The Andrew Klavan Show What The Right Must Build To Encourage Conservative Filmmaking w/Dallas Sonnier
Dec 17, 2025
Dallas Sonnier, a film producer renowned for his work on independent genre films like Bone Tomahawk, shares his insights and experiences in the filmmaking industry. He discusses his latest project, Frontier Crucible, a traditional Western that honors classic cinematic style. Sonnier emphasizes the need for conservatives to gain a foothold in Hollywood, advocating for education and infrastructure to nurture talent. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at casting high-profile actors and the importance of authentic storytelling without pandering to stereotypes.
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Shooting A Book Page‑For‑Page
- Dallas Sonnier adapted Harry Whittington's Desert Stakeout almost word-for-word into Frontier Crucible to preserve classic Western tone.
- He filmed in Monument Valley on John Ford point and recounts personally escorting William H. Macy to the shoot.
Master Craft, Even Small Details
- Study filmmaking craft and historic techniques down to details like Coppola's brown blood recipe to elevate production quality.
- Master cameras, editing, and practical effects to make low budgets look far bigger.
Don't Pander; Build Complex Heroes
- Sonnier refuses to pander to conservative audiences and instead makes complex, morally ambiguous traditional heroes.
- That creative integrity often angers some listeners but ultimately wins them over.