IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit 'The Lost Bus' Director Paul Greengrass
Oct 3, 2025
Director Paul Greengrass shares insights on his latest thriller about the 2018 California Wildfires. He dives into his background as a journalist, which shapes his unique filmmaking style. Discover how he recreates realistic crisis scenes, balancing immersive visuals with practical effects. Greengrass explains the importance of character stakes and authenticity, using real people alongside stars like Matthew McConaughey. He also discusses the extensive planning required for capturing tension and the challenges faced in post-production.
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Journalism Shaped His Filmmaking Voice
- Paul Greengrass's journalism and documentary background shaped his cinematic language and crisis storytelling.
- That training explains his emphasis on immediacy, factual grounding, and handheld camerawork in narrative films.
Anchor Chaos With Clear Geography
- Ground the audience in recognizable geography before escalating into chaos to maintain emotional stakes.
- Use concrete details and familiar rhythms to make crisis moments feel earned and urgent.
Make The Hazard Feel Like A Character
- Greengrass intentionally shifts the film's language when the crisis begins so the environment becomes an active force.
- That shift makes the fire feel like a character with its own power and motion.