The creators of HBO’s “Industry,” Konrad Kay and Mickey Down, reveal the intense daily routines behind their acclaimed series, now in its fourth season. The show dives into the lives of ambitious bankers navigating the high-stakes environment of London’s financial district. Their insights showcase the challenges and unique practices that come with producing a critically acclaimed series.
Reflecting on their journey, Kay and Down acknowledge their initial inexperience when they began working on “Industry.” Having transitioned from banking to television, the duo found themselves leading a large production team filled with seasoned professionals. “We went into season one pretty green,” Down admits, recalling how their unfamiliarity led them to micromanage early on. The experience taught them the importance of fostering a positive atmosphere, as Kay emphasizes, “the head both rots and is glorified from the top.”
As they progressed through the seasons, the two have learned the value of delegation. “We’ve attracted such high-level talent that they think about the show with almost more depth than we could ever think about it,” Kay states. This shift in management style has significantly enhanced the series’ quality.
Daily Life on Set: Early Starts and Long Hours
Kay and Down highlight the demanding nature of filming, which often requires them to work day and night. “Filming can start early and go late,” Down explains. Mornings typically begin around 6:30 or 7:00 a.m., even after late-night shoots that can wrap as late as 2:00 a.m. The adrenaline of production keeps them energized, although the schedule can be exhausting.
Coffee is a staple in their routine. Kay admits to consuming six to seven cups a day, favoring the taste of “mud” from brands like Dunkin’ Donuts. In contrast, Down has tried to limit his intake, opting for just a few cups daily. “I have one before I get to work and another before lunch,” he shares.
On set, their diet is unconventional. Both admit to surviving on snacks like Skittles and Oreos, with Down joking about the excitement of enjoying McDonald’s during shoots. “I always lose weight at the end of the shoot because we’re standing and running around,” he adds.
Balancing Work and Self-Care
Kay and Down stress the importance of self-care amidst their hectic schedules. Kay, who faced health issues in the past, prioritizes exercise, while Down finds solace in his daily bath routine. “When we stay in a hotel, I have to have a bath,” Down explains. He often indulges in multiple baths a day, which he describes as calming.
Despite their busy lifestyles, both show a commitment to disconnecting from technology. Kay acknowledges his “untrammeled phone addiction,” admitting he sometimes needs to leave his phone in another room to focus. During quiet moments on set, Down attempts to learn French through Duolingo, although he concedes that it hasn’t been very successful.
As they balance their careers with family life, both show a preference for sleep over the nightlife their characters indulge in. Kay, who aims for an early bedtime, humorously notes that he goes to sleep earlier than Down’s five-year-old daughter. Down, too, strives for at least seven hours of sleep each night.
In a world often characterized by excess, Kay and Down find joy in the simpler aspects of life, stating, “the thing is, we get to do all the cocaine and partying vicariously through fiction.” Their unique perspective and commitment to their craft continue to shape the narrative of “Industry,” which airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO.