sneak peek at the set of “The Pitt,” the newest production from CMU alumnus and executive producer John Wells (BFA, 1979).
“The Pitt” is a 15-episode drama premiering January 9 on Max. Set in Pittsburgh, the show examines the challenges facing healthcare workers in today’s America as seen through the lens of the frontline heroes. Each episode follows an hour of Dr. Robby, played by Noah Wyle, in a 15-hour shift as the chief attendant in the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital’s emergency room. Produced by John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, Wells is joined by fellow CMU alumnus Michael Hissrich (BFA, 1988) as executive producer, among others.
In the years since he graduated from the School of Drama, Wells has created, produced, and directed some of television’s most memorable and enduring shows, including “ER,” “The West Wing,” and “Shameless” to name only a few, and he has continued to pay his incredible success forward. In 2011, he established the John Wells Directing Program within the School of Drama, and he continues to be a source of support, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities for current students and recent graduates.
“My education at Carnegie Mellon has been a central component of my success,” Wells said. “The quality of the education, the interaction with the extraordinary faculty and the classical foundation I received, I’m still using every day of my professional life. Others mentored me and I’m hoping this next generation will do the same. I’m honored to have been a graduate of Carnegie Mellon.”
“My education at Carnegie Mellon has been a central component of my success.”
–John Wells
When Wells and “The Pitt” team came to Pittsburgh to shoot on location last September, several School of Drama directing students were able to observe, including Tatiana Baccari, a third year MFA John Wells Directing Fellow. From the scale and detail of the production design, to the specificity and expertise within each person’s job, she said it was like getting an entire year’s worth of education in one night.
“The set of ‘The Pitt’ was like a well oiled machine,” Baccari said. “From camera operators, to production design, the Digital Imaging Technician, and the Director of Photography, just to name a few. Each person worked with such dedication, passion, and expert communication. It was amazing to watch!”
Kim Weild, professor and chair of the John Wells Directing Program, said it was exciting for students to watch, ask questions, and experience “ah-ha” moments as they saw techniques they’ve been learning applied in a professional setting.
“At CMU we strive to create opportunities for our students to connect with actively working professionals,” Weild said. “Being on set with John, Mike, Nina [Ruscio, production designer] and the whole crew – it is clear that they are artists and practitioners who are deeply invested in the next generation of makers. It was a tremendous learning experience for the students, one they aren’t likely to forget any time soon.”
Directing students learn from John Wells on location in Pittsburgh for a September 2024 shoot of “The Pitt.”
Production slate from the set of “The Pitt.”
Noah Wyle in Season 1 Episode 1 of “The Pitt.” Photograph by Warrick Page/Max.
The 15-episode Max Original drama series “The Pitt,” from John Wells Productions and Warner Bros. Television, created by R. Scott Gemmill and starring Noah Wyle, debuts with two episodes on THURSDAY, JANUARY 9. New episodes debut on Thursdays leading up to the season finale on April 10. Click here to watch the official trailer.
Photos from “The Pitt” shoot, courtesy of Kim Weild.