Intelligence: Star reveals what it’s really like working with David Schwimmer
Sky One is kicking off the spring season with an essential new sitcom set against the backdrop of Cheltenham’s GCHQ. US agent Jerry Bernstein (played by David Schwimmer) teams up with Joseph Harries (Nick Mohammed), and the pair recently talked about developing their on-screen chemistry for Intelligence.
As well as starring in the new series, David serves as executive producer and was instrumental in getting the first series made for Sky One.
Comedian and actor Nick Mohammed created the series and took on writing duties, nailing the signature British wit even in the face of adversary from a bloated American ego and deadly serious counter-terrorism operations.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Nick revealed that it was a joy to collaborate with David throughout the production of the series.
He said: “There’s no real ego in the show. David was so generous and passionate about the show with his time and energy.”
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Nick added: “It felt like a truly collaborative project from the start.”
Despite David’s major Hollywood clout, he leapt into the role headfirst and contributed essential energy to the show’s funniest scenes.
David said: “It’s really helpful that it was actually a joy to make. It makes a critical difference.”
The pair previously revealed that the production was frequently stalled by fits of the giggles.
David and Nick’s infectious chemistry is vital for both the production team and audiences who will be tuning in to watch on Friday when all episodes will be available.
Intelligence addresses some pressing issues for contemporary living, and David also steps into one of the most problematic sitcom roles since Ricky Gervais introduced BBC viewers to the politically incorrect boss, David Brent.
The Friends star said: “It’s quite cathartic to play a character like this, with all his misogyny, racism and homophobia.
“We need that kind of relief and release. We’re struggling every day with so many issues and it’s not an easy time to live in.”
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Intelligence certainly won’t offend any viewers, as it offsets its edgier material with a diverse cast and a sardonic tone that encourages the audience not to take anything too seriously.
David added: “If we can take 21 minutes every day to make you forget or let you release it through laughter then I feel that that’s our job.”
Workplace comedies have been a staple of British TV for decades, and Intelligence steps up to the long tradition by finally providing a comedic insight into one of the securest offices in the country.
Nick addressed the shows darker notes and assured: “There’s a fine line when doing a comedy with national security and terrorism as a backdrop.
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“There’s a joke where Jerry claims he predicted 9/11. Our rule was mostly if it could come from a true place in terms of character we were on safer ground rather than doing it for the sake of being gratuitously offensive.”
While the series occasionally veers into darker territory, David and Nick’s emerging bromance and improv-heavy shooting schedule ensures the subject matter never feels too distressing.
More than anything, David’s enthusiasm for the show was crucial in getting the balance of cheerful office banter with the threat of impending doom just right.
Intelligence starts Friday, February 21 on Sky One and NOW TV.
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