Jon Cassar is the unheralded man behind-the-scenes of 24.  The most prolific director of the series, Cassar is also an executive producer and close confidante of Kiefer Sutherland.  If you've ever had the chance to watch some of the special features on the various 24 DVDs, then you know how well Cassar can command the set when he's directing an episode.  Much of the unique look and feel of 24, much of what makes the series the most cinematic on television, can be chalked up to Cassar's contributions.  The below interview was shot last August during BuddyTV's visit to the 24 set.  In the interview, he discusses various aspects of season 7's production, as well as what it's like to work with Jack Bauer himself, Kiefer Sutherland. 


Exclusive Video Interview: Jon Cassar, Director of '24: Redemption' Part 1





As always, we suggest that you watch the video to get the full gist of the interview, but these are some of the main bullet points that Cassar discussed:

Jon Voight was cast after the strike, after half of the season had been shot, and so he'll only be appearing on 24 midway through the season.  Jon Voight will might be the big bad guy, but my hunch says that there'll be someone above him.

Cassar has directed upwards of sixty 24 episodes.  He speaks glowingly of Kiefer, says that he brings the intensity and his A-game every day.  I can say, from seeing the two at FOX parties, that Cassar and Kiefer are quite close.  

24 has always been a fly by the seat of your pants production, and nothing surprises Cassar or puts him in panic mode at this point.  

No matter what you might think of the content of 24 during a particular episode or season, we can all agree that it always looks great.  The quality of production on 24 for a network show is simply astonishing.  Jon Cassar is a big part of that.


-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer