Podcast #557: Executive Producers of “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago P.D.” MICHAEL BRANDT & DEREK HAAS

Michael Brandt & Derek Haas
Michael Brandt & Derek Haas

Michael Brandt and Derek Haas are the creators and executive producers of “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago P.D.” The two decided to bring the shows together for a special two-part crossover event. Beginning with “Fire,” an explosion rocks the town, and then on “P.D.,” the team work together to find out who was responsible. Brandt and Haas spoke about how the crossover episodes came into effect:

“We’re thrilled. It was a chance for us to do a story that spans both shows, which we haven’t done yet. It starts with ‘Chicago Fire’ where there is a bombing incident at a local hospital. The first responders have to kick into high gear, and one of their own is missing in the incident. It was one of the biggest we ever built and ever been on, and we have been on giant $100 million movie lots. So, I can’t believe we got to do this for television, and I think fans will be on the edge of their couch during the hour.

While this may be the first crossover event for both the “Chicago” shows, another crossover event took place when “P.D.” and “Law & Order: SVU” crossed paths. We spoke with Haas and Brandt about bringing in the characters of Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish) and Fin Tutuola (Ice-T) from New York to Chicago:

“We had such a blast making this one. The incident involved was about a riverwalk rapist in Chicago, which was based off of true events. We just thought it was it was natural to enlist this unit that has been around on television for 15 years to help out our newbies deal with this heinous crime. So, we got Kelli and Ice to fly over to Chicago. They could not have been more cooler, fun, and great for our actors to get to meet and interact with. Our favorite scene was with the desk sergeant, Sgt. Platt. There is no other character like this gruff desk sergeant. You have Rollins and Fin walk in the station thinking they are about to own the place as they are New York cops, but Platt puts them in their place. It was awesome.”

We spoke more with Brandt and Haas about “Billionaire’s Vinegar,” more on “Chicago P.D.” and the renewals for both shows.

To follow both Michael Brandt and Derek Haas on Twitter: @michaelwbrandt and @derekhaas

“Chicago Fire” airs Tuesdays at 10/9c and “Chicago P.D.” airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC.

To download the full podcast with both Michael Brandt and Derek Haas, click on the player below:

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