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, two directors - Lesli Linka Glatter and Keith Gordon - share their approach to breaking down a scene and prepping a shoot. Glatter, sharing storyboards and a clip from HOMELAND, and Gordon, sharing a scene from FARGO, discuss the importance of thorough preparation - illustrate the need to understand the emotional truth of a scene. They describe their approach to rehearsals and their process for developing a visual language. And they advise directors to remain open to change and ready to reframe unanticipated obstacles as opportunities that are integral to the filmmaking process.

Other conversations in the series include those with editor Dylan Tichenor, actor/director Ed Harris, writer/director Rick Famuyiwa, writer/director/producer Kasi Lemmons, writer/director/composer Benh Zeitlin, with new videos to view every two weeks.

Director
Lesli Linka Glatter is a director of film, network, and premium cable television drama, with both pilots and episodes to her credit. Lesli’s TV work includes HOMELAND, THE NEWSROOM, THE WALKING DEAD, JUSTIFIED, RAY DONOVAN, MASTERS OF SEX, TRUE BLOOD, MAD MEN, THE LEFTOVERS, THE GOOD WIFE, THE WEST WING, NYPD BLUE, ER, FREAKS AND GEEKS AND TWIN PEAKS. Lesli has also directed numerous pilots including GILMORE GIRLS, PRETTY LITTLE LIARS and SIX. Her films include NOW AND THEN, THE PROPOSITION and for HBO, STATE OF EMERGENCY. more...
Director / Actor
As an indie filmmaker, Gordon starred in, co-wrote, and co-produced STATIC (Best Actor: Madrid Film Festival), adapted and directed THE CHOCOLATE WAR, (IFP/Spirit Award nomination: Best First Feature), adapted and directed A MIDNIGHT CLEAR (IFP/Spirit Award nomination: Best Screenplay), produced and directed MOTHER NIGHT from the Kurt Vonnegut novel and starring Nick Nolte, adapted and directed Scott Spencer’s WAKING THE DEAD (IFP/Spirit award nomination for Best Screenplay), and directed THE SINGING DETECTIVE starring Robert Downey Jr., Mel Gibson, and Robin Wright. more...

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