British drama series "Industry" has slowly but surely gained an ever-growing audience, while the actors have become household names. Marisa Abela played Amy Winehouse in "Back in Black," the film about the rock star, and Myha'la could be seen in Netflix's dystopian hit film "Leave the World Behind" recently.
“One step further”
Now begins the fourth season of the series, which follows young stockbrokers in London's financial world, a life marked by sex, drugs and shady dealings.
"It feels like we've taken it a step further than we've done before," says Marisa Abela, who plays Yasmin.
When “Industry” began, all the characters were new to the world of finance and dealt with the pressure in different ways. Now the bank Pierpoint they worked for has collapsed, and they are fumbling their way through their careers and relationships - fairly successfully.
They are no longer young people behind computer screens at the trading desk, but now they rule their own kingdoms - whatever kingdoms they are, says Marisa Abela.
Broaden the story
In many ways, the third season could have been an ending, and several central characters, such as Yasmin's longing admirer Robert (Harry Lawtey), have now been written out of the series.
"There were a lot of question marks for me, because we could have ended after the third season. It felt like an ending," admits Myha'la.
But at the same time, it offered new opportunities to broaden the story.
"When we were no longer tied to Pierpoint, a new world opened up. There are political elements that come in. There is a journalistic angle and also corporate espionage. This season is like eight different films connected into one series," says Myha'la.
Several new actors join the cast, including Kiernan Shipka (“Mad Men”) and Max Minghella. He plays Whitney Halberstam, an unscrupulous payments platform entrepreneur who knows exactly what to offer politicians and members of the British establishment in order to achieve success.
We live in a time when many businessmen who start successful apps also want to rule the world. So there are many role models for Max Minghella to draw inspiration from. But he laughs when asked who his character should emulate.
Well, there are a few I thought of. But I think it's best if I don't tell you who they are.
“Industry” has its season premiere on HBO Max on January 12.
