Collider's Directors on Directing Panel: Filmmaking Advice, New Projects, and More From SDCC

Collider’s Directors on Directing panel has always been a favorite of mine at San Diego Comic Con. This year, moderator Steve W sat down with Zach Cregger (Barbarian, Weapons) and writer-directors Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Game Night).The three discussed their past and future projects, presented exclusive clips, and gave valuable advice for upcoming filmmakers.

Cregger opened by discussing Gladis, a memorable character from his latest hit film Weapons. Her backstory was purposely kept vague in the film as it made the most sense. But he is currently working on a script of her backstory that promises more twists and turns, mysteries, and crazy moments similar to Weapons.

“My next project is going to be a science fiction movie called Flood that I wrote.” Cregger revealed. Flood was written during the same “blast” as Weapons, and Resident Evil.

Goldstein and Daley discussed their next film, a new Star Trek movie. The script is currently in progress and will feature characters audiences have never seen before. “Everything we take on, what draws us to it is the opportunity to do a different spin on something that you've seen done before. And that's our hope with this, is to satisfy the fans, but also bring people in who may not consider themselves lovers of Star Trek, and surprise them.” explained Jonathan.

Cregger revealed his most difficult scene to shoot was in Resident Evil. To simulate falling bodies, the scene featured 150lb bags of fluid dropping from six stories by crane as an actor ran by. He recalled a moment when one of the heavy bags missed the sprinting actor by inches. Creggar explained, “And so it was dangerous, it took days, and

it took a ton of rehearsal and planning, but I think it paid off. I'm really proud of that scene.”

As for advice for aspiring filmmakers, Cregger encouraged aspiring directors to make the movie they want to see. “Don't try and make a movie that you think is going to get you a result, or that you think is going to be like a stepping stone to your big thing. Make your first movie the thing that you love the most.” Cregger explained. He learned a tough lesson by trying to make a movie he thought would jump start his career. It ended up not working out which led to a twelve year gap until his next project. For his next film, he was sure to chose something he really cared about and the results showed.

Speaker two explained, you have to really love what you’re working on because you’re going to be working on it for years. “It has to be a passion project every time.” Speaker two advised. Both directors emphasized being responsible and making the business side feel comfortable that you’re going to make this film the right way.

Cregger shared a candid moment he had with director David Fincher, while editing Weapons. He described Fincher’s ability to manipulate sound in a unique way by switching audio levels of cicada sounds depending on the focus of the camera.

The panel concluded with a surprise appearance by Johnny Depp, who took the stage in costume as Ebenezer Scrooge from his upcoming film, Ebenezer. Attendees were also treated to the debut of the film's new trailer.

Look out for the dropping bodies scene during Resident Evil, in theaters September 18!