The Gray Area with Sean Illing A Yellowjackets creator spills his guts
Jan 27, 2022
Bart Nickerson, co-creator of Showtime's 'Yellowjackets', dives into the show's exploration of teenage trauma and survival. He discusses crafting characters across two timelines and the unsettling interplay of innocence and savagery. The conversation highlights the metaphorical significance of cannibalism in girlhood relationships and the unique storytelling dynamics in the writers' room. Nickerson also shares insights into fan engagement and theories, generating excitement for what’s to come in future seasons.
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Yellowjackets' Origin Story
- Bart Nickerson and Ashley Lyle, co-creators of Yellowjackets, often brainstorm story ideas during everyday activities.
- The initial concept for Yellowjackets started with a girls' sports team lost in the woods, evolving to include dual timelines and cannibalism.
Trauma as an Emergent Theme
- The creators did not initially intend to focus on trauma, instead following their creative intuition.
- The dual timelines emphasize how trauma persists in the present, making past events feel immediate.
Balancing Horror and Exhilaration
- The show aims to create a subjective experience, reflecting the characters' terror and exhilaration.
- Genre elements offer a safe distance from the real-world stakes, enhancing audience engagement.