Jesse Armstrong

Jesse Armstrong, the Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning creator of Succession, dives into the chaos of wealth and technology in his latest HBO film, Mountainhead. He discusses how tech billionaires navigate ambition and ethics during a disastrous poker retreat, highlighting deepfake horrors and their real-world implications. Armstrong critiques the tech oligarchy's influence over society, comparing them to legacy media moguls like Rupert Murdoch. He also delves into the societal impact of AI on creativity and the complex dynamics of male friendships within the cutthroat tech industry.

Jesse Armstrong, a Shropshire-born screenwriter educated at Manchester University, is known for co-creating 'Peep Show' and the acclaimed HBO series 'Succession.' In this engaging chat, he reflects on his early career and shares insights into the creative process behind his films, including a tech satire. Armstrong discusses the challenges of transforming concepts into rich narratives, the importance of improvisation in storytelling, and his literary influences. He also touches on the moral complexities of writing about wealth in the entertainment industry.

Host Kara Swisher is joined by Succession creator Jesse Armstrong and executive producer Frank Rich to unpack “The Munsters”, episode one of the final season. Then, Kara talks with Ben Smith, co-founder of the news site Semafor, about the Roy kids’ new media venture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jesse Armstrong, the Emmy Award-winning creator of HBO's 'Succession,' shares insights on his new film 'Mountainhead,' which humorously critiques Silicon Valley billionaires. He discusses the challenges of satirizing figures who are already parodies of themselves and contrasts their anti-social behaviors with their grand promises about technology. Max Fisher re-joins the conversation to reflect on the fallout between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, exploring how their rivalry mirrors larger political dynamics. Together, they navigate the complexities of wealth, power, and digital disconnect.

Host Kara Swisher is joined by series creator Jesse Armstrong and episode director Mark Mylod. Then she has a spirited conversation with actor Brian Cox.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.

Joining the discussion are Jesse Armstrong, writer and director of 'Mountainhead' and creator of the hit series 'Succession', alongside actors Tim Key, Tom Basden, and Carey Mulligan. They explore the unique narrative technique of 'in media res' and its impact on storytelling in modern cinema. The conversation also dives into the challenges of film production, whimsical character portrayals, and the amusing dynamics of wealth depicted in their projects. Expect laughter, insightful commentary, and a glimpse into the creative process behind 'The Ballad of Wallis Island'.

Adam talks to Jesse Armstrong, writer of Peep Show and Succession, about his comedy influences, leaving the 4th wall unbroken, the challenges of writing Succession, separating the art from the artist, audiences laughing in the wrong way, and whether satire does more harm than good.

Jesse Armstrong, the mastermind behind HBO's 'Succession,' shares his journey as a prolific screenwriter known for 'Peep Show' and 'The Thick of It.' He discusses the creative trials behind his projects that didn't take off and the importance of tone in storytelling. Armstrong reveals how rewrites drove Brian Cox mad and recounts his experiences with iconic collaborators like Armando Iannucci. Delve into the balance of creativity and technology and learn how disconnecting can spark fresh ideas.

Jesse Armstrong, the creative genius behind HBO's 'Succession,' and Mark Mylod, its talented director, discuss the parallels between Rupert Murdoch and the show's Logan Roy. They delve into the influential role of media moguls and the internal conflicts at companies like Fox News. Armstrong and Mylod also reflect on the emotional weight of pivotal narrative choices, including the shocking death of Logan Roy, and how it resonates with themes of loss and family dynamics in both fiction and reality.