Her film Nightbitch arrives on Hulu this week; revisit a captivating interview with director and actor Marielle Heller. Too often seen as understated and underappreciated, Heller is undeniably a filmmaking powerhouse. In this conversation, she reflects on her theater roots, the challenges of navigating gender dynamics in the industry, and the experience of directing Tom Hanks in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Known for eliciting memorable performances from actors like Amy Adams (Nightbitch) and Melissa McCarthy (Will You Ever Forgive Me?), as well as Hanks, Heller sees herself as the "authenticity police," to make sure every moment feels true. Clearly, it's working.

Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.

This conversation took place in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.

More Info:

+Nightbitch: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/nightbitch

+Diary of a Teenage Girl: http://rottentomatoes.com/m/the_diary_of_a_teenage_girl

+Can You Ever Forgive Me?: http://rottentomatoes.com/m/can_you_ever_forgive_me

+A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: http://rottentomatoes.com/m/a_beautiful_day_in_the_neighborhood

+The Queen's Gambit (Actor): https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_queens_gambit

You may know him as Jean-Ralphio from Parks and Rec, or the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog. Friend of The Black List family, Ben Schwartz, joins Kate and Franklin for an insanely funny conversation about his improv adventure on Middleditch and Schwartz, bringing Dewey to life in the DuckTales reboot, his Netflix series, Space Force, and so much more.

Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst. This episode was originally released in 2020. In honor of the release of Sonic 3, listen back to a fun conversation with a talented guy. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.

Mentions:

+Middleditch and Schwartz: http://www.netflix.com/title/81122572

+DuckTales: http://rottentomatoes.com/tv/ducktales

+Space Force: http://netflix.com/title/81021929

[Encore] Writer and director of The Farewell, Lulu Wang, joins Kate and Franklin to talk about navigating the indie film marketplace, drawing inspiration from her classical piano training, streaming vs. theatrical distribution, and so much more.

Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.

This episode originally aired in 2020, behind a paywall. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.

Mentions:

+The Farewell: rottentomatoes.com/m/the_farewell_2018

Also:

+'Moonlight' Director Barry Jenkins Marries 'The Farewell' Filmmaker Lulu Wang

https://ew.com/moonlight-director-barry-jenkins-marries-the-farewell-filmmaker-lulu-wang-8760124