The producers of the HBO spy thriller “The Adherent” about behind-the-scenes filming and cooperation with famous actors

What was the experience of working with Robert Downey Jr. on The Conformer, also unlike other projects?

Susan Downey (SD): We approached this one with the same dedication as our other projects, striving for excellence. Producing The Sympathinzer presented us with new opportunities to tell the story from different perspectives, which we enthusiastically embraced and executed. Working with an international team of directors and producers, we felt the responsibility to achieve the best possible result. Robert Downey Jr. brought his special charisma to the producers contributing to the overall story of the series.

Neve Fishman (NF): I was very impressed with the involvement of the production team – I am very happy to have the opportunity to work with such a great and amazing team. Robert, the main character of the series, was also part of this team and his involvement was the real essence of the series. His vision always aligned with the rest of the creative team in the most positive and supportive way. He had gone into the script and executed everything as planned. He was a great collaborator both in front of and behind the camera.

What was the main reason why you decided to participate in the production of this series?

NF: The series “The Sympathizer” is based on the motifs of the book of the same name – I had read the same book eight years ago, when I borrowed it from a Vietnamese friend. Being an immigrant myself, born in Israel and raised in Canada, I felt a deep connection with the immigrant experience described in the book – the daily challenges associated with the adaptation process in a new country, learning English and creating a new life. The unique perspective of the novel, where the American style merges with the Vietnamese sensibility, fascinated me and made me want to make it into a film. However, after discussions with director Park Chan-wook, we decided in favor of this series format, which turned out to be the right choice. Working with Susan Downey and the rest of the team, including Don McKellar and director Park Chan-wook, allowed for a synthesis of Korean artistry with an American perspective, creating a rich script.

SD: Within each project, we cover several reasons why to participate or, on the contrary, why not. If the goal and the vision of the end result are motivating, we see the potential, the decision is made quickly. In this case, the adaptation of the content of the book to the series, as well as Robert’s interest in playing multiple roles, was perfectly aligned with our involvement as producers. As we delved into the content and the potential of the series, we saw a unique opportunity to be involved in such an important project as this one. Robert’s understanding and knowledge of history added to our enthusiasm for producing the series.

What was the collaborative process of the creative team when creating the plot and visual style of the series?

SD: Our collaboration was creative and intense. Initially, we received a series pilot and overall vision from directors Don McKellar and Viet Thanh Nguyen, which outlined the seven episodes of the series. Undoubtedly, the challenge was the tension and emotional depth of the story, especially considering the main, mysterious character – a spy. Balancing director Park Chan-wook’s unique style with HBO’s more traditional approach presented challenges, but also opportunities to deliver a great take on the story without oversimplifying it. The development process was long but effective. Creative challenges became an opportunity to generate ever better ideas, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas where a strong series concept prevailed.

NF: The collaboration between directors and producers was energetic, fluid and exhilarating. From the constant process of writing the script to long-term filming in Los Angeles and Thailand, the involvement of the entire creative team in the filming process of the series did not decrease. Each of us contributed our hearts and diverse perspectives resulting in a truly unique outcome. The series is like a journey, which can be described as a continuous investment, resulting in a completely unique and intriguing series that we are extremely proud of – that rare gem among traditional series.

How was the cooperation with the actors of the series?

SD: Working with the actors was exciting because their experience is very diverse – from brand new to seasoned professionals. Each actor brought a unique spirit to the creation of the series. It was especially gratifying to watch Robert Downey Jr. act as both a director and a versatile actor, which is a rarity. During filming, we saw the cast grow and develop. Watching their progress was deeply fulfilling, even if viewers won’t experience it directly while watching the series.

NF: The actors of the series were like a close-knit family, supporting each other both on and off the set. Despite challenges such as extreme weather conditions, they did everything necessary with amazing resilience. This strong bond came through in wonderful acting, reflecting the true bond that united them.

The “Adherent” series is available on “Go3” TV, every Monday a new episode of the series is released!

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