Unlocking Succession: 7 Powerful Scripting Lessons from Creator Jesse Armstrong

In 2010, Jesse Armstrong earned an Oscar nomination for ‘Best Adapted Screenplay’ for his exceptional work on “In The Loop,” a cinematic masterpiece directed by Armando Ianucci. Then, in 2011, he penned the thought-provoking third episode of the “Black Mirror” series, titled “The Entire History of You.” Without resting on his laurels, he went on to create one of HBO’s most iconic series in recent memory, “Succession,” in 2016.

Subsequently, Armstrong made his way to London to conduct an unforgettable masterclass. We had the privilege of being in attendance, diligently taking notes on every invaluable piece of information. Let me share with you five invaluable scriptwriting lessons that I gleaned from the creative genius behind “Succession.”

Lesson 1: Secure a trusted feedback provider.

Beginning his talk with an unexpected confession, Jesse Armstrong revealed that his scriptwriting prowess wasn’t honed in a film school. Instead, his education stemmed from immersing himself in vast arrays of movies and series. His secret to perfecting his technique, though, is the involvement of familiar and reliable voices in his narrative process.