The Watch

Jesse Armstrong on the Making of ‘Mountainhead.’ Plus, Why ‘Stick’ Doesn’t Stick.

7 snips
Jun 12, 2025
Jesse Armstrong, the visionary behind 'Succession,' joins the discussion to unveil insights into his new TV movie 'Mountainhead,' crafted in under six months. He shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the rapid production process and the delicate balance between artistic vision and humor. The conversation also touches on the challenges of authenticity in storytelling, especially regarding character development in today's media landscape, and the significance of set design in conveying social themes.
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INSIGHT

Psychology Over Prediction

  • Jesse Armstrong isn’t aiming to predict exact future events, but to explore the psychology of powerful men in tech.
  • He uses the film’s tech backdrop to reflect current societal anxieties and dynamics.
ANECDOTE

Rapid Film Production Story

  • Jesse Armstrong made Mountainhead rapidly to capture the urgency of the tech moment.
  • He embraced fear and constraints to fuel the project’s creative energy and pace.
ADVICE

Validate Projects with Trusted Team

  • Use trusted collaborators to validate ambitious projects early and often.
  • Leverage experienced producers and crew to transform anxiety into creative confidence.
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