‘Joyland’ Director Saim Sadiq Redefines What it Means to be a Director

A film is like a baby, and everyone involved is a parent. How do you keep all the parents happy, calm, and on the same page? 

In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and director of Joyland, Saim Sadiq, discuss:

• The universality of the film and seeing oneself in the characters
• Why the Cannes Film Festival was the best place for the film to premiere
• People needing time to process the film after watching it 
• Keeping only the necessary people on set
• Not overloading the actors with too much information 
• Feeling excited about problems that would arise
• Why it’s so important to have empathy on set from the very beginning 
• Earning respect on set with a unique directing style

Memorable Quotes

• “There is that one thing, their desire of being visible, that joins them all together.” [17:33]
• “It is not a scene I would rehearse, ever, because there is improv involved in it.” [21:52]
• “There’s a lightbulb that goes on. Once that goes on, you need to stop talking immediately.” [27:06]
• “I was so ready, that even the idea that some problem would happen, was exciting.” [31:43]

Mentioned Resources:

Joyland

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