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Character Quote by Jonathan Nolan

“Television is very different than working on film. With films, you get to develop a set of characters, and then, at the end of the film, you have to throw them away.” quote by Jonathan Nolan
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“Television is very different than working on film. With films, you get to develop a set of characters, and then, at the end of the film, you have to throw them away.”

Jonathan Nolan

About This Quote

Source Interview: Discussing TV vs Film Work, 2014

TV demands self‑contained stories, while film allows deep character arcs that end when the movie ends.

In simple terms: TV is episodic; film is a single arc.

Key Takeaway

Adapt storytelling to the medium.

Themes

storytelling medium character development

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

creative comparative

When to use this quote

  • TV series writing
  • film directing
  • character design
  • script planning

Key Concepts

narrative structure character arc episodic vs. feature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you keep characters fresh in episodic formats?
  • Can film techniques enrich TV storytelling?
A Different Perspective

TV constraints limit long‑term character growth.

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