In Writing with Hattie Crisell cover image

In Writing with Hattie Crisell

S6 Ep63: Jesse Armstrong, screenwriter

Dec 6, 2024
Jesse Armstrong, the mastermind behind HBO's 'Succession,' shares his journey as a prolific screenwriter known for 'Peep Show' and 'The Thick of It.' He discusses the creative trials behind his projects that didn't take off and the importance of tone in storytelling. Armstrong reveals how rewrites drove Brian Cox mad and recounts his experiences with iconic collaborators like Armando Iannucci. Delve into the balance of creativity and technology and learn how disconnecting can spark fresh ideas.
54:36

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Jesse Armstrong emphasizes that experiencing failures in screenwriting is essential for growth and resilience, shaping future creative endeavors.
  • Achieving and maintaining the right tone throughout a project is crucial, as it significantly influences the overall impact and cohesion of the narrative.

Deep dives

Learning from Failure

Experiencing failures is vital for growth in the screenwriting profession. The notion that writers learn more from their unsuccessful projects than from their successes resonates deeply, exemplifying the notion that early setbacks can fortify one's creative resilience. Jesse Armstrong shares personal experiences from his early career, emphasizing that laboriously creating a project, only to see it labeled as worthless, serves as a powerful lesson in humility and the business of screenwriting. Such moments can feel disheartening but are ultimately beneficial, shaping a writer's perspective and approach to future endeavors.

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