Danny McBride, known for his unique voice in comedy, recently appeared on Theo Von’s podcast, and it was both a fun and insightful discussion. The relaxed environment of the podcast allowed McBride to open up about his creative journey, giving us a glimpse into how his ideas evolve into TV shows.
For those unfamiliar with McBride’s career, he started alongside co-writer Jody Hill, shooting films on Super 16. Their breakthrough came with The Foot Fist Way, a film that made waves in Hollywood and opened doors for them. One of the key lessons McBride learned during this early phase was that creating films outside the traditional Hollywood system requires determination, resourcefulness, and the ability to convince others to support your vision without any guarantee of success.
This ability to pitch ideas effectively is still a crucial part of McBride’s success today. He has consistently been able to convince studios that his projects are worth the risk, gradually building a solid resume to back up his claims. McBride acknowledges that filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith, who thrived during the 90s indie boom, paved the way for him and others, showing that independent films could find an audience in Hollywood.
Despite the advantages of modern technology, McBride expresses concern about the indie film market today. While it should theoretically be easier to make indie films now, he feels the market has become smaller, and we haven’t seen a major breakout indie hit in recent years.
The Actor, Writer, Director Journey
Though McBride initially intended to focus solely on writing and directing, his natural acting skills and comedic timing led him to pursue acting as well. His performances became undeniable, and this ability allowed him to attach himself to scripts, ensuring he maintained creative control both behind and in front of the camera. This approach helped him carve out a space for himself in Hollywood.
The key takeaway from McBride’s journey is that it doesn’t matter how you break into the industry—what matters is that once you’re in, you have the talent and ideas to stick around. McBride’s approach to writing is always focused on finding a way to make his ideas come to life. If a project doesn’t get picked up, he explores indie financing options or pivots toward something more commercial, if necessary.
The Challenges of Filmmaking
Filmmaking, however, is rarely a smooth process. McBride highlights the chaotic nature of the industry, noting challenges like pre-production setbacks, weather delays, and equipment failures that can arise at any time. His attitude toward these obstacles is simple: keep moving forward. By rolling with the punches, McBride emphasizes that creators can continue to build a lasting career, despite the unpredictable nature of the business.
McBride’s ability to act, write, and direct allowed him to remain on set, learning throughout the process. By consistently making projects, he earned respect in the industry and opened doors to more opportunities.
In the end, McBride’s journey is inspiring. His story reinforces the importance of resilience, creativity, and the willingness to adapt. Through his persistence, McBride has not only built a successful career but also proved that with the right attitude, it’s possible to navigate the chaos of filmmaking and emerge victorious.
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