Overview

• David Leitch's journey from stunt performer to acclaimed director demonstrates how production-background professionals bring unique advantages to filmmaking, including better on-set dynamics and collaborative leadership that gives team members a sense of ownership in the creative process.

• The evolution of stunt work has become increasingly specialized and technical, with modern techniques relying on visual effects and specialized equipment, while David and colleagues have spent over 20 years advocating for stunt recognition at the Academy Awards by strategically rebranding the role as "stunt designer."

• Despite directing high-octane action films, Leitch emphasizes the importance of character-driven emotional moments in his work, revealing his growth beyond action choreography into comprehensive filmmaking that includes actor direction and technical mastery.

• Successful film directing requires balancing precise vision with collaborative input, as exemplified by contrasting styles like the Wachowskis' team approach versus David Fincher's exacting precision, while maintaining composure and emotional control when facing production challenges.

Content

• The podcast begins with a casual conversation between friends/podcast hosts. Will has recently finished a challenging work project (a film with Bradley Cooper), moved into a new home, and returned from travel.

• The hosts engage in playful banter about Will's hat positioning and discuss being together in the same city, with anticipation of a group meal the next day. Will shares a story about visiting his high school and seeing a play with old theater friends. Jay mentions he's still working on a project with about 6 weeks remaining.

• The conversation transitions to introducing their guest, David Leitch, a prominent director known for Deadpool 2, Hobbs and Shaw, Bullet Train, and The Fall Guy. They note his professional evolution from stunt person to stunt coordinator, and finally to director and producer.

• The hosts describe David as grounded, hungry, and "normal" despite his success. They mention working with him on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and praise his skill at creating complex action sequences.

• David shares his perspective on directing, explaining he learned from mentoring under various directors and believes being "an asshole" is not an effective leadership approach. He values maintaining a collaborative and professional environment.

• The discussion shifts to collaborative filmmaking and the value of directors who have worked in other film production roles. David discusses working with the Wachowskis (Matrix, V for Vendetta), highlighting their collaborative approach:

• The speakers suggest that directors who come from production backgrounds (like stunt performers or actors) have unique advantages in understanding on-set dynamics, managing personalities, and collaborating effectively.

• A key insight emerges about workplace collaboration: employees perform better when they feel a sense of ownership and are more likely to go beyond minimum expectations when invested in the process.

• David shares a personal anecdote about his work on Fight Club, where he was Brad Pitt's stunt double but primarily trained actors in the film's fighting style, with minimal actual stunt work despite the film's title.

• The conversation turns to working with director David Fincher, describing his extremely precise directing style that requires less collaborative input, with crew members expected to "buy into the vision" and support his exact plan. David shares an anecdote about a stunt scene in Fight Club where Fincher had the stunt repeated 12 times, ultimately using take two.

• Discussion shifts to the "Bullet Train" production, which was shot during the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally planned to shoot in Tokyo, it ultimately filmed in Culver City on a soundstage, with the director adapting the film's style to feel more like an "anime graphic novel" due to location constraints.

• David explains how he directed a film remotely during the pandemic, using WhatsApp and other software to coordinate with a cinematographer and first AD in Japan.

• The conversation transitions to David's background as a stunt performer:

• David notes that many of his original stunt performer housemates became successful in the industry, including Chad Stahelski (John Wick director). He became interested in stunt work after visiting a movie set in Mexico and seeing fight scene choreography.

• David discusses a personal injury early in his career, breaking his wrist while attempting a back flip. He and his peers were motivated by a philosophy of "preparation plus opportunity equals miracles" and were deeply committed to training.

• The conversation explores how stunt work has evolved:

• David mentions favorite repeat-watch movies like the Bourne series, Ronin, and Midnight Run, and references "The Fall Guy" movie as an homage to old-school stunts.

• The discussion turns to David's significant effort to establish a new Academy Award category for stunts:

• The conversation touches on stunt work compensation, including "bump" or "stunt adjustment" payments for dangerous takes.

• David shares how his wife, who worked at Sierra Affinity, was instrumental in his directing career, helping him take meetings and advocating for him in the industry. She discovered and recommended the "John Wick" project to him and his partner.

• David reflects on his filmmaking approach, emphasizing that beyond big action sequences, he values creating emotional, character-driven moments. He's currently preparing a new film called "How to Rob a Bank" starring Nick Holt and Pete Davidson.

• The discussion explores David's evolution as a director, particularly his comfort with different aspects of filmmaking beyond action choreography, including working with actors, understanding technical elements like lighting, and handling on-set interpersonal dynamics.

• David acknowledges he gained directing experience through second unit work and expresses interest in potentially doing a smaller, more dramatic project in the future.

• He discusses the challenges of getting films "greenlit," including selling projects to studios, aligning collaborators' schedules, negotiating budget constraints, and dealing with uncertainty around project approval.

• David mentions recent projects including "Nobody" with Bob Odenkirk and "Violent Night" with David Harbour. He expresses love for on-set life and physical production, noting he misses being on set (hasn't been on a set in two years).

• The conversation lightens with a brief discussion about pickleball, which David plays recreationally.

• As the interview wraps up, the hosts praise David as a "great guy" and a thoughtful person. They joke about potentially creating a "Smartless movie" with stunt elements, perhaps involving being kidnapped by a disgruntled listener.

• The podcast concludes with a discussion on managing stress and maintaining composure in leadership roles, particularly in directing. Key insights include the importance of patience, compromise, and emotional control when in leadership positions, with strategies like properly managing your day, staying calm under pressure, and practicing restraint.