

IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit
Chris O'Falt
Interviews with leading film and TV creators about their process and craft. From screenwriting to film language to cinematography, we'll be examining the innovative ways today's best filmmakers are getting their visions out into the world.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 23, 2024 • 45min
'Strange Darling' Director JT Mollner
Today we’re joined by writer-director JT Mollner, here to talk about his audacious new thriller STRANGE DARLING - which IndieWire has called “the best horror film in years.” JT talks about finding an unusual structure for his tale, working with first-time feature cinematographer Giovanni Ribisi, and why shooting on 35mm film should remain a priority. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 22, 2024 • 34min
'Ripley' Director & Writer Steve Zaillian
Zaillian's adaptation of the Patricia Highsmith novel was some of the best, most carefully considered TV we've seen this year. On the podcast he discusses his approach, including why it was essential the show be presented in rich black and white cinematography. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 20, 2024 • 25min
'Not a Pretty Picture' Director Martha Coolidge
Martha Coolidge appears on the podcast to talk about her debut feature, “Not a Pretty Picture,” which is newly restored and available from Criterion. The movie, an audacious documentary/narrative hybrid, depicts Coolidge’s own sexual assault with power, intelligence, and sensitivity. Coolidge discusses why she chose this unusual form to tell her story, how it informed her later work, and what it led to in terms of a Hollywood career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 16, 2024 • 34min
'Good One' Director India Donaldson
Set during a weekend backpacking trip in the Catskills, "Good One" is a gorgeous coming of age film that focuses more on interiority than dramatic plot. Director India Donaldson walks us through the struggle of filming outside in the woods, and gives a fantastic lesson on modern independent filmmaking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5 snips
Aug 15, 2024 • 34min
'Curb Your Enthusiasm' Showrunner Jeff Schaffer
Jeff Schaffer, the showrunner and director of HBO's 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' shares insights from his successful career. He discusses the challenges of concluding the series and the spontaneity with guest stars like Bruce Springsteen and Willie Geist, revealing the unique improvisational environments crafted for them. Schaffer highlights the significance of location scouting in West LA and reflects on the emotional journey of wrapping up the beloved show while teasing future storytelling projects.

Aug 13, 2024 • 32min
'Fargo' Creator Noah Hawley
Noah Hawley has been the show-runner of "Fargo" since it premiered in 2014, and the latest season might be the best yet. Hear how Hawley and his team carefully managed the tone and subverted expectations for Season 5, and also get a tease for his upcoming "Alien" TV show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 8, 2024 • 31min
'Albert Brooks: Defending My Life' Director Rob Reiner
The director of the classic mock-umentary This Is Spinal Tap has made his first actual documentary, a moving reflection on the life and career of his childhood friend, Albert Brooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 7, 2024 • 26min
'Collateral' Director Michael Mann
For the 20th anniversary of the game-changing thriller, we sat down with the director of "Collateral" to hear his thoughts on being one of the first major theatrical features to embrace hi-def digital photography. You'll also hear his thoughts on directing stars Jamie Fox and Tom Cruise, and how he adapted the story and characters when the setting changed from New York to LA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 1, 2024 • 27min
'We Are Lady Parts' Creator Nida Manzoor
Creator, writer and director Nida Manzoor joins us to talk everything 'We Are Lady Parts' season 2. Nida shares how she handled navigating new songs including the banger "Malala Made Me Do It", with a cameo from the legend herself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 25, 2024 • 35min
'Didi' Director Sean Wang
One of the biggest breakouts from Sundance this year was the feature debut of writer/director Sean Wang, based on his experiences as a 13 year old Taiwanese American growing up in 2008 California. Sean spoke with us about how his time at google prepared him to capture the ways screens and technology affect the relationships in the film, and how he realized Didi was as much about immigrant mothers as a coming of age story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices