Creator to Creator

In a fascinating conversation, Jason Connell, the creative director for Sucker Punch Productions, known for the Ghost of Tsushima franchise, joins Vince Gilligan, famed for Breaking Bad. They explore how character and world-building intertwine in storytelling. Jason shares insights on balancing player fantasy with narrative in video games and his artistic journey from engineering to game design. Vince discusses his unique approach to setting, exemplified by Albuquerque, while both reveal the importance of long-term collaboration in shaping impactful stories.

What does it take to run a hit TV series—and finish strong? On this episode of the podcast, two of TV’s most compelling storytellers – Eric Kripke (The Boys) and Shawn Ryan (The Night Agent) – come together to talk all things showrunning: the craft, the chaos, and the creative stakes behind the scenes. From launching high-stakes stories to landing emotionally satisfying finales, Kripke and Ryan break down the unique challenges of steering a series from the writers’ room to the final cut. They get candid about shaping complex characters, balancing studio expectations with creative instinct, and the pressure of sticking the landing when a show like The Boys reaches its end next season. Whether you're a fan of explosive action, or curious about how your favorite shows get made, this episode pulls back the curtain on the storytellers who make it all happen (and what keeps them up at night). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bella Ramsey, known for her role as Ellie in The Last of Us, joins Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, and Gabriel Luna to share behind-the-scenes stories from filming Season 2. They discuss the emotional depth of their characters and the chemistry that develops on set. The group navigates creative challenges in adapting the story and the pressures of living up to fan expectations. Expect fun anecdotes about action sequences and the collaborative spirit that fuels their performances as they bring this beloved narrative to life.

Neil Druckmann, a renowned game director behind The Last of Us, chats with Alex Garland, the visionary writer and director of 28 Days Later. They explore the art of storytelling across different media, discussing the unique pacing of games versus films. Druckmann reveals the story-first approach that shaped The Last of Us, while Garland shares his transition from novelist to filmmaker. They also highlight their mutual influences, the emotional connection to their work, and tease upcoming projects, culminating in a rich conversation on creativity and collaboration.

Join gaming legends Brian Fleming, co-founder of Sucker Punch Productions known for Ghost of Tsushima and Nicolas Doucet, game director of Astro Bot at Team Asobi, as they unpack their creative journeys. They explore the challenges of game development, revealing the importance of simplicity in design and storytelling. The duo shares insights on character evolution, the blend of cinematic elements in gameplay, and the necessity of bold innovation in a competitive industry. Their shared passion for gaming shines through in every discussion!