Unveiling the Creative Drive Behind Taylor Sheridan’s Prolific Output
For enthusiasts of Taylor Sheridan’s storytelling mastery, his relentless productivity is nothing short of remarkable. As the mastermind behind the hit series Yellowstone, Sheridan’s work ethic often sees him juggling multiple projects simultaneously. When he’s immersed in developing a new season for Paramount’s flagship series, he’s typically already laying the groundwork for his next venture. A recent interview with Gold Derby, featuring insights from American Primeval director Peter Berg, sheds light on Sheridan’s extraordinary dedication-revealing that he managed to write an entire season of Yellowstone while directing another film entirely.
Balancing Multiple Creative Endeavors
Sheridan recounted the intense schedule he maintained during the production of Yellowstone Season 2. “I found myself writing scripts on weekends to prepare for the upcoming week’s shoot,” he explained. Despite efforts to secure a dedicated writing room for Season 3, the scripts were so subpar that the producers called him back while he was directing Those Who Wish Me Dead in New Mexico with Angelina Jolie. “Every Saturday, I would sit down and write an episode of Yellowstone,” Sheridan added, highlighting his relentless work ethic.
Influences from Literary Giants
Sheridan drew inspiration from the legendary American novelist Cormac McCarthy, renowned for works like The Road and No Country for Old Men. McCarthy famously limited his writing sessions to just two hours daily, from 6 A.M. to 8 A.M., emphasizing quality over quantity. “He once told Oprah Winfrey in a rare interview that a lot of the writing process is about contemplating how to craft a story,” Sheridan noted. “The act of talking about it isn’t as important as actually doing the work.”
McCarthy’s Endorsement and Sheridan’s Creative Philosophy
Interestingly, McCarthy was an avid fan of Yellowstone. Sheridan shared that the acclaimed author never missed an episode, which was a significant compliment. “McCarthy was a huge supporter,” Sheridan said. “He appreciated the rebellious spirit of Yellowstone, which challenges conventional TV norms and Hollywood expectations. I was pleased that he also enjoyed the more refined projects I’ve worked on, like 1923 and 1883. While Yellowstone is designed to entertain, it also defies many storytelling conventions-partly as a form of rebellion, and partly because of its vivid, sunset-lit horse scenes that some might call ‘horse porn.’ If anyone appreciates that equine imagery, it’s surely McCarthy, the author of All the Pretty Horses.
The Allure of the Western Genre
Sheridan emphasized the enduring appeal of Westerns, noting that a well-executed Western film or series resonates universally. “There’s an innate hunger for stories rooted in the Western genre,” he explained. “It embodies the American spirit-freedom, vast landscapes, independence-and carries a certain romanticism. Imagine riding a 1,200-pound horse that trusts you, and you trust it in return, galloping at 40 miles per hour. It’s a blend of brutality, beauty, and romance that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.”
