Brian Koppelman, a writer and director known for films like Rounders and the series Billions, shares his insights on the evolution of television and cinema. He discusses the binge-watching phenomenon versus traditional viewing patterns and how it affects audience engagement. Koppelman also delves into the subjective nature of film appreciation, revealing why some smart individuals overlook great films. Plus, he offers tips on the Manhattan food scene and shares thoughts on the future of movie stardom and his unmade dream projects.
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insights INSIGHT
Early TV's Quality
Early TV wasn't consistently bad, but it lacked the artistic depth of film or music.
Shows like Sesame Street and Hill Street Blues pushed the medium forward, influencing later "golden age" shows.
insights INSIGHT
Ingredients for Great TV
Creating excellent television requires top-tier writing, a concept relevant to the times, and a talented team.
The magic of storytelling art lies in its unpredictable nature, where even with talented individuals, success isn't guaranteed.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Mad Men Viewing Experience
Brian Koppelman enjoyed watching Mad Men weekly, making it a special event.
He appreciated discussing it on Twitter with critics like Sepinwall and Seitz, enhancing the experience.
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Brian Koppelman is a writer, director, and producer known for his work on films like Rounders and Solitary Man, the hit TV show Billions, and his podcast The Moment, which explores pivotal moments in creative careers.
Tyler and Brian sat down to discuss why TV wasn’t good for so long, whether he wants viewers to binge his shows, how he’d redesign movie theaters, why some smart people appreciate film and others don’t, which Spielberg movie and Murakami book is under appreciated, a surprising fact about poker, whether Jalen Brunson is overrated or underrated, Manhattan food tips, who he’d want to go on a three-day retreat with, whether movies are too long, how happy people are in show business, his unmade dream projects, the next thing he’ll learn about, and more.
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