Kathryn Hahn talks character, searching for the "meta" with new show The Studio at SXSW 25'

Summary

In this interview, Maya Mason, the head of marketing at Continental Studios, discusses her dedication to her job and how her life revolves around her work, leading to loneliness. The conversation explores the concept of 'meta' in the entertainment industry, reflecting on how moments feel like they're straight out of a show. The producer, with experience in projects like *Tiny Beautiful Things*, shares insights into the tension of workplace dynamics, drawing inspiration from real-world industry characters. The producer also admires Katherine O'Hara for her professionalism and grounded nature, highlighting her as a role model in the business.

Takeaways

• 😀 Maya Mason is the head of marketing at Continental Studios, known for her deep dedication and long tenure in the role.
• 😀 Maya is highly committed to staying up-to-date with industry trends and having her finger on the pulse of the entertainment world.
• 😀 Despite her professional success, Maya lives a lonely life, with a strong need for connection, especially with her child.
• 😀 The speaker describes the experience of being part of the 'meta' world of the entertainment industry, reflecting on its multiple layers of reality.
• 😀 Attending a premiere with their boss feels 'meta,' as it resembles the kind of behind-the-scenes situations that could be portrayed in a future season of a show.
• 😀 The speaker's perspective on being a producer has evolved, emphasizing the balance between the creative and business sides of producing.
• 😀 The speaker has been involved in creative producing for projects like 'Tiny Beautiful Things' and 'I Love Dick,' and has experience with the industry's business and sales aspects.
• 😀 The speaker sees the tension between younger, 'hipper' employees and more established professionals as a relatable element in workplace comedy, highlighting the pressures in the entertainment business.
• 😀 On sets and studio lots, the speaker reflects on whether they see their character there and acknowledges that the business offers rich inspiration for character development.
• 😀 Katherine O'Hara is the speaker's gold standard for professionalism and groundedness in the entertainment industry, serving as their role model.

Q & A

Who is Maya Mason and what is her role at Continental Studios?

Maya Mason is the head of marketing at Continental Studios. She has been with the company for a long time and is highly dedicated to her role, constantly staying on top of industry trends. Her life revolves around her work, which leaves her feeling quite lonely.

How does Maya Mason approach her job and what are her personal challenges?

Maya is very focused on staying relevant and keeping up with the fast-changing world of marketing. Her job is her life, and she’s unapologetic about it, though this intense dedication contributes to her loneliness.

How does the speaker feel about the 'meta' aspect of the entertainment industry?

The speaker finds the 'meta' nature of the industry fascinating, reflecting on the surreal experience of being at a premiere with their boss, Matt Remick. They also humorously note how everything in the industry feels interconnected and part of a bigger, often self-referential narrative.

What does the speaker's experience as a producer bring to their perspective on the industry?

As a producer, the speaker has gained insights into the creative and practical sides of the entertainment industry. They highlight how producing is not just about overseeing projects but also about understanding the complexities of the business, including sales and marketing.

How does the speaker view the tension between experienced professionals and younger, trendier individuals in the industry?

The speaker finds this tension relatable, noting that workplace comedies often capture the feeling of being threatened by younger, hipper individuals coming up in the business. This tension adds humor and authenticity to industry portrayals.

How does the speaker view their role in a murder mystery scenario, and what does that reveal about their mindset on set?

The speaker jokes about the idea of seeing murderers everywhere when working on a murder mystery project. This suggests a tendency to find elements of the story in real life, reflecting how deeply one becomes involved in their work while on set.

Does the speaker see elements of their character in the real world while on set?

Yes, the speaker acknowledges that the entertainment industry is full of real-life inspiration for characters, and they often draw from the people they encounter in the business to build authentic roles.

How does the speaker describe their character as a 'love letter' to people in the entertainment industry?

The speaker sees their character as a tribute to various individuals in the industry who inspire them, suggesting that the character is a blend of real-world influences and experiences.

Who does the speaker consider the gold standard in the business, and why?

The speaker names Catherine O'Hara as their gold standard, praising her for being grounded, professional, and well-respected in the industry. They admire how she has successfully navigated her career with dignity and consistency.

How does the speaker's admiration for Catherine O'Hara reflect their own professional values?

The speaker's admiration for Catherine O'Hara reflects their own values of professionalism, integrity, and the importance of being a good person in the industry. They value success that is achieved in a grounded and respectful manner.