Director Hiro Murai on New Apple Show, FX Deal
Prolific TV director and producer Hiro Murai faced a unique challenge while working on Apple TV’s new horror-comedy series “Widow’s Bay” – he found himself dealing with a literal storm. In an interview with Variety, Murai discussed the difficulty of simulating a storm on screen but expressed satisfaction with the results. The show, set in the quaint island town of Widow’s Bay, follows Mayor Tom Loftis, played by Matthew Rhys, as he navigates a community plagued by superstitions and curses.
Murai’s involvement in the show began when creator Katie Dippold shared a spec script she had been holding onto for years. Intrigued by the script’s blend of horror and comedy, Murai was drawn to the unique tone of “Widow’s Bay.” He noted the challenge of balancing the two genres and creating genuine tension while still incorporating humor.
Despite “Widow’s Bay” being picked up by Apple TV, Murai’s TV home remains FX Networks. He recently extended his first-look deal with the network, citing their artist-forward approach to collaboration as a key reason for staying. Murai praised FX for supporting artists’ visions and allowing them creative freedom in a tumultuous industry.
Looking ahead, Murai has several projects in the works, including a grounded sci-fi series and an experimental half-hour comedy. Reflecting on his time working on “Atlanta,” he emphasized the flexibility of the half-hour format and the importance of storytelling over traditional genre constraints.
In terms of inspiration, Murai mentioned enjoying Tim Robinson’s HBO comedy and revisiting the classic teen drama “Dawson’s Creek” for its nostalgia and cultural significance. As he continues to explore new projects, Murai’s innovative approach to storytelling and genre-blending is sure to make a lasting impact on the TV landscape.
