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Apr 2023
48m 48s

‘Joyland’ Director Saim Sadiq Redefines ...

NO FILM SCHOOL
About this episode

A film is like a baby, and everyone involved is a parent. How do you keep all the parents happy, calm, and on the same page? 


In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and director of Joyland, Saim Sadiq, discuss:

  • The universality of the film and seeing oneself in the characters
  • Why the Cannes Film Festival was the best place for the film to premiere
  • People needing time to process the film after watching it 
  • Keeping only the necessary people on set
  • Not overloading the actors with too much information 
  • Feeling excited about problems that would arise
  • Why it’s so important to have empathy on set from the very beginning 
  • Earning respect on set with a unique directing style



Memorable Quotes

  • “There is that one thing, their desire of being visible, that joins them all together.” [17:33]
  • “It is not a scene I would rehearse, ever, because there is improv involved in it.” [21:52]
  • “There’s a lightbulb that goes on. Once that goes on, you need to stop talking immediately.” [27:06]
  • “I was so ready, that even the idea that some problem would happen, was exciting.” [31:43]



Mentioned Resources:

Joyland


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