Filmmaking / Directing

If you love hearing directors talk about the artistic roots behind their biggest projects, this is a beautiful look at how Wicked found its cinematic identity. Jon M. Chu returns to the Curran Theatre, where he first saw the musical over twenty years ago, to unpack the emotional, personal, and creative journey that shaped Wicked: For Good, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omG-lFNFpg8

In the video, Chu reflects on:

- How seeing Wicked with his mother changed the trajectory of his life as a storyteller

- Why his filmmaking instincts are grounded in theatre, audience perspective, and emotional proximity

- How he and his team approached building two films at once, shot simultaneously

- His “emotion wall” approach, focusing on what the audience should feel in each scene before making technical decisions

- The surprising moment during rehearsal for “For Good” that reshaped the entire sequence

- The role of instinct, collaboration, and risk-taking on a massive musical production

It’s an intimate and generous breakdown of directing at scale, filled with insights about visual storytelling, musical structure, and the emotional truth at the heart of adaptation.

What resonated with you most from Chu’s process: the emotional mapping, the theatrical influence, or the way he embraces instinct on set?

“Making a movie is the art of visually telling a compelling story with believable characters who make us feel something." Peter D. Marshall

Let’s break this down.

“Making a (good) movie is…” the ART of VISUALLY telling a COMPELLING STORY with BELIEVABLE CHARACTERS who MAKE US FEEL SOMETHING.”

The ART: emphasizes creativity, imagination, and the aesthetic aspects involved in the process. It suggests that making a movie requires artistic vision and skill. A director must shape tone, rhythm, and style in ways that enhance meaning and emotional depth. Great artistry in any film will elevate even simple stories into powerful cinematic experiences by revealing the deeper truth beneath each moment and turning modest material into something unforgettable.

of VISUALLY: the importance of all the visual elements in movies because films rely heavily on images and visual composition to convey the story. Framing, lighting, color, and movement all contribute to meaning without words. Every shot becomes a storytelling choice that reveals character, emotion, or theme as the camera shapes how we understand the world of the film and the people living within it.

Telling a COMPELLING STORY: has to have an engaging and interesting plot that captures the audience's attention. A good movie must have a well-structured story that draws viewers in and keeps them invested. Conflict, stakes, and character change are essential to keeping the story dynamic. Without a clear story engine, even great visuals can fall flat because images alone cannot carry meaning without a force that propels the story toward something that matters.

with BELIEVABLE CHARACTERS: stresses the need for film characters that feel authentic. Audiences need to connect with the characters on an emotional level, believing in their motivations and actions throughout the film. Realistic flaws, contradictions, and emotional depth help bring characters to life. Strong performances are only effective when grounded in a clear, believable character arc because audiences connect to growth, struggle, and change more than isolated moments."

who MAKE US FEEL SOMETHING: emphasizes the emotional impact a movie should have. The goal is to arouse feelings in the audience (joy, sadness, fear, excitement). Emotional engagement is a key measure of a movie's success. Emotional reactions create lasting memories and audience connection. A film that moves people will often be remembered more than one that simply entertains since audiences carry the meaning of the experience long after the details fade.

Amazon says it will encompass “a team of creatives, business professionals and technologists to empower creators to responsibly integrate GenAI into content production through proprietary tools and services”.

https://deadline.com/2025/11/amazon-ai-studios-matt-newman-1236603477/

We’re kicking off December with a brand-new batch of targeted Open Writing Assignments (OWAs) for 2025. These opportunities come directly from a powerhouse group of producers, showrunners, and executives looking for the next Palm Springs, Parasite, or Beyond the Lights.

With a direct line to top-tier talent and companies, this is your chance to get your work onto high-level desks. But the window is short—submissions close Wednesday, December 18th.

Here’s what the industry is actively seeking:

1. For Your Sharp, Theatrical Comedies

A Producer & Showrunner is seeking comedy scripts in the vein of Palm Springs, Someone Great, and Punch-Drunk Love.

2. For Grounded Genre with a Major Twist

A Manager of Development is looking for grounded genre projects with unique twists and a strong POV. Think the bold originality of Parasite, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

3. For Character-Driven Thrillers & Horror

An Acquisitions Executive seeks character-driven thrillers and horror with budgets under $10M, comparable to the intensity of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Revenge, or Drive.

4. For Faith-Based & True Stories

A Manager/Producer is looking for faith-based features, preferably under $5M and based on or inspired by true events, in the spirit of I Can Only Imagine and Miracles from Heaven.

5. For Gripping Political Dramas

A Producer and Director is actively seeking political stories with the high-stakes drama of The Post, The Ides of March, or Political Animals.

6. For Music-Centered Projects (Scripted & Unscripted)

A Producer & Showrunner seeks both scripted and unscripted projects centered on music, inspired by hits like Beyond the Lights, The Idol, and Rhythm + Flow.

If your script aligns with these comps and visions, this is your direct pathway to submission.

Ready to submit? Go here! https://www.stage32.com/writers-room

Good art is a reflection of society and the role of any artist is to hold up a mirror to society and shout to the world, “Look what I see!” And that’s the most important task filmmakers will be doing with your creative lives: to live your dream and tell your stories to the world!

If there is one thing I know to be true working in this industry, it is this: “Good news takes five years to travel – bad news takes a day!” So remember that every setback is an opportunity for growth, and every challenge is a chance to innovate.

Embrace your unique voice and perspective, for it is what will distinguish your work in a crowded landscape. Stay curious, stay hungry for knowledge, and never stop learning from both successes and failures.

Believe in your vision, trust your instincts, and never underestimate the power of perseverance. Keep creating, keep dreaming, and never lose sight of the impact your stories can have on the world.

This work demands courage, not just in your ideas but in how you live your life. Your commitment to truth and imagination has the potential to reach far beyond what you can see today. Every decision you make becomes part of the creative legacy you leave behind.

And finally, no matter what creative path you have chosen, you are also an artist, and you are not an artist because you’re good at it. You are an artist "Because You Are Driven To It." This drive shapes how you see the world and will continue to influence the choices you make in every story you help bring to life. :)

Hi everyone,

I’m Serhat Boylu — filmmaker based in Turkey. I recently completed my short documentary “Koçer”, which focuses on the life of Kurdish nomadic families who migrate with their flocks across rural Anatolia.

The film explores:

• their deep bond with nature

• their struggle to maintain ancient traditions

• the challenges of modern life

• resilience, identity and belonging

I would love feedback, insights or collaboration from other documentary directors and cinematographers in this community.

Anyone interested in distribution, festivals, or cultural anthropology-related cinema — I’d be happy to connect.

Thank you!

What’s one film, series, book, or piece of art that has influenced your creative work the most this year?

I’d love to know what made it resonate for you, whether it shifted your perspective, sparked a new idea, or reminded you why you love telling stories.

Share your pick and your “why” below. Let’s inspire each other.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQfN1aBEoBN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&...

To be a good film director, you need to know what is expected of you when you begin pre-production; when you step on the set; and when you are in the editing room and to do this successfully, you must:

1. Have confidence in yourself and faith in your talent and ability. Trust that your unique perspective and skills are valuable and can make a significant impact. This self-belief is the foundation upon which you build your career and navigate its challenges.

2. Have the courage and tenacity to stick it out "no matter what." Persevere through challenges and setbacks, knowing that persistence is key to success. Embrace obstacles as learning experiences that strengthen your resolve and drive.

3. Always focus on what is possible rather than what is not possible. Cultivate a positive mindset that seeks opportunities and solutions, even in difficult situations. This optimistic approach fuels creativity and innovation.

4. Never stop searching for your unique voice, style, and expression. Keep exploring and refining your creative identity to distinguish yourself in the industry. Continual self-discovery keeps your work fresh and authentic.

5. Develop a strong work ethic and dedication to your craft. Consistently put in the effort to improve your skills and knowledge, demonstrating commitment to your career. Hard work and perseverance are essential for achieving excellence.

6. Embrace collaboration and build strong relationships. Work well with others, valuing diverse perspectives and encouraging a cooperative environment. Successful filmmaking relies on effective teamwork and mutual respect.

7. Be adaptable and open to change. Stay flexible and willing to adjust your approach as new challenges and opportunities arise. Adaptability ensures you can navigate the dynamic nature of the film industry.

8. Keep learning and stay informed about industry trends. Continuously seek out education and information to remain current and competitive in the film industry. Staying updated helps you anticipate shifts and leverage new opportunities.

9. Maintain resilience and manage stress effectively. Develop strategies to cope with the pressures of filmmaking to ensure you can sustain your passion and productivity over the long term. A resilient mindset helps you bounce back from setbacks.

10. Stay true to yourself: it will guide you to the right people and choices. Authenticity attracts genuine connections and aligns you with opportunities that resonate with your values. Staying true to your principles fosters long-term success and fulfillment.

I believe that if you follow my 7-Step Film Directing Formula, you will see how any director, even someone with very little experience, has a chance of creating a “visually, compelling movie with believable characters.”

We must remember that filmmaking is a universal language and no matter where we live, we have our own stories to tell. So if you have a compelling story built upon Universal Themes, you should be able to tell this story, in your own language, and audiences around the world will watch it.