Too Much

Interview with Director/Actor Janicza Bravo

Watch Too Much on Netflix from July 10

Describe the TV show for us in your own words.

An exercise in being kind to yourself while navigating imperfect love. A lesson in allowing failure to propel us fully forward.

What drew you to this story?

Two words. Lena Dunham. I would go anywhere she’d take me. It’s a gift to be invited. It’s rare as a director to get to watch another director. The tone of her set is unlike any. The door is always open. All the doors. She says yes to everything while having the clearest idea of exactly how to pull it off.

What do you want people to think about?

In general? Small acts of kindness. With regards to creative work… learn to celebrate all the wins, no matter their size.

What was the biggest challenge in making this?

“England and America are two countries separated by the same language”. According to the internet George Bernard Shaw said that. According to the internet so did Oscar Wilde. Finding common language in a shrinking window of time. Set hours in TV are shorter in the UK than in the states, Well it was my experience.

Maybe the big money shows get to have more hours and more days.

What inspired you to become a storyteller?

Didn’t have much of a choice. It’s inherent to my survival. I’m lucky I can live off of it now but when I couldn’t make a living doing it— I did it anyways. On the way to work, after work, late into the night and on every weekend where I could squirrel away.

What’s the best and worst advice you've received?

Best advice: People are likely trying their best even if that best doesn’t serve you. Worst: Most things aren’t about you. Don’t take them personally. How else should I take them when they’re all clearly about me???

What advice do you have for other female creatives?

Most things aren’t about you. Don’t take them personally. Rejection is as necessary as acceptance.

Name your favorite woman directed film or TV show and why.

Girlfriends Claudia Weil and Losing Ground Kathleen Collins. These movies were essential watching. Both embraced tender spirits trying to carve out a voice for themselves. They’re films that made me feel less lonely of course, but really they crystallized how urgent it was to get behind a camera.

Feel free to share anything else you would like people to know about this show.

Watch it and tell all your friends.