Jonathan Ames is becoming a television staple, writing comedic television with depth. The New York native first made his presence known as a novelist and essay writer, before moving his self-deprecating stories into the realm of television.
On his first show, ‘Bored to Death,’ Jason Schwartzman played a novelist also named Jonathan Ames, who began an unlicensed detective agency, alongside his friend Ray (Zach Galifianakis) and mentor George (Ted Danson). The show lasted three seasons on HBO and still has a positive cult following online.
In his newest creation, ‘Blunt Talk,’ Patrick Stewart stars as Walter Blunt. The show follows a British newscaster who recently moved to Los Angeles with an alcoholic, eccentric manservant named Harry. The duo try to navigate showbusiness, news, and the ins and outs of life behind-the-scenes of a talk show.
Ames also wrote the book ‘You Were Never Really Here,’ which was just turned into an award-winning drama starring Joaquin Phoenix.
We spoke with Jonathan about the unlikely inspiration for his new show, writing about friendships, his rules of screenwriting, and ideas for a film of Bored to Death. In addition, the print interview for this conversation is available on Creative Screenwriting’s website.
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