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The Studio: Seth Rogen and Co-creator Evan Goldberg Discuss Hollywood Satire and Scorsese’s Critique
At the South by Southwest Film and Television Festival in Austin, Texas, Seth Rogen, co-creator, writer, director, and star of the new series The Studio, shared an intriguing anecdote about his interaction with acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese. After a captivating two-episode premiere, Rogen revealed that Scorsese had commented on their use of profanity, stating, “You guys say, f–k too much.”
Rogen jokingly recalled how he and co-creator Evan Goldberg urged Scorsese to humorously suggest he should have sold his work to Apple: “We told Martin Scorsese to say, like, ‘See, I should have sold this to f–king Apple.’” This lighthearted exchange highlights the satirical nature of The Studio, which explores the chaotic world of Hollywood.
Scorsese, who is known for his gritty storytelling in films such as The Wolf of Wall Street, makes a cameo appearance in The Studio, joining a star-studded cast that includes Charlize Theron, Steve Buscemi, and Olivia Wilde. Rogen emphasized the importance of authenticity in depicting the Hollywood experience, stating that they wanted to feature well-known figures whom audiences could believe would genuinely excite a studio.
Reflecting on the portrayal of Hollywood culture, Rogen critiqued the unrealistic representation of celebrity in productions like Entourage. He expressed a desire for The Studio to present a more genuine and relatable vision of the industry that viewers would recognize, eliminating elements that feel out of touch.
The Studio stars Rogen as Matt Remick, the newly appointed head of the beleaguered Continental Studios. The series navigates Matt’s struggle to maintain relevance in an ever-changing film landscape, amidst conflicts with egotistical artists and demanding corporate bosses. The job he loves passionately is threatening to consume him entirely.
Alongside Rogen, the ensemble cast features Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Hahn, Chase Sui Wonders, and Catherine O’Hara. The series’ roots lie in an eye-opening discussion Rogen and Goldberg had with a studio executive, who lamented, “I got into this because I love movies, and now it’s my job to ruin them.” This sparked the creators’ desire to comically dissect the trials of filmmaking.
Early responses to The Studio have been notably positive, particularly from those who resonate with the show’s comedic tone. Rogen and Goldberg, who co-directed each episode, opted for continuous takes that evoke the feeling of live theater. This choice not only intensifies the viewing experience but also lessens the influence of studio feedback during production.
“We wanted it to be very immersive, and to feel as though you were literally in the rooms,” Rogen said, emphasizing their intent to convey the frenetic energy typical of the Hollywood environment. By minimizing cuts, the show aims to keep the audience in a state of tension, mirroring the pressure that industry professionals often face.
Goldberg humorously noted, “If we’re panicking because there’s no cutting, you’ll panic when you’re watching; we’ll all freak out together.” Rogen added with a grin, “Yes, and all anyone wants from a relaxing night of watching television is a panic attack.”
The Studio is positioned as one of Apple TV+’s top contenders for Emmy recognition this year. The initial episodes are set to premiere on March 26, with new episodes being released weekly, promising viewers an exciting and dynamic journey through the unpredictable landscape of Hollywood filmmaking.
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