‘Silicon Valley’ Showrunner John Altschuler on New Show, U.S., Europe
Delivering a keynote address at the Iberseries & Platino Industria in Madrid, John Altschuler, the showrunner of the popular HBO Max series “Silicon Valley,” shared his candid opinions on the tech industry in Silicon Valley. He described the people in Silicon Valley as “greedy, ravenous, terrible people,” reflecting the portrayal of the industry in his show.
The inspiration for “Silicon Valley” came to Altschuler while reading Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs. A passage about Bill Gates ridiculing Jobs for his lack of coding skills sparked the idea for the series. Altschuler’s research for the show took him to Silicon Valley, where he encountered companies claiming to prioritize making the world a better place over profits, a sentiment that is satirized in the show.
During a conversation with Roy Ashton from the Gersh Agency, Altschuler discussed his plans for a new Irish-U.K. co-production based on a book he co-wrote. He expressed a preference for European partners over Hollywood studios, citing a unique cultural approach to art and creativity in Europe that he finds appealing.
Despite his positive outlook on European collaboration, Altschuler noted a lack of respect for writers in Europe compared to the United States. He emphasized the importance of valuing all components of the creative process and highlighted the challenges faced by European writers seeking success in their own region.
Ashton mentioned a decline in writer jobs in the U.S. following a Hollywood strike, to which Altschuler remarked on the changing landscape of television production. He acknowledged the uncertainties in the industry but encouraged perseverance and hard work as key factors in achieving success.
In conclusion, Altschuler reflected on the evolving nature of the entertainment industry, acknowledging both the challenges and opportunities present for aspiring writers and creators. By advocating for a more inclusive and supportive environment for writers, he aims to bridge the gap between European and American entertainment markets.
