2022 Gotham Week Conference – Working with Actors

The 2022 Gotham Week Conference & Gotham Week Expo kicked off on September 17th and ran through September 23rd. I had the pleasure of checking out some of the events virtually. In addition, I had the opportunity to participate in a conference that involved the creators of two recent hit films.

Throughout the week, I had quite an incredible time listening to filmmakers and producers across the world talk about getting films made, working with actors, and much more. I had one conference in particular that I was highly interested in taking part with being Working with Actors featuring Bodies Bodies Bodies director Halina Reijn and Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul’s director Adamma Ebo and producer Adanna Ebo.

Direct Access — Working With Actors

— Features Bodies Bodies Bodies director Halina Reijn and Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. Director Adamma Ebo and producer Adanne Ebo

I had known that Honk for Jesus was a short film, but I didn’t realize it was supposed to be a feature film first. Adamma made the short first because of a conversation with Damien Chazzelle. It was always the plan for them to make the feature.

One of the big things that you appreciate with both Honk For Jesus and Bodies Bodies Bodies is that the movies both are funny but also touch on sensitive subjects. Both Reijn and Ebo did an incredible job of balancing these two things that make them connect with the audience while at the same time teaching us something.

I loved how moderator Darrien Gipson was able to get both the Ebo’s and Reijn to be more personable and give us that inside look behind the making of their films. Likewise, I loved listening to Reijn break down how she was able to work behind the scenes with her ensemble cast to work together to deliver her story in the best way.

When you walk away from events like this, you learn so much. You get these creators in a different light that isn’t your prototypical interview. It’s more of a behind-the-scenes look than just a Q&A. I loved the backstories and learning about each of their process in filmmaking.