A chat with Josh Weinstein, Showrunner for Disenchantment
I grew up watching The Simpsons. Futurama is still one of my favorite shows. When I heard about Disenchantment I couldn’t wait to watch it. I was able to ask Josh Weinstein the showrunner of this new series a few questions and here is what he told me about it.
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(c) Netflix
How did the idea of this show come about?
Josh Weinstein: Matt’s had this idea for around 8 years. Â He has these amazing sketchbooks full of drawings and ideas for the show.
Then, a few years ago, when I was just finishing up writing for Gravity Falls, he contacted me. Â He told me the idea and I was like “Wow, I have to do this.”
Matt grew up reading all sorts of fantasy novels and I grew up being fascinated by medieval history and myths and legends, so it’s a good combination.
Then we spent a year developing the idea, fleshing out the characters and world/worlds.
What was the biggest challenge in bringing this show to life?
Josh Weinstein: There were a couple of challenges. Â First, because this show is serialized (each episode stands on its own, with its own story, but all the characters have deeper arcs that run across the seasons and come to a culmination at the end of each season) we wanted to make sure all the characters’ arcs were really good and interesting and entertaining.
Also, because this is a fantasy, we wanted the world to look really lush and interesting – really like a storybook but we also wanted to make sure our characters look like they live in that world, so we worked a lot with the animators on lighting, etc. Â The animation house, Rough Draft (who also did Futurama) does an amazing job.
What did you enjoy most about making this show?
Josh Weinstein: Two things: assembling a team of people who are really talented and funny and watching everyone get really into making this show.
Also, seeing it come together because of everyone’s efforts. Â A good animated show has so many elements: the writing, the animation, the acting, the music, the sound design, etc. Â And each of those elements is equally important. Â So if they come together well – and you steer all of them with a clear vision of what you want while still making sure everyone has room to contribute their own unique talents and voice – it can be very exciting.
What brought on the decision to air it on Netflix?
Josh Weinstein: Netflix is the best place to be if you’re making a television show these days. Â They give you great freedom but they also nurture television shows in a supportive and really intelligent manner. Â Plus, all the people we’ve worked with there have great senses of humor so it’s just an ideal environment for making something you love.
Why do you think people should watch this show?
Josh Weinstein: I hope people will like the show for the same reasons we do – we love the characters and think it’s really funny and the stories are fun and interesting (and get more serialized as you go along) and – with beautiful animation by Rough Draft – it’s an amazing new world to explore.
