Rick and Morty Writer: Ryan Ridley

TL;DR

Ryan Ridley discusses his background in comedy, the creation of Rick and Morty, and his aspirations for future projects.

Transcript

alright man we should probably jump into Rick and Morty at some point before we do that how about you just like give your background of up until Rick and Morty so I didn't really know what I was doing if my life was a terrible student I just didn't do anything I didn't like I think it was before the era of even making any kind of videos or so you k... Read More

Key Insights

• 🖥️ The journey to becoming a comedy writer: From being a terrible student to finding his passion in stand-up comedy and eventually working on shows like Rick and Morty.
• 🎤 The influence of stand-up comedy on writing: Stand-up allowed for immediate reaction, which helped develop his comedy voice and led him to move to Chicago and meet other aspiring comedians.
• 🌟 Inspiration from childhood experiences: Growing up in a family that owned a comedy club and having encounters with famous comedians like Jim Carrey influenced his desire to be involved in comedy.
• 📚 The influence of sci-fi and fantasy: His desire to write a sci-fi comedy show like Rick and Morty was inspired by his love for the sci-fi genre and a need to combine it with his comedic sensibility.
• 🎬 References and influences in Rick and Morty: The show often references and combines elements from various movies, TV shows, and books, creating a unique blend of humor and storytelling.
• 🕹️ Rick and Morty video games: The development of video games like the Rick and Morty VR game and the Rick's Diner game is driven by Adult Swim, while the show's creators provide input on merchandise and special features.
• 🌍 Addressing climate change through video content: Ryan has expressed interest in using his skills to create videos that educate and entertain viewers about climate change, debunking its denial and exploring solutions.
• 💡 Advice for aspiring writers: Make the stuff that you want to watch and don't worry about pleasing others initially. Taking risks and being true to your creative vision can lead to success.
• 🌟 The impact of Rick and Morty: The show's success is attributed to its unique combination of talented creators, relatable characters, and visually stunning animation that resonates with a diverse audience.
• 📲 How to follow Ryan Ridley: He can be found on Twitter and Instagram (@ryanridley), where he occasionally livestreams and answers questions about Rick and Morty, writing, and more.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Ryan Ridley's background in stand-up comedy and writing lead to his involvement in Rick and Morty?

Ryan Ridley started doing stand-up comedy in Chicago before eventually landing a writing job on Rick and Morty. His experiences in the comedy world and his passion for writing helped him secure a position on the show's staff.

Q: What were some of the influences that shaped Ridley's vision for Rick and Morty?

Ridley drew inspiration from classic sci-fi and fantasy genres, as well as popular comedy shows like Conan and Seinfeld. These influences helped inform the unique blend of humor and sci-fi that is a hallmark of Rick and Morty.

Q: How does Ridley come up with the ideas for the different episodes of Rick and Morty?

Ridley and the writing team draw inspiration from various sources, including movies, TV shows, books, and graphic novels. They often combine different elements to create a fresh take on familiar tropes, while also adding their unique comedic twist.

Q: How do the gadgets and alien designs in Rick and Morty come to life?

Ridley is more focused on writing and character development rather than the visual design of the show. However, he does work with the art directors and character designers to ensure that the alien designs and gadgets are distinct and fitting within the show's universe.

Q: Are there any plans to create a virtual reality game or a YouTube channel based on Rick and Morty?

While there have been various Rick and Morty-related virtual reality games and YouTube channels created by fans, there are no plans for Ryan Ridley or the show's creators to develop these projects. Ridley's main focus is on developing new shows and projects of his own.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Ryan Ridley's journey to Rick and Morty involved stand-up comedy, moving to Chicago, and eventually joining the show's writing staff.

• He was influenced by classic sci-fi and fantasy genres, and wanted to create an animated show that combined those elements with comedy.

• Ridley emphasizes the importance of working with friends and staying true to your own creative vision.