This episode features actor/director Matt Ross, known for his role as Gavin Belson in HBO's 'Silicon Valley.' He discusses his acting philosophy, particularly in portraying antagonists, and his directorial debut, 'Captain Fantastic.' A significant part of the conversation revolves around the impact of tech companies like Amazon and Netflix on Hollywood, and the sustainability of their investment in content creation.
Key takeaways
Matt Ross approaches antagonist roles by seeking to make them sympathetic and sincere, even in comedic or villainous contexts.
The rise of tech companies like Amazon and Netflix has democratized storytelling, offering more opportunities for diverse voices and projects to get funded and produced.
There are concerns about the long-term sustainability of tech-driven funding in Hollywood, and the potential consequences if this capital influx diminishes.
Directing 'Captain Fantastic' presented challenges and triumphs, highlighting the creative process of bringing a vision to the screen.
The episode touches upon the balance between acting and directing, and how experience in one informs the other.
Actor Matt Ross talks with Recode’s Kara Swisher about playing Hooli CEO Gavin Belson on HBO’s “Silicon Valley,” which just started its fourth season. Ross, who previously played Alby Grant on “Big Love,” says he tries to make the antagonists he plays sympathetic and sincere, even in a goofy comedy like “Silicon Valley.” He also talks about his first film, “Captain Fantastic,” which was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe, and the balance between tech companies and Hollywood, as Amazon and Netflix bid for top film and TV talent. That competition has been great for outsiders getting their stories told, but Ross wonders: What happens if the new money goes away?
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Matt Ross approaches antagonist roles by seeking to make them sympathetic and sincere, even in comedic or villainous contexts.
What's takeaway #2 from this episode?
The rise of tech companies like Amazon and Netflix has democratized storytelling, offering more opportunities for diverse voices and projects to get funded and produced.
What's takeaway #3 from this episode?
There are concerns about the long-term sustainability of tech-driven funding in Hollywood, and the potential consequences if this capital influx diminishes.
What's takeaway #4 from this episode?
Directing 'Captain Fantastic' presented challenges and triumphs, highlighting the creative process of bringing a vision to the screen.
What's takeaway #5 from this episode?
The episode touches upon the balance between acting and directing, and how experience in one informs the other.
