
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

Jun 21, 2024 • 34min
'Kinds of Kindness' Director Yorgos Lanthimos
After the VFX heavy world building of Poor Things, director Yorgos Lanthimos has delivered something more akin to his earlier work on Dogtooth and Killing of a Sacred Deer. Hear how he guided Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe and the other actors through multiple roles across 3 stories, and get a peek into Yorgos's game-filled rehearsal process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 20, 2024 • 29min
'The Regime' Creator Will Tracey
From building a fictional government around Kate Winslet, to the benefits and liabilities of shooting in real palaces, the show's creator joins us to break down this fabulously satirical look at modern day authoritarianism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 13, 2024 • 34min
'Hacks: Season 3' Director & Co-Creator Lucia Aniello
After a fantastic finale to Season 3, one of the minds behind "Hacks" sat down with us to explore how the show remains so keyed into the joys, costs and absurdity of making art (and also pulling off 4AM drone shots on the Vegas strip). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 6, 2024 • 47min
'Game Changer' EPs Sam Reich & Paul Robalino
The hit series from streaming service Dropout, "Game Changer," combines a '70s game show with the joy of messing with your friends. Two of the executive producers walked us through the comedic chaos of producing a show where the game changes every episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 4, 2024 • 34min
'Robot Dreams' Director Pablo Berger
If the title "Robot Dreams" sounds familiar, this was one of the Animated Features nominated for last year's Oscars. Now expanding wide over the summer, it's the perfect time to catch up on this darling story of friendship and New York City in the 80s. Hear how Pablo fell in love with animation directing, and how he inspired his animators with films from silent comedy masters like Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 30, 2024 • 57min
'The Curse' Creator, Writer, & Star Benny Safdie
The co-director of "Good Time" and "Uncut Gems" returns to Toolkit to discuss his collaboration with Nathan Fielder on their bizarrely fascinating series, "The Curse." Always a student of filmmaking, Benny walks us through what he learned making a show unlike anything we've ever seen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 28, 2024 • 29min
'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' Director George Miller
George Miller, the visionary behind the Mad Max franchise, shares insights into his latest film, 'Furiosa.' He discusses his relentless drive to elevate the action genre and the intricate storytelling that defines his work. Listeners learn about the innovative blend of traditional and digital techniques used during production, alongside casting details that highlight Anya Taylor-Joy's unique talents. Miller also emphasizes the deep connection between characters and their vehicles, enriching the franchise's dynamic universe.

May 23, 2024 • 30min
'Girlfight' Director Karyn Kusama
The director of several modern classics, like Jennifer's Body and The Invitation, joins us to discuss her feature debut Girlfight, now on Blu-Ray from Criterion. Kusama reflects on working with Michelle Rodriguez in her first movie role, and her intentions from several decades ago, and how the film has aged since. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 21, 2024 • 57min
'Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show' Creator Jerrod Carmichael
After coming out to the world on his HBO special Rothaniel, the writer, actor, and comedian brings us even deeper into his personal life with this new reality show. Jerrod joined us for a deep conversation about the power of the camera to reveal truth, what it took for him to fall in love, and how he collaborated with his crew to relinquish control of his own image. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 16, 2024 • 37min
'True Detective: Night Country' Director Issa López
The show-runner and director for the fourth season of this classic series joins us to explore how she brought the central True Detective themes and mysteries to a brand new landscape; the dark and frozen tundra of Alaska's months long winter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices