Go behind the scenes to learn from Sundance Advisors in our Conversations from the Labs series. This collection of 90-minute videos will deepen your understanding of all the creative disciplines that are supported through our Labs including Feature Film Directing and Writing, TV Writing, Emerging Media, Documentary, Producing, Film Music, and Theater.

In this video, writer/director Karyn Kusama shares her approach to prepping and directing films. Reflecting on her experience directing THE INVITATION, DESTROYER, and GIRLFIGHT, she explains her process for getting to the essence, the emotional feeling of a film, the connection between scheduling and budget, and how she approaches rehearsing. She stresses the need to accept mistakes as part of the filmmaking process and why practicing self-care while directing is essential.

Other conversations in the series include those with editor Dylan Tichenor, actor/director Ed Harris, writer/director Rick Famuyiwa, writer/director/producer Kasi Lemmons, and others.