Movie People: Interviews & More From the Southampton Playhouse 'Andor' Creator Tony Gilroy Explains the Art of Smart and Timely Storytelling
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Aug 21, 2025 
Tony Gilroy, an Oscar-nominated writer-director known for Michael Clayton and the Bourne series, delves into the art of storytelling. He shares insights on the inspiration behind Andor and reimagining action in films like Bourne. Gilroy discusses the themes of revolution and human stakes in Andor, focusing on everyday characters over spectacle. He also explores the freedom of storytelling in longer-format TV and hints at his next project centered on music. This deep dive into his creative process is both insightful and thought-provoking.
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Childhood Film That Shaped His Taste
- Tony Gilroy first saw It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World as a child and replayed it obsessively throughout his life.
- He credits its large-cast chaos and direct stakes as early influences on his taste for ensemble, morally messy stories.
Musician Turned Film Writer
- Gilroy began as a musician and spent his twenties playing clubs while devouring double-feature movies.
- That period taught him to blend cinematic influences with literary reading to shape his voice as a writer.
Own Your Screenplay
- Claim ownership of your screenplay and write as if the finished film already exists in your head.
- Avoid treating scripts as transfer documents for directors; write the movie you want to see.
