Inspired by his father to become a filmmaker, Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais got his start as an actor and writer, before he got into editing and directing. By wearing many hats, he got to learn every angle of the process.

His new film, ‘Birthmarked,’ stars Matthew Goode and Toni Collette. In the movie, two scientists try to raise three children contrarily to their genetic tendencies in an effort to prove the truth about nurture over nature.

In this interview, the director talks about proper communication with cast and crew, shooting what’s essential, his writing process with Marc Tulin, knowing entry and exit points for a scene, and proper blocking, storyboarding, and beyond.

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