‘Power Book IV: Force’ Line Producer Lederer Answers Five Questions with SCREEN

This series is Chicago through and through, and so is today’s guest for Five Questions with SCREEN. Power Book IV: Force Line Producer Rich Lederer’s Chicago credits range from the Fox hit Empire to the classic Windy City series Early Edition, and many in-between. Force is fully filmed in Chicago, and is lighting up ratings on Sunday nights for Starz. Rich stopped by SCREEN to chat… let’s get to it!

SCREEN: Ok Rich, we are opening with our toughest question of the year… Who would win a boxing match between Joseph Sikora, who plays Tommy, and Executive Producer 50 Cent?

RICH: That fight is inconceivable! They are brothers to the end and would take a bullet for one another.

SCREEN: What are viewers loving about the new series Force?

RICH: The same ole Tommy taking over Chicago as well as a magnificent supporting cast including many of our local Chicago actors…

SCREEN: A favorite moment from set that you care to share?

RICH: The final day of filming for the season was at the lakefront on Northernly Island. It was a pre-dawn call. We watched the sunrise just before crew call. It was spectacular!

Getting to the finish line of Season One was quite difficult. The filming schedule was continuously pushed due to the challenges with the pandemic. There were many times were we were not sure if we could film the next day. 

The last filming day was finally here and we were treated with a gorgeous sunrise over the lake giving the city a magical glow. FORCE Season One was an amazing journey!

SCREEN: Ok Rich, let’s get to your life outside of the show… One meal, one restaurant, and we’re buying. What will it be?

Arun’s! It is a Thai restaurant here in Chicago. Arun’s has the most beautifully presented food I have ever seen. They have a nine course vegan pre-fixe menu. Add the wine pairing option and heaven awaits.

SCREEN: If you can play any superhero in a major motion picture, who would it be?

Deadpool, I like his approach.

BONUS QUESTIONS!

SCREEN: What’s that TV show you’re a little embarrassed to admit you love to watch?

RICH: That 70s Show. I never watched it until we were all shutdown Spring 2020. I watched all 8 seasons. I was born in 1965, so the 70s were my childhood.

[Editor’s Note: Ok Rich, here are the Top 20 funniest moments in That 70s Show history…]

SCREEN: If you could fix one thing, what would you fix?

RICH: Social Media.

SCREEN: Worst decision you made in college?

RICH: Gin.

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