June 05, 2025

Filmmaking Lessons from a Married Directing Team

55 minutes

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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By No Film School

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