Filmmaking Lessons from a Married Directing Team

In this episode, GG Hawkins is joined by writer-director duo (and real-life couple) David Joseph Craig and Brian Crano to discuss their new film I Don’t Understand You, a genre-bending dark comedy starring Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells. The film follows a couple on a babymoon in Italy that spirals into chaos and violence. Craig and Crano share their process of fictionalizing their own adoption journey, balancing collaboration as married filmmakers, and navigating international co-productions. They also dive into the mechanics of shooting stunts, working with passionate collaborators, and sustaining a creative life while parenting.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guests David Joseph Craig and Brian Crano discuss...

• How personal experiences shaped the emotionally charged and comedic tone of I Don’t Understand You
• Transitioning from individual careers in acting and theater to collaborative filmmaking
• Tips for making international co-productions smoother, especially in Italy
• The logistics and artistry of filming stunts that are both shocking and funny
• Balancing parenting and directing, and how being a parent reshapes storytelling instincts
• Hiring passionate collaborators to elevate areas where you may feel less confident
• Why directors should consider editing or DP paths for a more sustainable career

Memorable Quotes:

• "My films are like my ex-wives — I'm glad they exist and I never want to see them again."
• "We just decided early that on set, we would shoot everything and figure it out after."
• "Directing is like being eaten by crows — no one wants all of you, but everyone wants three bites."
• "Hire the people who are most passionate about the job you're most insecure about."

Guests:

• David Joseph Craig on IMDb
• David’s Instagram
• Brian Crano on IMDb
• Brian’s Instagram

Resources:

• I Don’t Understand You — In theaters June 6 - Get Ticket Now
• I Don’t Understand You Trailer
• I Don’t Understand You on Instagram
• Articles on stunts and filmmaking at No Film School

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