Navigating the Cutthroat World of High Finance: The Captivating Rise of HBO's "Industry"

If you're someone who casually dips a toe into the pool of the zeitgeist, you've no doubt bathed in the buzz surrounding HBO's "Industry." Whether it's fan cams in your feed or hot takes on your favorite podcast, you'd be forgiven for thinking the series about young bankers navigating high finance at the London branch of Pierpoint & Co. had only just premiered. In fact, it's already in its third season, and the show has quickly asserted itself as a heavyweight of appointment viewing, taking over HBO's coveted Sunday 9:00 pm slot in the United States.

Unveiling the Captivating Narrative of "Industry": A Masterclass in Prestige Television

The Meteoric Rise of a Showrunning Duo

Perhaps more fascinating than the show's rapid rise in popularity is how its creators, Mickey Down (35) and Konrad Kay (36), materialized as fully realized showrunners, despite not even having a Wikipedia entry. It's an impressive feat for two friends who met at Oxford University, worked in investment banking, and were later fired or quit—a journey they're quite proud of, as it allows them to "tap in and out of the deluge of stuff" and keep their "eyes on the prize."

Crafting a Unique Identity: Blending Influences and Defying Expectations

Though "Industry" shares the frenetic pace and prestigious setting of "Succession" and the intense partying and drug use of "Euphoria," it's much more than the "Sexy Sad Banking Show" it was dubbed when first premiered in 2020. The creators, Down and Kay, have drawn inspiration from a diverse range of sources, including the filmmaking style of Michael Mann, the dialogue-driven approach of Aaron Sorkin, and the bittersweet tone of Peep Show and the UK Office.

Navigating the Pandemic's Impact: Adapting to a Changing Landscape

The reception for season three has been particularly noteworthy, as it marks the first time the show has premiered without the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic. Down notes that the first season's release during the height of lockdowns allowed viewers to vicariously experience the characters' social interactions, which were forbidden at the time. Now, with the return to normalcy, the show's fanfare has taken on a new energy, with a big premiere in New York and increased in-person press coverage.

Exploring the Complexities of the Characters: Empathy and Authenticity

One of the show's strengths is its ability to create a sense of empathy and authenticity around its characters, even when they are making questionable decisions. As Down explains, "They're not grown up. They're allowed to make mistakes – their mistakes are bigger than others maybe – but, they're still allowed to make them." This approach has resonated with viewers, who find themselves drawn to the characters' journeys, rather than solely focused on the intricacies of the banking world.

Crafting a Cinematic Experience: The Crucial Role of Music and Visuals

The visual and auditory elements of "Industry" play a crucial role in shaping the show's distinctive identity. The creators have cited the work of filmmaker Michael Mann as a key influence, particularly the way he blends a masculine, competent aesthetic with a sense of romantic yearning and emotional depth. This is reflected in the show's score, composed by Nathan Micay, which the creators describe as capturing a "euphoric sadness" that is central to the series.

Pushing Boundaries and Taking Risks: The Infamous "Rishi Episode"

One of the standout moments in "Industry" season three was the "Rishi episode," which centered around a previously minor character. This decision to devote an entire episode to a supporting player was inspired by the Safdie Brothers' filmmaking approach, as the creators sought to create a frenetic, fast-paced "bottle episode" that would delve deeper into the character's backstory and explore themes of masculinity and addiction.

Collaborating with HBO: A Supportive Partnership in Pushing Creative Boundaries

The creators' partnership with HBO has been a crucial element in the show's success, as the network has embraced the team's boundary-pushing approach. Rather than pushing back against the darker, more daring elements of the writing, HBO has encouraged the creators to take risks and explore the most "naked" version of humanity possible on screen.

Looking Ahead: The Boundless Potential of "Industry" and the Advice for Aspiring Creatives

As "Industry" heads into its fourth season, the creators are brimming with excitement and creative energy, seeing the show as just getting started. For aspiring writers and creatives who feel stuck in their day jobs, their advice is simple yet powerful: "just keep going." They emphasize the importance of persistence, hustle, and a willingness to put oneself in front of decision-makers, as well as the value of a certain amount of "delusion" in believing in one's own talent.