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Despite ten years passing since the movie version and a delay due to an actress change, the TV version of Ron Howard’s film Parenthood is finally being produced.

Although scheduled to start shooting in September 2009, the production was halted for several months due to the lead actress dropping from her role. When a new actress was cast and shooting finally began in November, there were high expectations for the Ron Howard/Brian Glazer production.

“This show is almost at feature size,” said Transportation Coordinator Mike Menapace. He runs a crew of 25 Teamsters when filming at Universal, and that number increases to 40 when on location. This is nothing new for Menapace, who is used to working with large crews. A third generation Teamster Local 399 member, he has worked mostly on features in his almost 20-year career.

“We have four sound stages, two back lot locations, the mill, and 15 principal cast members, so it can get pretty hectic,” he added. “The pace is quicker in TV, and our crew is definitely working hard.”

On days when shooting off the lot, it isn’t out of the ordinary for the crew to go to three or four locations a day. Location Manager Donovan Terranova, who along with [name here] oversees a team of 14 to 16, agrees that the shoot is very ambitious. “When we go out, we go out big,” he stated. “We are having to deal with multiple jurisdictions in sensitive neighborhoods like Santa Monica and South Pasadena. We work together well with the drivers and are able to get a lot of gear in and out effectively.”

The original movie Parenthood was released in 1989 and starred Steve Martin, as well as future stars Keanu Reeves and Joaquin Phoenix. A television version aired for one year in 1990, but it wasn’t until last year that producer Ron Howard decided to try it again on the small screen. This newest version’s plot is based loosely on the original movie, examining the ups and downs of raising a large family.

After a successful pilot, the show was picked up for 13 episodes and the crew is optimistic that it will be back for another season.