Netflix Directors Unpack Storytelling at Variety Unplugged Event
The year brought together some of Netflix’s top directors to discuss their creative processes and storytelling techniques in conversations moderated by Variety in partnership with Netflix.
Antonio Campos, the director of “The Beast In Me,” Max Winkler from “Monster: The Ed Gein Story,” and Alexandria Stapleton, director of “Sean Combs: The Reckoning,” sat down with Variety’s Jazz Tangcay to delve into their visual languages, challenges of documenting unfolding stories, and portraying real-life individuals.
Campos described his show as “contemporary noir,” emphasizing the embrace of weird ideas and the importance of rhythm in editing to create a dynamic show. Drawing inspiration from 1970s paranoia thrillers, Campos and his director of photography, Lyle Vincent, aimed to capture the essence of films like those from Gordon Willis or “Michael Clayton.”
Winkler also drew inspiration from films like Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood” to build the stillness and quiet of the plains, portraying Gein’s character as small. Stapleton discussed the chaos and challenges of working on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ story as it unfolded in real-time during a grand jury trial, highlighting the importance of understanding the context and origin story amidst scandalous details.
The directors also shared insights into their extensive research and interview processes, with Winkler using recordings of Gein to shape Charlie Hunnam’s performance and Campos overseeing production elements like color grading and sound mixing. Stapleton navigated a tricky editing process, facing unexpected curveballs and uncertainties until the last episode.
In a separate conversation, The Duffer Brothers and Marc Munden discussed “Stranger Things” and “Lord of the Flies” with Variety’s Michael Schneider. Ross Duffer reflected on the 10-year journey of making “Stranger Things,” emphasizing the evolution and emotional impact of wrapping up the show while tapping into the essence of the first season.
Munden highlighted the importance of staying true to the source material of “Lord of the Flies,” focusing on character development and the historical context of the 1950s amidst the Cold War. The directors also shared their experiences working with young actors, adjusting roles to accommodate their authenticity and personalities.
Munden revealed the challenges of shooting in Malaysia, including uninhabited islands, monsoons, and wildlife, leading to creative solutions like filming day for night to capture the desired atmosphere. Despite the obstacles, all three directors expressed pride and satisfaction in seeing their visions come to life in the final episodes of their shows.
Overall, the conversations provided a glimpse into the intricate and emotional processes behind some of Netflix’s biggest hits, showcasing the dedication and creativity of these talented directors.
