Actress, screenwriter, and filmmaker Ashly Burch chatted about her new series “I’m Happy You’re Here.”
This is a Mr. Rogers-esque series with puppets and all, geared towards adults, and focused on mental health.
How did “I’m Happy You’re Here” come about?
Well, for starters, I’m mentally ill. Wee! I have generalized anxiety disorder and OCD – I’ve dealt with those issues my whole life.
I’ve given talks and written pieces about my mental health struggles, but I always wanted to create a project that more directly tackles these issues.
I had the thought almost a decade ago that doing something like Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood – but for adults, and focused on mental health – could be massively helpful.
Particularly because, as a society, we seem to kick people out of the proverbial nest when they hit their 20s and tell them to figure out huge problems like divorce or depression or grief all on their own. But we all need help, no matter how old we are.
Especially because life just gets more complicated the older you get. So that’s what I’m Happy You’re Here is.
It’s a show for anyone that needs help and doesn’t know how to ask for it. Who wants to understand what’s happening in their brain and body in a funny but compassionate way.
What inspires you each day as a creative?
When I see other artists taking risks and putting things out that are unequivocally them, I get really excited.
There’s something so motivating about it. I just played a game called Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, which really felt like if David Lynch made a puzzle game.
It was so strange and stylistic and layered, and I was so excited to see a collection of artists do something so outside the box. It inspires me to not compromise my own vision.
How was Mythic Quest and Side Quest for you?
Both shows were incredible experiences for different reasons. I feel like I really matured as a creative on Mythic Quest.
I became a senior writer, directed several episodes, and really learned what it meant to be a series regular on a show. And then I got to bring all of that accrued knowledge to being an EP on Side Quest. I also made a lot of lifelong friendships. I’m really grateful.
How does it feel to be a part of the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology and social media being so prevalent)
I’m a child of the internet, so in a way it feels natural. But having to adapt to rapid changes as technology advances is also challenging.
We’re seeing it now with AI. I still don’t know what the implications are going to be for that technology.
What is your advice for young and aspiring artists and creatives?
Don’t try to be anyone else. It’s maybe a trite and obvious thing to say, but it is, unfortunately, true.
A whole host of experiences and thoughts and opinions have coalesced to create you. You are unique, and your perspective only belongs to you.
The world needs that perspective. We don’t need you doing your best impression of Kurt Vonnegut or Aaron Sorkin.
Who are you and what do you want to say? Because embracing that is the way that you make something that really speaks to people.
Were there any moments in your career that have helped define you?
Playing Aloy in the Horizon franchise really taught me about collaboration, and also the importance of bringing my perspective into a character.
I think prior to that game, I did a lot of guessing about what I thought the client or developer wanted, trying to hit a target I thought they wanted me to hit.
For Aloy, knowing that she was the player character, I took a lot more ownership, asked a lot more questions, took a lot more swings.
Together, between my perspective and the work of the team, I think we built a meaningful character.
What is your favorite motto to live by?
Nick Cave wrote a letter to a fan in which he said “hopefulness is the warrior emotion.” I really love that.
Cynicism is easy, passive, guarantees nothing and offers nothing. To hope and to strive to make things better is miraculous.
What does the word success mean to you?
Being able to survive while doing what I love and staying true to my values.
What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?
I think y’all might genuinely be the nicest fans in the world. My husband regularly comments that he’s astonished at how little hatred I receive online.
Not because he thinks I deserve hatred, I should clarify – but because it’s so common for public facing figures to receive it.
But my fans are so supportive and loving and kind to me and to each other. I just want you to know I see it and I really deeply appreciate it.
To learn more about Ashly Burch, follow her on Instagram.
