
IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit
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.
Latest episodes

Nov 30, 2023 • 28min
Deep Dive: 'Barbie'
Greta Gerwig and the creative team of the film 'Barbie' discuss the musical evolution of the movie and how the pop songs influenced the score, tone, and even Barbie's heart. They talk about collaborating with artists like Dua Lipa, Nicki Minaj, Lizzo, and Billie Eilish, blending pop songs with the score, and creating a song with Dua Lipa. The speakers also explore the impact of specific songs on the connection between Barbie land and the real world, and the process of creating the soundtrack.

Nov 29, 2023 • 43min
'Orlando, My Political Biography' Director Paul B. Preciado
The director of the boundary pushing documentary joins us to illuminate how this famous character from Virginia Woolf remains strikingly relevant in our time, and how we are all a bit of an Orlando. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 27, 2023 • 29min
'Wish' Directors Fawn Veerasunthorn & Chris Buck
The directing team behind the latest Disney animated feature join us to discuss tapping into 100 years of Disney movie history to craft a film with its own sense of magic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 21, 2023 • 27min
'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' Director Francis Lawrence
After helming the last three films in the previous Hunger Games film series, director Francis Lawrence returns for the much anticipated prequel. He joined us to discuss how he returned to the franchise, and how he attempted to take every aspect of the series in new directions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 16, 2023 • 51min
'Thanksgiving' Director Eli Roth
Sixteen years after the world saw a trailer for it in Grindhouse, Eli Roth has turned Thanksgiving into a real horror movie. Roth shares how the movie finally made it to the screen, and the slasher b-movies he paid homage to with this throwback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 10, 2023 • 24min
'Terms of Endearment' Director James L. Brooks
Whether you know it or not, today's guest has probably been involved in a movie or TV show you love. The celebrated director, writer, & producer joins us for the 40th anniversary of his directorial debut Terms of Endearment. Brooks shares memories from working with an all star cast as a first time director, and how his clear vision for the comedic tone made the movie a success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 26, 2023 • 47min
'Anatomy of a Fall' Director Justine Triet
Justine Triet, director of one of the most talked about movies of the fall, discusses making a courtroom thriller that challenges genre tropes and our obsession with true crime. They explore the influence of Preminger movies and the challenges of shooting in a contained courtroom space. They also discuss the atypical nature of the main character and the unique perspective added by shooting with animals.

Oct 12, 2023 • 32min
'Our Flag Means Death: Season 2' Director David Jenkins
Today we are joined by the captain himself: show-runner, creator, and now director David Jenkins. We go deep below decks to learn why Jenkins rejects many typical pirate tropes in order to protect the emotional truth of his characters, and how they represent his views on comedy and romance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 5, 2023 • 34min
'Flora and Son' Director John Carney
The director of Once (2007) and Sing Street (2016) joins Toolkit today to discuss his latest film about creativity, music, and finding connection in Dublin. Listen to hear how classic musicals influence how Carney sees his stories, and even what he thinks of Taylor Swift. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 28, 2023 • 43min
'Physical' Creator Annie Weisman
The creator & showrunner of this darkly funny look at 80s culture and gender roles joined Toolkit to discuss the series' three season arc, the moving final episode, and that cruel inner voice so many of us seem to have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices