Top Filmmaking Articles of the Week - March 16, 2025
To be a filmmaker, you have to lead. You have to be psychotic in your desire to do something. People always like the easy route. You have to push very hard to get something unusual, something different.
-Danny Boyle
Top Filmmaking Articles of the Week - March 16, 2025
Here are some filmmaking articles that we found interesting the past week. We hope you enjoy!
IndieWire – Alison Foreman
“The Rule of Jenny Pen” is a short film that uniquely blends puppetry and live-action to explore themes of childhood trauma and resilience. The film features a puppet baby doll as a central character, symbolizing innocence and vulnerability. In behind-the-scenes interviews, the filmmakers discuss the creative challenges of integrating puppetry into the narrative and the emotional depth it brings to the storytelling. They highlight the collaborative efforts of the cast and crew in bringing this distinctive vision to life, aiming to provoke thought and empathy in audiences.
No Film School – Jo Light
In a recent interview, actress-turned-director Amy Landecker emphasized the importance of providing immediate positive feedback to actors on set. She observed that many directors make the mistake of withholding comments after a take, leading actors to question their performance. Landecker suggests that directors should acknowledge the actor’s effort right away, even if the take wasn’t perfect, to maintain their confidence and motivation. She refers to this practice as “feeding the seals,” highlighting that all actors, regardless of experience, benefit from affirmation to deliver their best performances.
Filmmaker Magazine – Scott Macaulay
“Diciannove,” the debut feature by Giovanni Tortorici, follows 19-year-old Leonardo Gravina as he navigates the complexities of young adulthood. After leaving Palermo for London, Leonardo struggles with direction and eventually enrolls in a literature program in Siena, where he becomes engrossed in classical Italian literature. The film, produced by Luca Guadagnino’s Frenesy Film Company, premiered in the Orizzonti section at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2024.
Critics have praised “Diciannove” for its honest portrayal of youth. Jordan Mintzer of The Hollywood Reporter noted the film’s unflinching honesty about being 19 and largely lost, commending Tortorici’s avoidance of typical narrative clichés. Guy Lodge of Variety described it as a vivid, humane evocation of the transitional phase between adolescence and adulthood. The film was also nominated for the Queer Lion at Venice, highlighting its exploration of diverse themes.
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Film Independent – John Squire
Creating a quality film with a budget under $100,000 is challenging but achievable with strategic planning and resourcefulness. Felix Werner, co-founder of Modern Media Company and HieronyVision, emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and being prepared to handle multiple roles on set. He suggests that filmmakers should choose stories that fit within their budget constraints, limiting the number of actors and locations to maintain control over costs.
Werner also highlights the significance of assembling a versatile crew where everyone is willing to undertake various tasks, fostering a collaborative environment essential for micro-budget productions. Embracing digital workflows and utilizing accessible technology, such as smartphones or affordable digital cameras, can further reduce expenses without compromising the film’s quality. Ultimately, passion and creativity are crucial in overcoming the limitations of a modest budget.
If you’ve found anything interesting this week let us know and we can spread the word next time!