Broadway plays have traditionally restricted photographers to very limited access due to the highly restrictive union regulations, thus keeping the general public in the dark to the on-goings back stage. Photographer Jeff Widener contacted actor Bryan Cranston about photographing a rare back stage look at the cast and crew of his hit Broadway play ‘Network’ the stage adaptation of the 1976 film. After some initial restrictions by union members it was finally agreed upon to allow Widener to proceed with the project due to the historical importance and legacy of Broadway theater. Widener was granted rare and unprecedented back stage access of eleven performances of ‘Network’ over two months at the Belasco Theater in New York. He had to wear a cast UBS sweatshirt as he was literally part of the play because audience attendees could clearly see Widener snapping away on stage. It was only because of the extreme kindness and commitment of the union members and cast and crew that Jeff was able to achieve a behind the scenes look at what makes a Broadway show so special. The play, follows the unexpected rise and fall of news anchor Howard, who unravels live on screen during his final broadcast. When the ratings soar, the network seizes on the opportunity to exploit the populist prophet.
