IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit

Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, known for his work on 'Summer of Soul,' and his collaborator Joseph Patel dive into the making of 'Sly Lives!' They discuss the balance between appealing to music fans and new audiences while crafting Sly Stone's powerful narrative. The duo shares insights on their unique creative process, including the spontaneity of Sly's wedding music and the importance of archival footage. They also reflect on the complexities of artistic genius, touching on the vulnerabilities that come with success and the delicate nature of storytelling.

Brennan Lee Mulligan, executive producer and GM of "Dimension 20," offers IndieWire a peak inside the dimensional dome and discusses how cinematic tools, from editing and art design to sound effects and physical props, can help enhance Actual Play storytelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is a real treat for animation fans, a deep dive into the art and process with the beloved creator of Samurai Jack, Dexter's Lab, Primal, and now the new Netflix movie Fixed. Genndy explained why he fought for 2D animation to keep the dogs less gross, walks us through his process with voice actors, and reveals how Fixed was almost the latest Warner Bros. movie shelved for a tax break. PLUS fans of Primal should stick around to the end for an update on Season 3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legendary TV creator R. Scott Gemmill joins the Toolkit to breakdown one of this years biggest shows: 'The Pitt.' Gemmill lifts the curtain on the show's medical accuracy, revealing how doctors consulted from script to set to screen. We think you'll enjoy hearing this master of television discussing what it took to launch yet another hit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Rubens, the man who created and became Pee-Wee Herman, has eluded a documentary about his life for a long time. While Matt Wolf was finally able to make a film exploring this complicated artist, it came at a price. Listen to Matt recount his artistic battle with Rubens as they shot the doc, and the shocking personal details he uncovered that bound them together. You have to hear this one to believe it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First time director Michael Shanks joined us on Toolkit for a fascinating discussion about the crazy intimacy of directing a real life couple, his roots as an Aussie kid binging After Effects tutorials, and why his particular brand of body horror needed to be very dry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As one of the writers behind Lonely Island, and the director of hits like 'Popstar and 'Hot Rod', director Akiva Schaffer was a brilliant choice to helm a revival of one of cinema's most iconic comedy franchises. We dig into the craft behind the comedy, from casting serious actors to going for broke on a particular snowman sequence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Z. Burns, renowned writer and director of 'Contagion', dives into the intriguing intersection of AI and screenwriting. He shares his experience using AI to explore a sequel, highlighting both the advantages and unique challenges it poses in storytelling. The conversation reveals AI's limitations in creativity while emphasizing the irreplaceable role of human intuition. Burns also discusses Lexter, an AI critique tool, and the importance of crafting effective prompts for better collaboration between human writers and AI. The future of creativity may depend on this delicate balance.

Kenneth Lonergan, one of our host's favorite filmmakers, joins Toolkit to reflect on his first film as a director, 'You Can Count On Me.' He walks us through his transition from writer to the director's chair, and shares stories of working with Mark Ruffalo and Laura Linney on the film that would be their Sundance breakthrough. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer Kaytin Robinson joins IndieWire features writer Jim Hemphill to talk about rebooting the 1997 slasher classic. Robinson discusses integrating the original cast members into the story (warning: spoilers!), balancing horror and comedy, and the influence of Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” on her summer thriller. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices