As we view entries for SHOOT’s 12th annual New Directors Showcase—which will be unveiled on May 22 at the DGA Theatre in NYC (https://www.shootonline.com/eventregister)—the importance of such industry dynamics as mentorship and providing opportunities for aspiring talent become clearly evident.
Most director backstories include a big break or two in terms of education, an apprenticeship, someone’s belief in an unproven talent resulting in a pivotal gig—all underscoring that the constant lifeblood of our community is new talent being given a chance.
Our Up and Coming Directors/Spring Collection feature story in last month’s Directors Series (SHOOT, 3/21) reflects this. Consider Oscar-nominated production designer Jess Gonchor, one of the emerging directors profiled on the strength of spots he has helmed at Hungry Man. Helping Gonchor at different junctures in his career has been director Bennett Miller.
Gonchor started out in the theater and then expanded into film, mainly in the art department. He art directed several movies and then found a niche in commercials, extending his reach into production design. “The first commercial I art directed was with Bennett when he was at Hungry Man,” noted Gonchor. (Miller is now repped for spots by Smuggler.) Gonchor and Miller developed a working relationship and rhythm in commercials over the years so the director naturally gravitated towards the production designer for his first feature film, the lauded Capote.
In turn, Gonchor feels his work on Capote led to the opportunity to connect with the Coen brothers, sparking a longstanding relationship which included the production designer’s Oscar nomination for True Grit.
Gonchor’s collaboration with Miller is also ongoing, spanning the features Moneyball and the upcoming Foxcatcher. For the latter, Gonchor did double duty as production designer and for the first time as second unit director.
“Being a full-time production designer,” related Gonchor, “you know the material so well—your work is all linked to the story. I asked Bennett if I could do some of the stuff that he couldn’t get to with the first unit. He was gracious and trusting enough to say that was a good idea. He took a chance and it was a wonderful experience.”
