SXSW 2012 Panel: Collaborations in Film: Writers and Producers

Saturday morning provided an impressive selection of panels for SXSW Film badgeholders, but one stood out above the rest -- especially for any aspiring producers and screenwriters in attendance. "Collaborations in Film: Writers & Producers" featured writer/director Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter), producer Brunson Green (The Help), and producer and Austin Film Society Board of Directors member Sarah Green (Take Shelter, The Tree of Life). The panelists discussed and fielded questions about what it takes to have a successful working relationship between writers and producers.

While each panelist brought their own impressive career and experience to the panel, it was exciting to see such a great pair like Sarah Green and Jeff Nichols discuss this topic, with their collaboration on films like Take Shelter as well as the much-anticipated Mud.

Green expressed her interest in working with Nichols after being impressed with his writing right from the start, emphasizing how important it is to establish good, clear communication between writer and producer. Admitting that her notes to writers have been known to be straightforward and challenging, Green stated that it is essential to make sure that both parties are working to make the same movie.

Everyone on the panel agreed that a successful partnership allows the writer to properly establish their ideas and accomplish their vision, while the producer must challenge and push the writer in order to get the screenplay to its full potential. The key is striking the perfect balance between creativity and criticism.

One of the more fascinating few minutes of this panel was Nichols elaborating on what initially inspired him to write Take Shelter. From a simple image of a man standing in front of an open storm shelter, to the fundamental emotion of anxiety throughout, he built a truly captivating story. Nichols jokingly added that he threw in some of the more thrilling scenes so people would actually want to watch it. He certainly made it clear that ultimately it is much more fulfilling as a writer to work with producers who allow him to put himself into the entire screenplay, rather than having to bend to notes that work against his original vision.

Brunson Green gave insight into giving a writer the proper amount of leeway throughout the development process. It was fascinating to hear his experience producing the widely successful film The Help from the initial adaptation process to the final release.

As an aspiring screenwriter myself, this panel couldn't have been more helpful in fleshing out a relationship which, to be honest, I haven't given very much consideration. The overall clarity with which each panelist addressed the subject and fielded questions from the audience made this the most effective panel I've attended at this year's festival so far.

Michael Davenport is the marketing apprentice at the Austin Film Society.