Taylor Sheridan, the acclaimed creator and showrunner of Yellowstone, shares his incredible journey from having just $800 to landing a $200M deal with Paramount. He reflects on his struggles as an actor in Hollywood, the pivotal decision to pivot to screenwriting, and the skepticism he faced while pitching Yellowstone. Sheridan humorously recounts living in his car while chasing his dreams and highlights the transformative power of rejection, illustrating how these challenges ultimately led to his groundbreaking success.
Taylor Sheridan's journey from struggling actor to successful screenwriter showcases the power of persistence and personal storytelling in overcoming industry skepticism.
The massive success of 'Yellowstone' signals a resurgence of interest in western narratives, proving that authentic voices can redefine genre boundaries.
Deep dives
The Passion for the Beatles
The host shares a deep passion for the Beatles and introduces a new podcast series that focuses on personal stories from individuals connected to the band. This series includes interviews with people who either worked with or have a profound admiration for the Beatles, revealing surprising and captivating anecdotes. The exploration of these connections aims to shed light on the cultural impact the Beatles have had over the years. This focus on personal narratives adds a unique dimension to understanding the band's legacy.
Taylor Sheridan's Reluctant Journey to Filmmaking
Taylor Sheridan recounts his early life on a family ranch, which shaped his love for western films but initially led him to pursue a career in football. After a series of injuries redirected his path, he found himself reluctantly participating in high school drama, which ignited a passion for acting. Despite an unsuccessful pursuit of the acting profession, he pivoted towards screenwriting without formal education, driven by a desperate desire to tell stories that resonated personally with him. This decision marked a significant turning point, showcasing how embracing a new direction can lead to remarkable opportunities.
The Struggles of a Screenwriter
Sheridan faced significant challenges while trying to break into Hollywood, enduring years of rejection for his work, including a project titled 'Yellowstone' that was turned down by major networks. He initially struggled to find a platform for his unique perspective on rural America and western culture, as executives doubted the viability of such themes in contemporary storytelling. The common refrain was that westerns were outdated, reflecting a larger disconnect between Hollywood executives and the diverse narratives craved by audiences. Despite these setbacks, Sheridan remained resilient and stayed true to his vision for the show.
The Triumph of Yellowstone
Eventually, Sheridan's persistence paid off when a new network saw potential in his project 'Yellowstone,' leading to its development and eventual airing. The series broke new ground, becoming a major hit that defied industry norms, resonating particularly well with middle America audiences. As viewership skyrocketed, it reestablished interest in the western genre, making Sheridan a leading voice in contemporary storytelling. His success embodies the message that determination and authenticity reign supreme, even in the face of overwhelming doubt from the industry.
The season five premiere of Yellowstone drew 16 million viewers. The series creator, writer and showrunner Taylor Sheridan recently signed a nearly $200M deal with Paramount to produce the hit show and its subsequent franchise. But rewind 10 years, Sheridan had $800 to his name. He had been trying to make it as an actor in Hollywood for the better part of two decades, before deciding to quit altogether and move to Wyoming. But just then, someone said, “Why don’t you write a pilot script?”
It's good to be back. Hope you'll join us for Season 6.
Tell us YOUR rejection story, and you may be featured in an upcoming episode: