Steven Soderbergh, a legendary filmmaker known for his groundbreaking work since 1989, shares insights into his creative process for 'No Sudden Move' during the pandemic. He discusses overcoming creative blocks and the profound influence of mentor Mike Nichols. Soderbergh reflects on how early moviegoing experiences shaped his view of storytelling. He also candidly addresses the future of cinema and his evolving role within it, highlighting the delicate balance between artistic integrity and audience expectations.
Steven Soderbergh highlights the need to embrace fear in filmmaking, as it fosters creativity and pushes narrative boundaries.
Reflecting on his experience during the pandemic, Soderbergh emphasizes the importance of safety protocols and teamwork in resuming film production.
Deep dives
Innovative Use of 5G Technology
T-Mobile is revolutionizing the way extreme sports are experienced by leveraging the capabilities of its 5G network. An example of this innovation is Red Bull's use of point-of-view drones that broadcast stunning live footage of extreme sports events from remote locations. These advancements provide fans with unparalleled views and real-time engagement, transforming the spectator experience into something much more immersive and interactive. This collaboration showcases how technology can enhance not only athletic performance but also viewer enjoyment.
Creative Process and Overcoming Fear
Steven Soderbergh emphasizes the importance of embracing fear within the filmmaking process, suggesting that it's essential for creativity. He shares that for his film 'No Sudden Move,' he faced the challenge of crafting a climax that defied traditional expectations, which led to concerns about audience confusion. This insight highlights his commitment to maintaining narrative clarity while pushing boundaries, as he aims to keep viewers intrigued without losing their engagement. Soderbergh believes that achieving clarity while avoiding obvious storytelling is one of the toughest challenges for filmmakers.
Navigating the Pandemic and Film Production
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Soderbergh reflects on his experience of shooting 'No Sudden Move,' showcasing how safety protocols allowed filming to resume. He notes the camaraderie and collective determination among the cast and crew, who were eager to collaborate safely after a long hiatus. The successful adherence to health guidelines underscored the team's commitment to creating art while prioritizing health and safety. Soderbergh's proactive engagement with industry protocols speaks to his dedication not just to filmmaking but to the well-being of everyone involved.
Artistic Evolution and Influences
Soderbergh discusses his artistic evolution, emphasizing the value of taking risks and avoiding stagnation in his career. He cites the influence of his mentor, Mike Nichols, noting the importance of bold choices in filmmaking that can redefine industry standards. This willingness to diverge from past successes and explore new narratives allows him to remain true to his creative vision. Soderbergh’s past experiences demonstrate that, despite external pressures, the pursuit of genuine artistic expression is crucial for personal fulfillment in filmmaking.
Since 1989 (Sex, Lies, and Videotape), filmmaker Steven Soderbergh has been a pioneering voice in American cinema. Part free-wheeling iconoclast, part exacting technician.
Today, we return to our conversation with the legendary artist. First, Soderbergh describes his process making No Sudden Move amid the pandemic (8:38), his ability to push past creative blocks (14:34), the importance of 1998’s Out of Sight (31:00), the seismic impact of his late mentor, Mike Nichols (27:28), and how a formative moviegoing memory (28:48) informed his ideas on the role of storytelling (32:43). Before we go– Steven speaks candidly on the future of movies (39:20) and his role in them (41:13).
This episode originally aired June 27th, 2021. To hear our latest talk with Sean Fennessey, listen here. Thoughts or future guest ideas? Email us at sf@talkeasypod.com.