IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit

Latest Episodes:

'Task' Creator Brad Ingelsby Oct 20, 2025

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The creator of one of the hottest shows of the Fall joined IndieWire's Chris O'Falt for a spoiler-packed deep dive deep into the psychology of the characters and how he constructed the perfect seven episode arc. He also shares how Mark Ruffalo and ⁠Tom Pelphrey helped shape the complex men they play.⁠ This is a must listen for fans of the hit crime drama, and for those interested in Brad's career following 'Mare of Easttown.'

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'The Lowdown' Creator Sterlin Harjo Oct 15, 2025

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The creator of 'Reservation Dogs' is back with a new series staring Ethan Hawke as a man investigating crimes and corruption in Oklahoma. Sterlin shared some of the noir stories that inspired him, and explains why he never wants to leave Oklahoma for Hollywood.

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'Roofman' Director Derek Cianfrance Oct 13, 2025

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Director Derek Cianfrance joins IndieWire’s Jim Hemphill to talk about his latest film, “Roofman.” A true story about an escaped criminal who hides out in an abandoned toy store, “Roofman” is a comedy — and thus a departure for the typically serious Cianfrance. He talks about how and why he wanted to make this movie at this moment, and explains the many benefits of shooting on film.

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'Good Boy' Director Ben Leonberg (and his dog Indy!) Oct 09, 2025

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Who's a good boy? Indy, the star of this new horror film told entirely from his point of view. Director Ben Leonberg brought Indy into the office for a fun chat about filming a movie in his own home for 3 years, usually about 17 inches off the ground. Listen for how Ben used clever filmmaking to craft a great performance from of a dog who doesn't know he's an actor.

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'The Smashing Machine' Director Benny Safdie Oct 07, 2025

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In his solo directorial debut after making 'Good Time' and 'Uncut Gems' with his brother Josh, Benny Safdie pushed his signature chaotic style to a deeper, more personal place. From his rigorous authenticity in the ring, shooting the relationship with the same style as the fights, and convincing The Rock of all people to gain muscle, you'll want to hear how Benny went all out for this larger than life true story.

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'The Lost Bus' Director Paul Greengrass Oct 03, 2025

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The master of recreating real crisis is back. Director Paul Greengrass joins IndieWire's Chris O'Falt to discuss his newest survival thriller based on a true story from the 2018 California Wildfires. Greengrass explains why he changed his approach to filming the fires after the tragedies earlier this year, and how his background as a journalist lead to the creation of his signature style.

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'Play Dirty' Director Shane Black Oct 01, 2025

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Writer-director Shane Black joins IndieWire’s Jim Hemphill to talk about his latest film, the action-comedy “Play Dirty.” They discuss Black’s approach to adapting author Donald Westlake, why he likes to set action movies at Christmas, and how he finds the right balance between violence, humor, and poignancy.

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Using AI in Documentary Filmmaking with Stephanie Jenkins, APA Founder Sep 25, 2025

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Filmmaker’s Toolkit Podcast with Chris O’Falt (IndieWire)

Welcome to the Filmmaker’s Toolkit Podcast, hosted by IndieWire’s Chris O’Falt. This week we dive into one of the most urgent conversations in nonfiction filmmaking: the role of artificial intelligence.

Like many in the film community, Chris is deeply wary of what AI means for the art form we love—but ignoring it isn’t the answer. In this episode, Chris speaks with Stephanie Jenkins, longtime producer with Ken Burns and cofounder of the Archival Producers Alliance (APA). Jenkins has been at the forefront of setting industry guardrails for AI in documentary filmmaking, spearheading the APA’s Best Practices for the Use of Generative AI in Documentaries and helping launch the AI Toolkit for Nonfiction Filmmakers.

Together, they explore the promises, pitfalls, and pressing ethical questions surrounding AI in documentaries—drawing from surveys, real-world examples, and the lived experience of filmmakers working with archival materials.

If storytellers and film lovers don’t engage in this conversation, Silicon Valley will shape the future of nonfiction for us. Tune in to hear an eye-opening discussion and join the dialogue on how documentary filmmakers can protect creativity, history, and truth in the age of AI.

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'HIM' Director Justin Tipping Sep 20, 2025

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Director and co-writer Justin Tipping joins Toolkit to talk with IndieWire’s Jim Hemphill about his surreal new horror film from Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions. Tipping explains how he found his visual language at the intersection between horror and sports, how working with Peele liberated and protected him, and why he cast comic Marlon Wayans in a terrifying role.

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'Spinal Tap II: The End Continues' Director Rob Reiner Sep 18, 2025

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Rob Reiner returns to Filmmaker Toolkit to talk with IndieWire’s Jim Hemphill about “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.” Reiner discusses returning to the characters who launched his career, working as an actor for Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard, and how digital capture made his job easier than on “This is Spinal Tap” in 1984.

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