Szmanda Raring To Get Out Into The Field

Eric Szmanda is determined to see lab technician Greg Sanders step into the limelight as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation enters its fourth season.

"I have made it clear to the producers, and Greg has made it clear to Grissom, that I have higher expectations for my character," Szmanda told David Richardson in Ultimate DVD (via the William Petersen Appreciation Page). "I'm looking forward to next season, as I've been told that I start training to be a field investigator, which ironically is a step down in the real world. [Greg's] job actually pays more and is more desirable than being a field investigator."

Szmanda first appeared in CSI's pilot episode, and the character of Greg Sanders was originally supposed to be a one-shot guest role. The kooky lab technician soon became a fixture on the show, and Szmanda joined the other CSI regulars in the opening credits at the start of season three.

Despite playing a regular character, Szmanda's shooting schedule isn't too demanding. But that could change once Greg starts training. "I'm lucky right now. It's kind of like Catch 22: of course I want more exposure on the show, but at the same time I have such an easy schedule. I have one day in the lab, do all my scenes one right after another, and then go home. I only have to work one or two days a week, but if I start going out into the field, anything could happen."

And being a field investigator isn't all it's cracked up to be, according to Szmanda, whose first experience on location was less than comfortable. "The first time I worked in the field, was in the high desert until five in the morning. It was uncomfortable, cold, the trailers are miles away from the set. I thought, 'This sucks! I want to go back to the lab!"

The complete interview with Szmanda can be found in issue 45 of Ultimate DVD. Scans of the magazine are available at the William Petersen Appreciation Page.

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