Home / Arts and Entertainment / Conan O'Brien's $30K Dog Bit: Why LA Production Costs Soar
Conan O'Brien's $30K Dog Bit: Why LA Production Costs Soar
24 Apr
Summary
- A simple Oscars bit involving nine golden retrievers was estimated at $30,000.
- Each dog required two weeks of acclimation with handlers for the segment.
- High production costs are driving filming to international locations like Budapest.
Conan O'Brien has voiced his understanding of why film productions are increasingly choosing to shoot overseas, citing the current astronomical production costs in Los Angeles. During a discussion on his podcast, O'Brien recalled a scrapped idea for the Academy Awards ceremony.
The proposed bit involved O'Brien interacting with nine golden retrievers after a commercial break. The expense for this short segment was substantial, with one producer explaining the significant cost.
This producer detailed that each dog needed two weeks of acclimation with the other dogs, necessitating their handlers to live with them. This requirement inflated the cost to approximately $30,000, comparable to the price of a new Porsche.
O'Brien reflected that such an idea would have been easily executed in the 1990s, suggesting that changing rules and rising expenses have made local productions prohibitive. He directly contrasted this experience with the allure of filming in locations like Budapest, which offer more cost-effective solutions.
Furthermore, O'Brien discussed the challenges facing current late-night hosts. He noted the divisive nature of today's news and how it offers little joy, making it difficult to find humor. He expressed empathy for hosts grappling with this bleak landscape, acknowledging the pressure to address current events while maintaining a comedic tone.
