Feeling Lost or Stuck? Try Craigslist, says John Wilson.
Oct 11, 2023
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John Wilson, the filmmaker behind HBO's How To with John Wilson, discusses his hobbies including obsessively checking Craigslist ads to feel more deeply connected. The podcast explores the significance of journaling, the fascination with documenting passions, and the captivating world of Craigslist for finding story ideas and funny listings.
John Wilson finds inspiration in the ordinary and uncelebrated moments of life, capturing them in his show How To.
Craigslist serves as a universal connector, providing unique interactions and a vast archive of imagery for John Wilson's storytelling.
Deep dives
John Wilson's Show How To and His Obsessions with Micro-Moments in Daily Life
In this episode, Anna Sale interviews John Wilson, the creator of the show How To, which just finished its third season. The show is a collage of micro-moments captured in New York City, showcasing the unfancy and gritty aspects of everyday life. Wilson has a passion for documenting the nuances of people who usually go unnoticed, exploring their specific passions and interests. He keeps extensive journals and notebooks to record his experiences and observations. Wilson also spends a significant amount of time on Craigslist, where he finds unique stories and characters that inspire his work. He takes screenshots of the listings and categorizes them based on themes, creating a vast archive for future reference. Wilson's show and his approach to capturing the ordinary and uncelebrated moments of life demonstrate his dedication to his craft and his ability to find inspiration in unexpected places.
The Ephemeral Appeal of Craigslist and Its Role in John Wilson's Creative Process
John Wilson explains his fascination with Craigslist and its role in his creative process. He describes Craigslist as a universal connector, a platform that connects people who are either seeking something or giving away something for free. Wilson appreciates the unique interactions that happen on Craigslist, particularly on the free section, where people go out of their way to provide items instead of throwing them away. He finds the transient nature of Craigslist appealing and takes screenshots of interesting posts, creating an archive of one-of-a-kind imagery. Wilson's collection of Craigslist screenshots serves as a source of inspiration and adds depth to his storytelling. He also discusses the humorous and sometimes angry disclaimers people include in their listings, highlighting the complex and contradictory nature of human interactions on the platform.
John Wilson's Unconventional Path and the Role of Chance in His Creative Journey
The interview delves into John Wilson's unconventional journey and the role of chance in shaping his creative path. Wilson shares how he found a roommate through Craigslist, which led to unexpected friendships and eventually helped him create his show. He reflects on the impact of chance encounters and decisions, acknowledging that relying on chance often puts him in a positive space. Wilson's willingness to embrace uncertainty has led to significant moments and opportunities. He believes in the purity of chance encounters and finds fulfillment in following its guidance. Wilson's unique perspective and genuine appreciation for life's unpredictable moments are evident in his work and approach to creativity.
The filmmaker behind HBO’s How To with John Wilson shares how his hobbies, like checking Craigslist ads obsessively, make him feel more deeply connected.
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