IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit

Director Park joins the Filmmaker's Toolkit to explore his twisted and prescient satire "No Other Choice." Hear how the story was originally set in America before being adapted to a Korean perspective, and why the bravura editing and camera work are essential to the film's impact. To hear Director Park's complete answers in Korean, jump to 19:29. Subscribe to Top Of The Line - IndieWire's new newsletter about the craft of film and TV - https://cloud.email.indiewire.com/signup/ Listen to the Screen Talk Podcast. Every Friday IndieWire editors Anne Thompson & Ryan Lattanzio break down insider news from Hollywood and debate the latest films and series. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/indiewire-screen-talk/id893977298 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kleber Mendonça Filho joins the FIlmmaker Toolkit to break down the making of his thrilling, poignant, and playful drama 'The Secret Agent.' From his deep relationship to star Wagner Moura to the social commentary embedded in every part of the film, this is a fascinating deep dive into a very rich film. Subscribe to Top Of The Line - IndieWire's new newsletter about the craft of film and TV - https://cloud.email.indiewire.com/signup/ Listen to the Screen Talk Podcast. Every Friday IndieWire editors Anne Thompson & Ryan Lattanzio break down insider news from Hollywood and debate the latest films and series. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/indiewire-screen-talk/id893977298 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristen Stewart has a wild passion for film form, and our conversation about her directorial debut proves it. From the deep relationship she formed with star Imogen Poots, to her love of sound design and breaking apart the images like photographs in the edit, listen into the start of the Kristen Stewart Director era. Listen to the Screen Talk Podcast. Every Friday IndieWire editors Anne Thompson & Ryan Lattanzio break down insider news from Hollywood and debate the latest films and series. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/indiewire-screen-talk/id893977298 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Co-Writer, Director, and Producer Mona Fastvold joins the Toolkit for an in depth discussion of her incredible new period musical. We dig into the research which birthed the transfixing movements and sounds of the film, the challenges star Amanda Seyfried faced preparing for the role, and how Fastvold and partner Brady Corbet execute epic scale on indie budgets. Listen to the Screen Talk Podcast. Every Friday IndieWire editors Anne Thompson & Ryan Lattanzio break down insider news from Hollywood and debate the latest films and series. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/indiewire-screen-talk/id893977298 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging chat, filmmaker Josh Safdie, known for his work on Uncut Gems, delves into the making of his new film, Marty Supreme. He shares insights on his childhood ping pong rivalry and how it influenced his relationship with winning. Safdie explains the meticulous research behind recreating the 1980s table tennis scene and the sonic choices that shape the film's atmosphere. Notably, he recounts serendipitously meeting Timothée Chalamet before his fame, a pivotal moment that impacted casting and character development.

James Cameron, the visionary writer and director known for groundbreaking films, shares insights on 'Avatar: Fire and Ash.' He discusses his rigorous casting process and the impactful performance of Una Chaplin. Cameron elaborates on the balance of spectacle and intimate storytelling, revealing his editing challenges while maintaining audience perspective. He also dives into the evolution of performance capture technology, emphasizing its significance in preserving actor intentions. The conversation touches on the fusion of nature, science, and cinematic magic in his work.

Rachel Sennott, actress, writer, and showrunner of HBO's 'I Love LA,' shares her unique insights from film to television writing. She discusses the essential differences in storytelling formats and the importance of avoiding filler content. The conversation delves into her writer's room experience, emphasizing collaboration and character strengths. Rachel also reflects on her directing experiences, the visual tone of L.A., and the significance of casting and costume design. Her blend of inspirations creates a fresh and unique narrative style.

In a captivating discussion, Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi shares insights from his career marked by resilience against censorship. He reveals how his 2022 imprisonment inspired his latest film, infusing it with the experiences of fellow inmates. Panahi delves into his creative process, using debates among prisoners to shape dialogue and characters. He also reflects on his techniques for shooting clandestinely, directing nonprofessionals, and the film's intricate sound design rooted in interrogation memories, all while hoping to inspire future change.

Norwegian-Danish director Joachim Trier, known for his acclaimed films like Worst Person in the World, dives into his latest work, Sentimental Value. He shares how personal memories influenced the film's narrative and the complex emotional storytelling tied to a family home. Trier discusses using unique cinematic techniques to capture different perspectives and highlights Elle Fanning's nuanced performance. The conversation touches on themes of generational trauma and the delicate balance of storytelling that intertwines fiction and reality.

Rian Johnson, renowned for the Knives Out franchise, dives into his latest film, Wake Up Dead Man. He explores the challenging themes of religion, stemming from his own evangelical upbringing, which shape the film's narrative. Johnson reveals the balance between puzzle-solving and emotional stakes in mysteries, detailing the contrasting dynamic between characters Benoit Blanc and Judd. He also shares his journey to write faster, the importance of playful sets, and his enthusiasm for continuing the series under a new Netflix deal.