Picturemill constructed a visual dynasty that weaves through the entire series—an evolving aesthetic that mirrors the Roys’ personal history and corporate power. It intrinsically supported the show’s character-driven narrative, reinforcing themes of control, inheritance, and identity at every turn.

This editorial exploration involved a dynamic and iterative creative process with the showrunners, where various approaches to narrative construction were conceived and developed. The process resembled an intensive “yo-yo game,” characterized by constant back-and-forth exchanges involving writing, creating  detailed storyboards visualizing the sequence of events, and developing of visual mock-ups to illustrate the intended look and feel. This extensive collaborative exploration aimed to discover the most compelling and effective way to tell the story.

The pivotal breakthrough—the “Eureka moment”—occurred when the idea of incorporating home footage emerged. This decision provided a foundation for crafting a unique and deeply personal narrative that would resonate emotionally with viewers. The incorporation of such intimate material elevated the project from a conventional sequence into something far more authentic and affecting.

Following this crucial decision, the team moved swiftly into production, taking on a multitude of roles. We produced all aspects of the shoot, including securing permits and managing logistics. The casting process involved finding the right individuals to bring the opening sequence to life. Furthermore, we directed the talent on location, guiding their performances to achieve the desired emotional impact and narrative clarity. Finally, we took on the role of cinematographers, capturing all the necessary footage during a significant shoot that took place on a Saturday in Santa Monica.

The opening sequence is a cultural phenomenon. Nick Britell’s memorable musical theme added and propelled the opening into iconic status in HBO and television history. Its impact extended beyond the screen, inspiring social media memes, being mimicked in political campaigns, and even parodied by The Simpsons. Meetings now start with “ we are looking for something like Succession”