Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar: How Train Dreams Became a Film | How I Write

The podcast explores the creative process of filmmaking through the lens of adapting source material, specifically Denis Johnson's novella "Train Dreams." Filmmakers Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar discuss their collaborative approach to writing, directing, and the importance of deeply understanding the story's essence and setting. They emphasize the need to "listen to the work" and allow the story to guide the creative choices, even if it deviates from the original script. Bentley and Kwedar also highlight the value of research, including immersing themselves in the story's location and engaging with local communities to add texture and authenticity. They touch upon the collaborative nature of filmmaking, the role of music in setting the mood, and the iterative process of refining a script through feedback and experimentation.