IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit

Craig Mazin is a huge fan of The Last of Us and it's characters, and that passion comes across beautifully when he described making the show. He dives deep into his meticulous approach to preserving the world of the game, adapting an interactive action game into a TV drama, and his feelings about the story's infamous relationship to the power and horror of love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A decade after their last collaboration, 2013's Enough Said, Holofcenter reunites with star Julia Louis-Dreyfus for another brilliant film about the complexities of relationships. The new film, about the fallout of a wife hearing what her husband really thinks of her work, is full of comedic possibility and penetrating insights on the subtle negotiations that make up a long lasting marriage. Holofcenter has become the master of American marital strife, and has a fascinating discussion with us diving into how she achieves her signature tonal balance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love & Death tells the true story of an affair gone horribly wrong, and Director Lesli Linka Glatter joined us to explore all the lurid details. The television directing legend, with credits on Mad Men, Twin Peaks, Homeland, and many more, explains how she balanced the entertaining tone of the series with the authentic horror of this real life tragedy, and why a scene involving just two people in a laundry room was the hardest scene of her career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Schrader joins us in the IndieWire studio this week to discuss the third film in his loose "a man in a room" trilogy, following 'First Reformed' and 'Card Counter.' These movies center on a particular kind of existential loner, in this case an reformed white supremacist hiding from his past in a garden community. Hear Schrader explain how digital technology and smaller budgets have liberated his filmmaking, and how 'Master Gardener' draws from and comments on the long cinematic history of troubled, loner men. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stepping up to helm the tenth installment of one of Hollywood's biggest franchises is enough of a challenge, but director Louis Leterrier also had to step into the role with the movie already in progress. He discusses the challenges and upsides of joining a project already in motion, and how he managed to keep his trademark humor and personality in tact in a massive worldwide tentpole. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As his hit show enters its final season on HBO, Bill Hader returns to Toolkit to break down his newest, weirdest ideas from the director's chair. As director for every episode this season, Hader's control over the artistic vision of the show has never been stronger, which comes with even more pressure and expectations. Hear how he found ways to improve on his previous work on the series, and what he hopes the future holds for Bill Hader, movie director. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The cast and filmmakers behind Showtime’s “George & Tammy” break down the creative choices that went into bringing two country music legends to life. Jessica Chastain, Michael Shannon and others discuss the decision to record all the musical performances live, explaining how it was accomplished and why it was crucial to telling the stories of these icons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For her adaptation of a beloved novel, the 'Edge of Seventeen' director understood a gentle hand was needed when approaching the nostalgia around this story. Kelly explains how she applied that gentle touch to period detail, as well as how she captured a truly authentic sense of childhood awkwardness. From the writing process to the edit room, Kelly shares many fascinating insights into this fantastic and much anticipated film. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the preeminent American horror auteurs is back with his third feature, and for the director of Hereditary and Midsommar, it's no small thing to say this is his most ambitious film to date. Hear Aster discuss how he leveled up his craft, convinced Joaquin Phoenix to trust him, and stepped beyond the horror genre to encompass the bizarre totality of Beau's mind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The co-creator of The Knick joins us to talk about stepping onto Perry Mason as a showrunner for Season 2. Hear how he achieved the team's ambitious goals to expand the scope of the story, deepen the already fantastic characters, and craft a beguiling mystery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices