IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit

Ever been curious about visiting a psychic? Too skeptical to try? Lana Wilson's new documentary might be for you. Hear Wilson share the story of an Election Night 2016 story that sparked her fascination into the psychic community, and why she thinks it's not really about believing, but something more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Schrader returns to Toolkit to discuss the film he is most proud of from his long career, "Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters." Schrader walks through the challenges he faced getting the film made, including wearing a knife proof vest on set due to death threats from the right-wing government, and why the story of this Japanese artist has fascinated him for decades. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lee Daniels joins IndieWire features writer Jim Hemphill to discuss his new Netflix film “The Deliverance,” which combines elements of spirituality, social realism, melodrama, dark comedy, and horror to create a consistently entertaining and intensely involving viewing experience. Daniels talks about working in the horror genre for the first (and probably last) time, the challenges of making a movie with several younger actors, how he turned Glenn Close into an archetype often seen in life but rarely on screen, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The creator of "Dear White People" sat down with us to talk about his new 4-part docuseries that explores the forgotten influences and power of black film. Listen in to learn about some of the untold stories of black Hollywood, and hear how his peers like Ryan Coogler and Ava DuVernay reacted to watching this cinematic history.- You can watch this entire conversation on IndieWire.com or on the IndieWire Youtube page - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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.

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