Lipton runs the show in conjunction with the New School University's Actors Studio, of which he is the dean. The series began in 1994 with an interview with Paul Newman. The interview program, says Lipton, has totally taken over his life, immersing himself in research. And then, when they see the amount of work I have put into knowing their career, they change. A lot of times, they are shocked by what I find out, but they feel free to talk.
Homework is the key.
What we want is a description for the students of why something worked and what shaped them. And I respect and admire the people I have on the show. Brando is another story. Although he has turned down Lipton's several requests, he can't seem to remember he already said no. Lipton says the actor will often telephone him out of the blue to say he can't do the show, even though he has not been asked again.