The Empire Film Podcast The Interviews (ft. Jason Statham & Ric Roman Waugh; Derek Cianfrance; Nia DaCosta)
Jan 30, 2026
Derek Cianfrance, filmmaker known for intimate dramas like Blue Valentine, chats about directing Roofman and adapting a true story. He discusses filming on location, balancing comedy and tragedy, casting Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst, and portraying the complex humanity behind criminal acts.
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Let Mystery Unfold
- Resist the pressure to insert a cold open just to explain a character quickly.
- Let mystery and a slow reveal create audience curiosity and engagement.
Preparation Elevates Stunts
- Ric Roman Waugh praised Jason Statham's preparation and ability to combine performance with real stunts.
- That dual skill raises the emotional impact and realism of action sequences.
Extensive Research For Roofman
- Derek Cianfrance spent roughly 400 hours on the phone with Geoffrey Manchester while researching Roofman.
- He also interviewed police, the judge, and community members to validate and contextualize Jeff's story.