Interview with Connor Hines, Creator & Showrunner of Love Story

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That one episode from ‘The Studio’ about the Kool-Aid Man isn’t really far off from where Hollywood is heading..

💡Pop Mart is also hiring a creative exec to focus on animated shows this wont be there only IP play…(on the AvA Job Board)

Every week we drop our favorite podcast & book recs.

Today, we have John Oliver on Soder. The two talk about John Oliver's time at Comedy Central, how standup has changed and shifted to digital, and his own creative process.

This is a great watch or listen for anyone who wants to understand the modern comedy industry, how American comedy travels, and how to create truly funny material.

Another amazing conversation facilitated by the team at Central Talent Booking.

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Interview with Connor Hines, Creator of Love Story

AvA: How did you get your start in the industry?

Hines: I grew up acting and studied at a conservatory in New York after college. After graduating, I quickly realized how little agency you have as an actor and knew I had to assert some control over my career. I created and starred in a successful YouTube series about online dating, and it opened up a million doors that acting alone never could.

AvA: You’ve said you basically stalked Ryan Murphy for the job. What did that process actually look like, and how did it evolve into Love Story?

Hines: At my relentless nagging, my agents placed a call to Color Force, the producers behind Love Story. Luckily, and one of their executives had seen my web series. I submitted a pilot I’d written that never got made, and they responded to it.

A series of meetings — and extensive prep and research — preceded pitching Ryan my vision for the show. Based on my résumé, the odds were not in my favor. My only goal was to make myself indispensable so maybe he’d have to hire me in some capacity, however small.

I don’t think I’ve prepared for anything more in my life than that meeting. Shoot your shot!

AvA: The production design is almost its own character — their apartments, the Calvin office, the Kennedy compound. What went into researching and bringing those iconic spaces to life?

Hines: I probably read close to 40 books and every article under the sun. Ryan hired an extraordinary production designer named Alex DiGerlando. He and his team are the most thoughtful and meticulous group of people I think I’ve ever worked with. At the end of the day, no one creates a universe as vivid and alluring as Ryan Murphy.

AvA: What was the most challenging moment or scene shooting live in NYC?

Hines: Everything we shot outside was on social media — via paparazzi or cell phones — within seconds. It’s definitely challenging to have a million eyeballs on something while it’s still a work in progress.

AvA: Most unexpected rabbit hole you fell into while researching their story?

Hines: Jackie Kennedy and her second marriage to Aristotle Onassis.

AvA: If you could sit yourself down on your first day in the industry, what advice would you give?

Hines: This isn’t a race. Don’t waste energy monitoring other people’s progress. Stay the course and keep finding ways to move forward — however small.

And don’t make an already volatile career the center of your entire universe.

👋 See you back here on Monday

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