How Mickey Down and Konrad Kay Created the Most Adrenalized Show on TV
Industry creators Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, with Kit Harrington, on the set of the finale of Season 3. - Courtesy of Simon Ridgway / HBO
Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the masterminds behind HBO’s Industry, made an extraordinary transition from the world of finance to television, bringing a new level of authenticity and intensity to the small screen. Their show, which plunges into the high-stakes world of finance through the experiences of young graduates, is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of ambition and the pressures of the industry. With its third season expanding to include politics, media, and tech, Industry has solidified its place as one of the most electrifying shows on television.
“Industry,” HBO’s engrossing drama series, has firmly established itself within the television arena by offering an unflinching look at the high-stakes realm of investment banking. Conceived by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series not only exposes the volatile essence of the finance sector but also delves deeply into the lives, ambitions, and psychological intricacies of its protagonists. As Season 3 unfolds, the narrative continues to evolve, mirroring the constant flux of the finance world and the layered complexities of personal and professional lives intermingling.
Kay, left, with Down on the set of Season 3. - Courtesy of Konrad Kay and Mickey Down / HBO
The Journey from Finance to Filmmaking
The journey of Mickey Down and Konrad Kay began in an unlikely setting—the finance sector. Both Oxford graduates, they initially pursued banking careers, driven by necessity rather than passion. However, their true calling was filmmaking. After Down sold a script to NBC, the pair decided to abandon their finance careers and pursue filmmaking full-time. They started with writing scripts, staging plays, and creating low-budget films. Despite the financial risks, their perseverance paid off, leading to the creation of Industry.
Debuting in 2020, “Industry” has adeptly blended high finance’s adrenaline rush with the intense personal dramas of young professionals navigating the treacherous waters at Pierpoint & Co., a fictional financial firm based in London. The creators, Down and Kay, have endowed the series with a palpable sense of realism, inspired by their firsthand experiences in the sector. This authenticity reverberates through each episode, offering viewers a vivid tableau of the myriad pressures and ethical quandaries that finance professionals face daily.
Courtesy of Konrad Kay and Mickey Down / HBO
Crafting the World of Industry
Industry distinguishes itself with its authentic depiction of the financial world. Down and Kay drew heavily on their own experiences to create a show that accurately portrays the high-pressure environment of a trading floor. The show goes beyond the technical aspects of finance, delving deep into the personal lives of its characters, exploring themes of ambition, power, and self-interest. The first season focused on a group of young graduates vying for full-time positions at Pierpoint & Co., a prestigious investment bank. As the show progresses, it explores the broader influence of finance on politics and society.
Courtesy of Elena Saurel / HBO
Season 3: Expanding Horizon
Season 3 of Industry marks a significant evolution in the show’s narrative. While the first two seasons centered on the characters’ experiences within the bank, Season 3 broadens the scope to include the interconnected worlds of finance, politics, and media. Down and Kay sought to depict how these powerful institutions influence each other behind closed doors. The new season promises more intense drama with the introduction of new characters and higher stakes.
The latest season of “Industry” deepens its exploration of the volatile interplay between personal ambition and professional duty. HBO has teased that this season will particularly emphasize “ethical investing” and its ripple effects on Pierpoint & Co.’s strategic maneuverings. A notable addition this season is a character portrayed by Kit Harington, a green tech entrepreneur, whose presence introduces fresh narrative arcs and interpersonal dynamics.
As Season 3 unfurls, it probes the aftermath of the seismic events from its predecessor, weaving a complex tapestry of alliances and rivalries. This season is poised to maintain the show’s tradition of intertwining high-stakes corporate strategies with personal relationships, creating a compelling narrative mix that has garnered acclaim.
The Unique Appeal of Industry
What sets Industry apart from other television dramas is its immersive atmosphere and unflinching portrayal of the financial world. The show avoids traditional narrative structures, opting instead for a more fluid, character-driven approach. This allows it to capture the unpredictability and intensity of life in finance. The creators’ focus on the personal lives of the characters adds depth to the show, making it relatable even to those unfamiliar with the world of banking.
The show’s creators have adopted an assertive narrative approach, characterized by a rapid plot progression that ensures each episode delivers maximum impact, often feeling like a season finale. This dynamic storytelling technique has been instrumental in keeping audiences captivated and continuously engaged with the series’ developments.
Kay and Down with Myha'la while filming Season 3 of Industry. Courtesy of Nick Strasburg / HBO
The Future of Industry
As Down and Kay continue to develop their critically acclaimed series Industry, they remain passionately committed to pushing the boundaries of television storytelling in innovative and exciting ways. The significant success of the show has opened up a wealth of new opportunities for the talented duo, who are now enthusiastically exploring various other projects in the realm of television and beyond. Nevertheless, they are adamant about ensuring that Industry remains true to its original roots, maintaining its focus on the dark, multifaceted world of finance, while expertly continuing to explore the complex moral dilemmas and intense pressures that define this high-stakes landscape. This dedication to authenticity and intensity is what has resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying the series as a hit.
Down with Harington, on set of the second episode of Season 3 of Industry. Courtesy of Simon Ridgway / HBO
Mickey Down and Konrad Kay’s Industry is more than just a television show—it’s a reflection of their own experiences and a commentary on the broader societal implications of the financial industry. As the show enters its third season, it continues to captivate audiences with its blend of high-stakes drama, complex characters, and authentic portrayal of the world of finance. With Down and Kay at the helm, Industry is set to remain one of the most adrenalized shows on television.
Season 3 of “Industry” aims to further its critique of the financial sector’s ethical dilemmas while delving into the moral complexities faced by its characters. With a mix of established characters and intriguing new entries, this season promises to dissect the nuances of ambition, loyalty, and personal identity against the backdrop of the relentless pressure cooker that is global finance. As the new episodes roll out, they are expected to challenge the characters’ moral compasses and shape their trajectories in profound ways.
“Industry” remains a seminal series for viewers intrigued by the nexus of human drama and the intricate mechanics of financial industries, offering both entertainment and insight into the lesser-seen aspects of this high-powered world.
souce: GQ
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