The Business Mike Figgis on chronicling the chaos of ‘Megalopolis’
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Sep 26, 2025 
Mike Figgis, a renowned filmmaker and director of the documentary Megadoc, takes us behind the scenes of Francis Ford Coppola's ambitious project Megalopolis. He shares how a casual email led to his fly-on-the-wall access, capturing the chaos of on-set dynamics between Coppola's improvisational style and the art department's meticulous planning. Figgis reveals insights into actors' reactions, particularly Shia LaBeouf's perfectionism, and discusses the financial and distribution challenges Megalopolis faced, all while highlighting Coppola's fearless pursuit of his artistic vision.
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Unexpected Invitation To Film
- Mike Figgis cold-emailed Francis Coppola offering to “fly on the wall” and was later invited to film with two weeks' notice.
- He arrived without a contract and began shooting immediately with a tiny crew and minimal planning.
Small Crew, Big Access
- Figgis deliberately kept a minimal crew and small cameras to remain unobtrusive and responsive on set.
- He argues modern small cameras and phones can capture high-quality documentary material without big crews.
Favor Mobility Over Scale
- Use the smallest effective crew and gear to stay unobtrusive and capture spontaneous moments.
- Prioritize mobility and readiness over elaborate setups to catch unpredictable opportunities.