Barry's Bill Hader Shares Why Filming In Los Angeles Is So Important To Him
By Rachel Davis
In August of 2022, Bill Hader talked to The Hollywood Reporter about all things "Barry," following the show's string of Emmy nominations (which includes writing, directing, and acting nods for Hader alone, as well as outstanding comedy series). During the discussion, interviewer Tyler Coates noted that "Barry" showcased many different corners of LA and asked Hader to describe what it is about the city that appeals to him as a writer.
Hader began by noting that he has lived in the city on and off since 1999, during which he has experienced many different levels of working in the entertainment industry — from being a PA to being an actor to, now, being a writer and director. Hader continued, "Like any industry that you work in for a while, you just see the things that drive you crazy. You also can't have that kind of satire without loving the place and having [experienced] some of those things yourself."
The LA setting also allows Hader and the other writers to delve into the not-so-great parts of the entertainment industry and even satirize elements of it, namely through Barry and Sally's budding acting careers. After meeting in Cousineau's acting class, the one-time couple experience varying levels of success in Hollywood.
Hader said, "You're able to take someone who's essentially an innocent and then watch them [discover] the man behind the curtain ... You come here completely enamored with movies and television and music, and then you get into it. You learn the business, and then you [become jaded]."
