About this episodeDavid Leitch discusses his transition from stunt performer to acclaimed director, emphasizing the importance o…AI summary
David Leitch discusses his transition from stunt performer to acclaimed director, emphasizing the importance of collaborative leadership and the recent establishment of an Academy Award for stunt coordinators. He shares insights on balancing high-intensity action with character-driven drama, the logistical challenges of remote production during the pandemic, and the physical realities of the stunt industry.
Key takeaways 5
Leadership Style: Successful directors foster collaboration by allowing department heads and actors to feel ownership of the process, which yields a better product than rigid control.
Stunt Industry Recognition: After a 20+ year effort by coordinators like Jack Gil, Greg Smrz, and Melissa Stubs, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has approved a new category for stunt coordinators, rebranded as 'Stunt Designer' to align with other design awards.
Remote Production Innovation: During the pandemic, Leitch directed plate photography in Japan remotely via WhatsApp and specialized software, coordinating with a local cinematographer and first AD while he was in Los Angeles.
Career Transition: Leitch’s shift from stunt performer to director was facilitated by his wife Kelly McCormick, who advocated for him and helped him pitch for second unit work on John Wick, leading to his directorial debut.
Stunt Evolution: The industry has moved from traditional highfalls into airbags to safer cable drops and visual effects, though some 'lost arts' like fire gags are being revived through new cooling gels.
Notable quotes 4AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“No one gets fired for doing 75%. Like you can hold your job for 40 years if you if you deliver 75%. That's what kind of people expect. But if you want that extra 25% from people, it's they've got to feel a little bit of ownership, a little bit of buy in... if it's your house, you put a coaster underneath your drink without even being asked to be asked to.”
▶ 13:04Leitch explains his philosophy on leadership and collaboration, contrasting it with environments where employees feel disconnected from the outcome.
“Preparation plus opportunity equals miracles, sister.”
▶ 26:31A mantra Leitch and his fellow stunt performers adopted early in their careers after overhearing it in a diner, emphasizing that skill development leads to career breaks.
“We rebranded our credit on the Fall Guy... to 'stunt designer'... The tradition is you give it to the designer. And so we rebranded... that was sort of the first that's really cool brand now.”
Leitch details the strategic rebranding effort that helped secure the new Academy Award category for stunts.
“I think it separates what people go to see my movies because they're big action movies... but they're they remember them because they love the characters so much and because you actually cared about them.”
▶ 43:03Leitch reflects on his directing approach, highlighting the importance of emotional depth alongside technical execution.
Chapters & Sections (41)▼
0:00Comedy Podcast Discussion and Personal Storieschapter3
0:00Smartless Podcast Conversation with Guests
2:03Film Review of Hollywood Masterpiece
3:13Catch Up with Friends and Plans for Dinner
5:19Friendship and Compliments on a Showchapter2
5:19Conversation with a Friend about a Show
7:08David Leech Accomplished Film Director Interview
9:33David's Approach to Directing and Leadershipchapter1
9:33Directors' Work Habits and Personality Traits
13:47David's Experience as a Stunt Performerchapter2
13:47Discussion on Film Directing and Stunt Performance
15:22David Fincher's Directing Style and Collaboration
17:58Film Production Planning and Execution Discussionchapter2
17:58Film Production Challenges and Technical Execution
20:39Remote Film Production During Pandemic
22:08Struggling with Self-Destructive Thoughts and Behaviorchapter2
22:08Stuntman Career Choice and Childhood Trauma
24:03Stunt Performer Shares Training and Injury Experiences
26:15Believing in Preparation and Opportunitychapter2
26:15Stuntmen's Hardest Challenges and Training Regimens
28:20Stunt Performers Discuss Safety and Techniques
30:22Discussion about Stunt Coordinators and Awardschapter4
30:22Discussion about the Bourne Movies
31:43Academy Awards to Honor Stunt Coordinators
33:06Stunt Designers to Receive Academy Recognition
34:59Stunt Performers and Their Compensation
37:03Stunt Coordinator Salary and Personal Lifechapter2
37:03Stunt Pay and Personal Life of a Director
39:41Brad Pitt's Picky Director Choices Praised
41:40Director Discusses Future Film Projectschapter3
41:40Discussion on Film Direction and Preferences
43:09Discussing Film Genre and Upcoming Project
44:28Learning to Coordinate Action Scenes
46:06Challenges of Being a Film Directorchapter7
46:06Challenges of Being a Film Director
47:48Discussing Film Production and Career
49:19Nostalgic Conversation with David Harbour
50:48Conversation about squash and pickle ball
52:09Willie Guest Appearance and Future Project Discussion
53:18Managing Frustration on a Film Set
55:29Leadership and Managing Stress in the Workplace
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