Team Deakins SARAH POLLEY - Writer / Director / Actor
Jul 19, 2023
Writer, director, and actor Sarah Polley discusses her early career in acting, transitioning to directing, and the inspiration she drew from director Atom Egoyan. She also reveals the Sidney Lumet film that helped her while working on WOMEN TALKING. Sarah shares insights on collaboration, preparation, and the challenges of adapting a conversation-based story. She addresses the challenges faced by women in the film industry and highlights the power of collaboration and trust in filmmaking.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Don't Use Documentary As Personal Therapy
- Polley avoided making her documentary a therapy session by doing personal work before filming.
- She aimed to explore how different people tell versions of the same story rather than resolve her own emotions on camera.
Acting Return Had Mixed Results
- Polley returned to acting after directing to relearn the craft and better serve filmmakers, taking three acting jobs in one year.
- She had mixed experiences; some sets were exceptional while others made her decide not to expose herself similarly again.
You're The Story Expert, Not The Lone Expert
- Polley learned that directors need not be the most experienced technical person, but are experts on the story they choose to tell.
- She regrets apologizing early in her career and advises asserting the right to take up space as director.