The Creative Team of "La Femme Nikita"

January 11, 2001

Get the scoop on the latest twists and turns of "La Femme Nikita" from the creative team that brings this sizzling show to life each week on USA Network. Find out about Nikita's sexy new look, her dangerous and possibly deadly new assignment, and more, all from the people who know the show best.

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WarnerBros: Welcome chatters! Today we are chatting with Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran, the creative team behind “La Femme Nikita.” We'd like to welcome you both! Thank you for being here and chatting with us today.

Bob: We're very happy to be here. Thanks for having us.

Crazy Guy: What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome to get “LFN” on the air?

Joel: Oddly enough, back when this show first got picked up, the biggest concern was that it was a female-lead show. The first one was "Xena." Now, there are more, but back then it was considered 'too risky.'

WarnerBros: Why?

Joel: Because female-lead shows did not succeed until that point.

Frankenfurter: What is your favorite part of making an episode of “LFN”?

Bob: (laughing) Uh, I guess thinking of story twists and turns that utilize our characters and their personalities. It's fun to come up with twists that work because of the characters in the show. It makes the characters come alive to us, as well as our audience.

Cheesy: Is the cast totally serious on the set, or are there practical jokers?

Joel: Believe it or not, Roy Dupuis is the biggest practical joker on set and yes, everyone keeps things light. Our season-end wrap reels are truly hilarious.

Johnniecakes: Were you surprised by the outrageous fan support to keep “LFN” on the air, when it was almost canceled?

Bob: We weren't really surprised because the fans have been loyal. We were delighted, but not surprised.

Crazy Guy: Is Peta Wilson as beautiful in real life as she is on the TV show?

Bob: Yes.

Uncle Roger: How did you two meet?

Joel: Bob and I met in 1989 when we worked together on the final season of “Falcon Crest.” It was distrust at first sight! (laughing)

Silly Jackie: Was it fun to work on “JAG”?

Bob: Not as much fun as “Nikita.”

Freaky Dawg: What's the best part about working in Toronto?

Joel: The 40-below weather. (laugh)

WarnerBros: Where are you both from?

Bob: I was a Navy brat, but when I was 12 we settled in Monterey, California, so I consider that to be where I grew up.

Joel: California native. The West is best.

Phat Guy: Can you describe how you created the “LFN” we watch today, and what elements of the original movie drew you to the project? Also, what did you think of "Point of No Return"?

Joel: I honestly have intentionally never seen “Point of No Return.” The elements that drew me originally was the idea of being able to do a female action show (which at that time was a novelty).

Bob: Much the same. In addition, I really liked the idea of a main character trapped in a situation where she had to behave in a way that is totally different than she really is. That premise was more applicable to the series than to the original movie, but we knew early on that we were going in that direction.

Franky The Fly: When you do location shoots, do you have to get extra security to keep girls from flocking to see Roy?

Joel: No, because we usually shoot in fairly out-of-the-way places around Toronto. But when I go to a restaurant with Roy, the meal usually lasts over two hours because he's usually inundated with women.

Crazy Old Guy: How much of the action and stunts do the actors do themselves?

Joel: None…mostly for insurance reasons. Not that they don't want to! But they can't.

My Uncle Frank: What is your favorite part of the creative process you go through making “LFN”?

Joel: Getting paid. (laughing) Coming up with the story, that's where it all happens.

Uncle Wally: What do you attribute your success to?

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