NYMag:
In his first interview since the promotion was made public, Office showrunner Paul Lieberstein tells Vulture that Andy shared one trait with Michael that ultimately made him best suited for the role: They’re both people persons.
“The Andy character is very different from Michael, but one of the things they have in common is that they both put people first and relationships first,” says Lieberstein (who also plays HR chief Toby Flenderson). “And at the end of it, that’s why he won the day.” Andy’s need to be pals with his co-workers was clear in Thursday’s season opener: In his meeting with Robert California, he was most concerned with getting approval for a four-day Columbus Day holiday. “His last priority in the meeting was the fact that [the branch] had lost its biggest client,” Lieberstein says, adding that Helms has been having a good time in his new post. “He’s been doing some hilarious stuff on set, just killing it,” he says.
While the fate of the on-screen boss on NBC’s flagship comedy series The Office is still in limbo, the near future of show’s behind-the-scenes boss is set: The Office showrunner/executive producer Paul Lieberstein has signed a three-year overall deal with series producer NBC Universal Studios. Under the pact, Lieberstein will continue to run the comedy, working closely with The Office developer/executive producer Greg Daniels. Later in the life of the deal, Lieberstein’s first overall, he is expected to develop new projects. But for the time being, he will be focused entirely on The Office, which is undergoing a major transition following the recent departure of original star Steve Carell. “This show has changed my life,” Lieberstien said. “As a writer I’ve never felt so creatively fulfilled, I really feel like I’m writing exactly what I’ve wanted to write in terms of exploring everyday life. And it made me an actor, which I never suspected I’d do.”
SPOILER WARNING! This interview has spoilers! Read at your own risk!
