Ep 7. TV Directors

Close Up with The Hollywood Reporter season 5 episode 7 brings together some of the most successful and respected TV directors in Hollywood. The episode delves into the creative process behind directing some of the biggest shows on TV today and how they work with the actors and crew to bring the vision to life.

The episode features six directors from diverse backgrounds, including Lesli Linka Glatter (Homeland), Steven Canals (Pose), Dave Filoni (The Mandalorian), Susanne Bier (The Undoing), Julie Anne Robinson (Bridgerton), and Nisha Ganatra (Transparent). The directors candidly share their insights and experiences on working in television, from casting to production, and everything in between.

Lesli Linka Glatter, who has directed more than a dozen episodes of Homeland, talks about the importance of creating a collaborative environment on set. She emphasizes the need to communicate clearly with the actors and crew, and to listen carefully to their feedback. She also shares some memorable moments from filming Homeland, including working with Claire Danes and filming a scene with a live camel.

Steven Canals, who created and directed the hit FX series Pose, discusses the challenges of making a show that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. He talks about the importance of casting actors who can bring authenticity to their roles, and how he worked with his cast to bring their characters to life on screen. He also discusses the impact of the show on the trans community and the need for more diverse voices in Hollywood.

Dave Filoni, who helped bring the Star Wars universe to life in The Clone Wars and The Mandalorian, shares his insights on directing action-packed scenes and bringing fan-favorite characters to the screen. He talks about the importance of staying true to the source material while also bringing new elements to the story. He also reflects on the legacy of Star Wars and the responsibility that comes with working on such an iconic franchise.

Susanne Bier, who directed the critically acclaimed miniseries The Undoing, discusses the challenges of working on a project with such a complex plot. She talks about the importance of pacing and structure, and how she approached working with the actors to reveal their characters' motivations and secrets. She also discusses the impact of the show on audiences and the importance of storytelling in our current cultural climate.

Julie Anne Robinson, who directed multiple episodes of the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, talks about the challenge of bringing the Regency era to life on screen. She shares insights on how she worked with the actors to create chemistry and tension on screen, and how she approached filming the series' many lavish ballroom scenes. She also discusses the show's impact on audiences and the importance of having more women behind the camera in Hollywood.

Nisha Ganatra, who directed multiple episodes of the groundbreaking series Transparent, shares her insights on bringing nuanced characters and complex relationships to the screen. She talks about the importance of creating a safe and collaborative environment on set, and how she worked with the actors to bring their characters to life. She also reflects on the impact of the show on audiences and the cultural conversation around trans rights and representation.

Overall, Close Up with The Hollywood Reporter season 5 episode 7 offers a fascinating look at the world of TV directing and the creative process behind some of the biggest shows on TV today. With insights from six of the most respected directors in Hollywood, viewers will come away with a deeper appreciation for the art and craft of television storytelling.