How ‘May December’ Writer Samy Burch Plays With Power on the Page

Samy Burch is the writer of May December, a story about a married couple who buckles under pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past. This complicated and sensitive story truly captivates the power of what is not being said.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with screenwriter Samy Burch to discuss:

• Spending time in audition rooms as the daughter of a casting director
• Making sure no actor got cut from this film
• How Samy was able to tackle such a complicated and sensitive story 
• Writing in her apartment coat closet 
• The hard work and luck involved in getting the screenplay picked up 
• Protecting the confidence in your own voice.
• Presenting power dynamics in her writing
• Watching the film alone versus in a theater 

Memorable Quotes

• “My goal with writing is to write roles that actors think are interesting.” [9:51]
• “It’s so hard to be an actor. It really is.” [12:34]
• “Protect that confidence in your own voice because that’s the hardest part.” [24:39]
• “The tension exists in what’s not being said.” [29:34]

Mentioned:

May December

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