Jesse Armstrong, the creator of the acclaimed HBO series *Succession*, delivered the keynote address at the recent Banff World Media Festival, reflecting on his career, the media landscape, and his evolving creative interests. Though *Succession* concluded in 2023 and Armstrong’s follow-up project, the HBO movie *Mountainhead*, debuted over a year ago, the event provided a timely platform for his observations on media and technology amid ongoing global challenges.
Armstrong, known for his incisive portrayal of the fictional Roy family—a thinly veiled critique of media dynasties such as the Murdoch family—spoke on the intersections of corporate power, media influence, and tech industry excess. His latest work centers on a group of tech moguls retreating to a mountain resort while the world around them unravels, a theme resonant with the festival’s Rocky Mountain setting.
In an interview, Armstrong explained the use of real media names in *Succession*, confirming that the reference to *The Globe and Mail* in the show was largely incidental rather than intentional. He noted a preference for fictional media outlets to avoid blurring the lines between reality and the show’s universe, highlighting the complexities that arise when real-world figures and events are implicated in fictional narratives.
Addressing the dynamic between his creative works and current industry trends, Armstrong said he feels somewhat detached from the active pitching and production process, allowing him a clearer perspective on his projects. While he expressed some regret about ending *Succession*—citing the strong collaboration with actors and crew—he stood by the decision to conclude the series as planned, acknowledging the high-pressure environment of producing a major show.
Regarding recent media events involving the Murdoch family, including legal controversies in Nevada, Armstrong indicated that *Succession* was never intended as a direct retelling of real-life events, though such developments echo the show’s themes and underscore its ongoing relevance.
On technology giants, Armstrong emphasized the distinction between criticizing actions and understanding the personalities behind them. He suggested that many tech leaders’ problematic behaviors stem from human flaws and ambitions rather than inherent malevolence, underscoring the complexity of these figures.
With the media industry experiencing consolidation, exemplified by the proposed merger of Paramount and Warner Bros., Armstrong acknowledged concerns about reduced opportunities for creators to pitch projects. Still, he remained cautiously optimistic, referencing the increased diversity of outlets available today compared to previous decades.
While not currently pitching new shows, Armstrong confirmed that he is developing a film project with actor Jesse Plemons, though it remains in a fundraising phase. Looking ahead, he anticipates continuing to explore political and business themes in his work, likely returning to HBO for future series development, where he felt supported to focus on quality storytelling rather than formulaic hooks.
Reflecting on his experience with *Succession*, Armstrong credited HBO CEO Casey Bloys’s encouragement to prioritize crafting a strong episode over conforming to conventional pilot expectations, an approach he considers fortunate given industry pressures faced by many showrunners today.