The A24 Podcast

Janicza Bravo and Joi McMillon, film director and screenwriter, and film editor respectively, discuss finding creative collaborators, editing as the final draft of a script, the Sundance party scene, and the challenges faced by black female professionals in the film industry.

Topics covered include: hot mics, shooting in airports pre-9/11, "movie star grapes," Josh seeing Sandler in Punch Drunk Love at age 18, writing a script that feels like there is no script at all, His Royal Highness Darius Khondji, the firecracker scene in Boogie Nights, the feeling when it all works artistically, post-filmmaking blues, losing the Ziegfeld theater in NYC, and why it just makes sense to ship a precious gem inside of a fish.

Filmmakers Ari Aster and Robert Eggers discuss their admiration for each other and the influence of Ingmar Bergman on their work. They explore aspect ratios, lighting techniques, and the influence of Tarkovsky on cinema. They also discuss their collaboration on 'Midsommar' and 'The Lighthouse', highlighting the work of production and costume designers.

Topics covered include: chasing the Bergman closeup, preferred aspect ratios, why Hereditary is unabashedly a horror movie, talking to press while intoxicated, the “trick” of Midsommar, the scene from Carrie that still gives Ari nightmares, dealing with the consequences of an A24 marketing stunt you did not consent to, the silver lining on a ‘D’ Cinemascore, why films are meant to be watched more than once, and the magic of being in dialogue with other filmmakers across history—and becoming more yourself in the process.

Ramy Youssef and Awkwafina discuss lies we tell our families, the gift of cash, Disney as an adult, pet monkeys, Murakami, the Malcolm X watch, LA car culture, universality through specificity, connecting the dots, and longing to know our ancestral homes.

Martin Scorsese and Joanna Hogg discuss the influence of Bob Fosse, the magic of Singing In The Rain, evading journalists' questions, CGI challenge of youthifying actors in The Irishman, and the advice from Arthur Penn to not lose their amateur status.

Rian Johnson and Claire Denis talk about shooting a prison movie in space, the dark romance of L.A., good bread, shooting with yellow light, films that must be viewed in the dark, the romanticization of film stock, Tarkovsky’s Stalker, and the alchemy of cinema.

Jonah Hill and Michael Cera discuss their overnight fame, Spanish movie marketing, establishing boundaries, theater experiences, drinking beers with Elaine May, Jonah's fear of winged animals, degenerate gambling, and the importance of owning a digital copy of Mid90s.

Topics covered include: the process of scoring a film, growing up in a house filled with music, cinematic rhythm, cheesy scores, creating the sounds of an urban nightmare, and why electronic music is the best game ever.

Elsie Fisher and Molly Ringwald discuss the challenges of being young actors, Elsie's audition for Eighth Grade, the impact of social media on anxiety, and the relatability of Molly's characters. They also explore their love for Dungeons & Dragons, the perception of oneself, and the lasting impact of acting in movies.