Last night I was lucky to be able to listen to a very interesting conversation at the venerable cultural center the 92nd Street Y in New York City. It was between Jon Stewart and Michael Schur, both men in the business of television. I of course knew Stewart, and had heard of Schur but wasn’t sure why. After the event last night, I am a huge fan of Mr. Schur.
He started as a writer on SNL, notably for Weekend Update (one of my favorite parts of SNL), was was a producer and writer of The Office, co-creator of Parks and Rec, and created The Good Place, and a lot more. He has a book out, which I plan to read, called How To Be Perfect. Why was I so smitten by Schur? Because he seems to have a strong moral compass and is trying to use it in his work in Hollywood. I applaud that because so many don’t do that, and with someone of his stature, he may be able to get quality shows made. He already has.
I like people who don’t take the easy route, the easy answer, and Schur did that many times during the conversation. It’s possible, I believe, to be funny as well as serious or ethical at the same time, and Schur is trying to do that in his work in Hollywood. As you guys know, I am always going on and on about how humor is so powerful, and how it can make a difference—good or bad. So why not go for the good? You might risk not getting a laugh, but that’s always true. Humor is hard. If you’ve got the gift of being able to make others laugh, why not use it for good?
It was so enjoyable to hear Schur’s perspective.
Here below are the other drawings that I did.
I love John Stewart and the work of Schur, though I had no idea who he was. I subscribed to your newsletter because I find what you cover interesting and because I'm learning to draw.
I write songs, articles, essays, and have a couple books published through Pearson. But drawing has been a black box to me. It always felt mystical and unattainable. But I started going through some online lessons and had a breakthrough of sorts.
My drawings are still... ineffective at capturing what I want but I am suddenly seeing shapes and perspective in a way I never have. Anyway.. sorry to babble. Looking forward to future work.
love these pictures and words. love "the good place." didn't know about his book! thank you for sharing all!