Ep. 73: Debra Granik on How to Direct A Breakout Role

TIFF Long Take

This week on TIFF Long Take, Rob and Geoff sit down with award winning independent film director and writer, Debra Granik. Granik, whose films include Down to the Bone and Winter’s Bone, is recognized as one of film’s great talent spotters, casting actors Jennifer Lawrence and Vera Farmiga in their star-making roles. Her latest film, Leave No Trace, starring Ben Foster and rising star Thomasin McKenzie, is playing now at TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Granik discusses what she looks for most in her leading actors, how she’s able to spot talent in relatively unproven actors, and how she prepares her cast for such physically and emotionally demanding roles.

She also talks about about why she chooses to set her films in less conventional locations like the Ozarks or the Oregon wilderness, the challenges of making films about the disenfranchised, and where in America she hopes her next film will take her.