November 27, 2024

DON’T MOVE Directors Brian Netto and Adam Schindler

1 hour 8 minutes

Today we’re joined by directing duo Adam Schindler and Brian Netto, the creative minds behind the new horror thriller Don’t Move. The guys share how they transformed the universal fear of immobility into a gripping narrative that they ultimately sold to Netflix and discuss what it was like shooting in the Bulgarian wilderness, working with legendary producer Sam Raimi, and how they developed a hauntingly charismatic serial killer played by Finn Wittrock, alongside a powerful and emotionally charged performance by lead actress Kelsey Asbille. Don’t Move is now streaming on Netflix.

Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with Brian and Adam:

Take Breaks.

Early drafts of their script didn’t work—there was a disconnect between the concept of paralysis and the main character’s emotional journey. Rather than forcing a solution, they decided to put the project aside for a while and focus on other things. When they returned to the script with fresh perspectives, they were able to see the story’s missing elements more clearly and reapproach it with renewed energy.

The takeaway here is don't be afraid to pause: when creativity stalls, putting your project down for a short period can provide the mental clarity and distance needed to spot problems and find solutions. Even if you're not directly working on a project, your brain will subconsciously work on a solution in the background. Patience leads to stronger work: Rushing to force solutions can lead to uninspired results. Instead, embrace the process and trust that time away can lead to breakthroughs.

Write a Scalable Script.

Brian and Adam intentionally crafted a story that could be produced at varying budget levels, making it adaptable for different production scenarios. This strategy proved invaluable when pitching the project. Whether it became a $1M indie film shot in a handful of locations or a larger studio-backed production with expanded scope, the story’s essence and emotional core remained intact and gave them the flexibility to pitch to a wide array of producers.

They compared their approach to Beck and Woods who wrote A Quiet Place. When pitching A Quiet Place, Beck and Woods famously intended to shoot their high-concept horror story for $75,000 in their hometown if it didn’t sell. By ensuring their script could be executed with minimal resources, the Don’t Move team gave themselves the flexibility to proceed regardless of the budgetary constraints. For Don't Move, the scalability made the film an easier sell to partners, such as producer Sam Raimi and Netflix, while also leaving room for creative adjustments based on the final budget.

Safety First.

One of the most critical lessons the directors learned from Sam Raimi was the importance of prioritizing safety on set. Raimi repeatedly emphasized that it was their responsibility as directors to ensure the well-being of every cast and crew member, whether during stunt work or handling environmental hazards like shooting scenes on a 200-foot cliff or filming complex car stunts. No shot or sequence is worth compromising the safety of cast or crew, and it’s the directors’ job to uphold this standard at all times.

This commitment to safety extended beyond stunts. Through their leadership, the directors fostered an environment where every crew member felt valued and secure, which in turn contributed to a more collaborative and focused set. By prioritizing safety, they set the tone for a productive and respectful creative process.

Show Notes

Movies Discussed: