WRAP DRINKS #45 - Rian Johnson // Writer & Director
Dec 15, 2025
Rian Johnson, a celebrated writer-director known for his work on Brick, Looper, and the Knives Out series, shares his filmmaking journey. He discusses creating over 100 short films as a teenager and the challenges he faced in financing his first feature. Rian explains the importance of long-term collaborators and crafting unique character traits. He dives into the nuances of directing for both film and TV, the magic of practical effects, and the significance of endings that feel both surprising and inevitable. A fascinating look into the mind of a modern filmmaking maestro!
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Hundreds Of Shorts Built His Foundation
- Rian Johnson made over 100 short films with friends before college and kept the best ones on Vimeo.
- He credits that play-for-fun practice with building camera comfort and visual language early on.
Directing Is The Entry-Level Leadership Role
- Directing is effectively the only entry-level role that puts you in charge of a whole production's vision.
- Johnson recommends using your time to write and make your own shorts rather than grinding crew jobs to become a director.
Design Films To Your Real Budget
- Budget to the money you can realistically raise and then design the film to fit that budget.
- Rian's producer advised backing into the shootable version rather than chasing an ideal price tag.