IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit 'Task' Creator Brad Ingelsby
Oct 20, 2025
Brad Ingelsby, the creator and writer of the HBO series Task, dives into the intricate psychology of his characters and the show's seven-episode arc. He discusses how Mark Ruffalo's physical choices shaped his character and how Tom Pelphrey's audition brought Robbie's hopeful energy to life. Exploring inspirations like Michael Mann's Heat, Brad shares insights on emotional stakes in pivotal scenes and the importance of authentic portrayals, especially in biker culture. His creative approach emphasizes character depth and landscape, ensuring an engaging experience.
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Character First, Plot Later
- Brad Ingelsby prioritized character immersion over early plot hooks to make the eventual collision feel earned.
- He let the pilot breathe with quiet, mundane scenes so audiences would care before the plot intensifies.
Write With Collaborators
- Collaborate openly with directors and actors and welcome their ideas during writing and production.
- Keep the ending in mind as a rail, but allow discovery to reshape beats and dialogue.
Ruffalo's Physical Choices
- Mark Ruffalo chose physical choices like a fat suit to embody his character's loss and routine unraveling.
- Ingelsby credits Ruffalo's intentional small actions for making Tom feel convincingly grieving in every scene.
