Beau Willimon, creator and showrunner of House of Cards, joins Brian to talk about showrunning in the wake of Brian’s new series, Billions. Beau also dives into the backstory of Frank Underwood, the Tibetan monks, and a certain intense scene between President Underwood and Tom Yates. They also discuss Beau’s other work including Farragut North, The Ides of March, and the importance of collaboration in theatre and television.

Mentioned this week:

Billions – a new Showtime series

Glengarry Glen Ross a play by David Mamet

The Anxiety of Influence by Harold Bloom

American Buffalo a play by David Mamet

House of Cards

Horton Foote

Farragut North a play by Beau Willimon

The Ides of March a film adaption of Farragut North

Davidson College

Solitary Man

Tony Gilroy

David Milch

Deadwood

Barack Obama’s impact on The Ides of March

George Clooney

@KevinSpacey

@RealRobinWright

Agnieszka Holland

@PennJillette

The Parisian Woman a play by Beau Willimon and directed by Pam MacKinnon

La Parisienne a play by Henry Becque 

Note: Season 4 of House of Cards was officially announced earlier this month.