Apple TV+ 'Mythic Quest' Star Rob McElhenney Calls Apple 'Really Helpful' in Creative Process

[MacRumors]

Apple TV+ series "Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet" is set to launch on February 7, and star and creator Rob McElhenney has shared some insights into working with Apple ahead of the show's debut.

In an interview with Variety, McElhenney said that Apple was "really helpful" in the creative process. He said that Apple would push back on aspects of the show that it felt strongly about, but ultimately deferred to McElhenney and his team.

Pushback, he said, is an essential part of the creative process as working with no challenges is "never a good thing."

"Deference would assume we always know what we're doing and when we walk into the room everyone should just be quiet," he says. "That is dangerous because then you have no opposition, and it doesn't make for the best process."

Prior to the launch of Apple TV+, there were rumors that Apple was not allowing more mature content and attempting to keep the service family friendly, but that has turned out to be inaccurate. Multiple Apple TV+ shows feature violence, adult themes, and adult language, much like other streaming services on the market, though there are some shows tailored specifically towards children such as "Helpsters" and "Ghostwriter."

Prior information has suggested that Apple has been rather involved in some of the TV shows on Apple TV+, and there were reports that Apple CEO Tim Cook and other executives were "intrusive," making Apple "difficult" to deal with, but McElhenney doesn't appear to have felt Apple's involvement was over the top.

On the topic of Apple TV+ reviews, McElhenney said that Apple is "working out some kinks," and that getting episodes to critics was "a little tricky" but that has now "been ameliorated." McElhenney also said that Apple has been helpful addressing any issues that have popped up. "Any time we've called and said we have an issue, it's all hands on deck and they fix the issue and we move forward," he said.

Matt Cherniss, Apple's head of development, told Variety that he feels like Apple's promotional campaigns have been "really strong" and that everyone he's spoken to has been "really happy with the launches of their shows."

Cherniss also called McElhenney is an "incredible creator." He said that "Mythic Quest" is a great combination of humor, characters, and social commentary, which is why Apple chose to support it.

"Rob is an incredible creator" says Matt Cherniss, Apple's head of development. "It's really rare to find someone who can be a showrunner, a head writer and the star of the show. He is that unique kind of talent." As for "Mythic Quest," he adds: "It was really a combination of humor, smart social commentary, great characters and some surprising heart. That made us feel like it was a great show to have on our service."

"Mythic Quest" was written by McElhenney and his "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" co-star Charlie Day, though Day does not star in the series.

According to McElhenney, "Mythic Quest" will set itself apart from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" through the characters. On "Sunny," the characters are awful people no one is meant to relate to, but in "Mythic Quest," the audience is intended to be invested in the journeys of the main characters.

"Mythic Quest" will focus on a game studio that runs a popular World of Warcraft-style game. McElhenney will play Ian Grimm, the game's creative director, and other stars will include F. Murray Abraham, Danny Pudi, Imani Hakim, Charlotte Nicdao, David Hornsby, Ashly Burch, and Jessie Ennis.

For those interested in additional detail on "Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet," Variety's full interview with Rob McElhenney is worth reading.

Article Link: Apple TV+ 'Mythic Quest' Star Rob McElhenney Calls Apple 'Really Helpful' in Creative Process

 

[laz232]

Lol, How naive are people to think that young directors would be dumb enough to bite the hand that feeds them in a variety "article".
I had to do a doubletake, the seriousness and lack of irony with which this Macrumours "news" is written made me almost think of an Onion article...

Edit: Just read the Variety article... And realised why I don't follow any Hollywood "news"

 

[Bandaman]

I love stupid crap like this. I loved The Guild. Looking forward to this.

 

[robjulo]

It’s pretty par for the course anymore.

Lol, How naive are people to think that young directors would be dumb enough to bite the hand that feeds them in a variety "article".
I had to do a doubletake, the seriousness and lack of irony with which this Macrumours "news" is written made me almost think of an Onion article...

Edit: Just read the Variety article... And realised why I don't follow any Hollywood "news"

 

[Muzzakus]

Wonder how helpful Isis would be. 😘

 

[mistasopz]

Guy starring in show says company paying the bills is great to work with. More at 11.

 

[praetorian909]

Apple would push back on aspects of the show that it felt strongly about

Maybe because of the non- products on the set shown in that still frame?

 

[Jay42]

Yeah, they paid up!

 

[brinary001]

Lol, How naive are people to think that young directors would be dumb enough to bite the hand that feeds them in a variety "article".
I had to do a doubletake, the seriousness and lack of irony with which this Macrumours "news" is written made me almost think of an Onion article...

Edit: Just read the Variety article... And realised why I don't follow any Hollywood "news"Pw

You put quotes around words like “news” - so edgy! I can tell you’re of superior intellect.

 

[Ar40]

Rob is actually 100% correct with his statement about pushback being essential. Exhibit 1: Look at most of the Netflix originals. Netflix is famous for not giving any pushback and a lot of their shows emerge bland and/or with weird creative decisions.

It's important for there to be an independent entity at the top who knows quality and questions creative decisions that go way too far afield. Luckily, Apple is smart enough not to have the technology guys (or Tim Apple) giving feedback/pushback. That's why they hired Erlicht and Van Amburg (if you think it was anyone other than those two and their staff offering pushback, I have a bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you). I can guarantee you that many HBO shows turned out the way they did because people like Richard Pepler were on hand to give "pushback."

Look at Marvel with Kevin Feige at the top. There's a reason all the Marvel MCU shows come out with incredibly high production and cohesiveness, despite the huge and diverse amount of different directors and creative people working more directly on the shows. And, to contrast, look at how Kathleen Kennedy managed to completely ruin Star Wars, despite the presence of the top notch (and Star Wars fanatic) JJ Abrams.

 

[Mr. Awesome]

As much as people say they think the show will be terrible, in looking forward to trying it out.

 

[Duel]

As much as people say they think the show will be terrible, in looking forward to trying it out.

Well some people have said that about every series even without seeing them. And after they saw the shows many have changed their opinion. Now i see exact same this can't be good comments. Why don't people just see what is about and then decide if they like it or not?

Subject wise i wasn't interested about any Apple TV shows, but i tried them and so far enjoying them lot more than i thought.

This show is first which i actually waiting to see.

 

[bollman]

In a world of... 🤦‍♂️

 

[calstanford]

Has this site become Apple PR's copy paste factory?

McElhenney said that Apple was "really helpful" in the creative process.

The freaking show hasn't even started. He wouldn't cut his own legs off by saying "Oh Apple? Those IT guys really don't get Hollywood. Such a waste".

If he'd EVER say something like that it would be after the show got cancelled. Not before it aired.

 

[bergert]

How is a TV show about gaming nerds interesting? I just don't get it.

 

[dragje]

Hm. Need to wait With judgement after seeing a whole episode or three. But I do wonder if I’ll like it since I didn’t find the trailer one second close to funny...

 

[Duel]

How is a TV show about gaming nerds interesting? I just don't get it.

If show is good it's good no matter what the subject really is? You know everyone have different taste?

 

[nylonsteel]

Didn't read the article yet but the title makes me ponder yeah aapl helps by throwing mucho bucks at these tv productions. I'm not up for tv+ just yet. if aapl contents is good as breaking bad and mandalorian then i'll give it some luv. the morning show.. not interested in the concept.
- though i wish aapl well since I'm a long investor

 

[Ar40]

Didn't read the article yet but the title makes me ponder yeah aapl helps by throwing mucho bucks at these tv productions. I'm not up for tv+ just yet. if aapl contents is good as breaking bad and mandalorian then i'll give it some luv. the morning show.. not interested in the concept.
- though i wish aapl well since I'm a long investor

Lol, as good as Mandalorian - that’s an oxymoron. TMS, FAM, and Servant make Mando look like a joke.

 

[GuilleA]

How is a TV show about gaming nerds interesting? I just don't get it.

6 seasons of Silicon Valley would like a word with you. Even if you're not a nerd, that show is simply a prefect representation on the valley mentality, and faultless writing.

 

[Bin Cook]

Another show aimed at - the same - very small subset of the American public.

Nothing wrong with niche but every fan show out of AppleTV is aimed at the same niche (self-satisfied spunk weapons that would vote Tim for President).

 

[atomic.flip]

Has this site become Apple PR's copy paste factory?

McElhenney said that Apple was "really helpful" in the creative process.

The freaking show hasn't even started. He wouldn't cut his own legs off by saying "Oh Apple? Those IT guys really don't get Hollywood. Such a waste".

If he'd EVER say something like that it would be after the show got cancelled. Not before it aired.

^^^^^THIS!

I have been wondering the same thing. Macrumors has always been a bit sycophantic with regards to Apple as an "unofficial" benefactor, but the past year I think we've started to hit new highs of total ******** articles and 'news' stories.

I'm still amazed that there has barely been mention of the massive iPhone 12 design leak (as well as details on the new low-mid grade iPhone, supposedly to replace the aging 5S design). Every other major news outlet has covered this. Forbes, for f---s sake is where I stumbled across that story and I check Macrumors.com (front and back page news feeds) multiple times a day, every single day of the year.

Having considered this site a good source for "RUMORS" and news for the past 11 years... it may be time to admit that both Apple and Macrumors have evolved beyond that stage of curiosity and mystery enabling leaks and rumors to reign supreme.

Besides, now it seems many of these "leaks" are deliberately peppered throughout the media to build hype or test market various concepts.

IDK... very disappointed with the quality of content on here lately.

Oh and yeah... the "don't bite the hand that feeds you" article referenced here is an utter waste of verbal space lol

 

[podlasek]

I can see any new venture that any company gets involved with may have what some would consider too much attention or input. I suspect that as the business matures, the attention will move to the next shiny project, just like other corporations. Hopefully, left with good management so that it doesn't go the way of the WiFi products division.

 

[Ar40]

I can see any new venture that any company gets involved with may have what some would consider too much attention or input. I suspect that as the business matures, the attention will move to the next shiny project, just like other corporations. Hopefully, left with good management so that it doesn't go the way of the WiFi products division.

How did you get "too much input" from this article. Rob said he had ultimate final say, just that Apple did give some pushback, so there wouldn't be unfettered and undirected creativity.

 

[SgtPepper12]

How is a TV show about gaming nerds interesting? I just don't get it.

The Big Bang Theory was a thing. It isn't an accurate depiction of a seemingly obscure group of people, it's just about creating or confirming lazy stereotypes. Nobody would actually ask one of these people what being a gamer is like (or even care), but watching a show about it where everything is extremely exaggerated could be entertaining enough. Before The Big Bang Theory, every science enthusiast (whether professional or not) was considered either boring or arrogant, but now everybody can equate them with the closest TBBT character and be done with it. No idea whether this overall a good or bad thing. It makes these people more approachable for most, but then again it's not particularly flattering to be put into one category with fictional characters that exhibit pathological mental issues by most standards.