Filmmaking Lessons from a Married Directing Team

In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins is joined by writer-director duo (and real-life couple) David Joseph Craig and Brian Crano to discuss their new film I Don’t Understand You, a genre-bending dark comedy starring Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells. The film follows a couple on a babymoon in Italy that spirals into chaos and violence. Craig and Crano share their process of fictionalizing their own adoption journey, balancing collaboration as married filmmakers, and navigating international co-productions. They also dive into the mechanics of shooting stunts, working with passionate collaborators, and sustaining a creative life while parenting.In this episode, we discuss:How personal experiences shaped the emotionally charged and comedic tone of I Don’t Understand YouTransitioning from individual careers in acting and theater to collaborative filmmakingTips for making international co-productions smoother, especially in ItalyThe logistics and artistry of filming stunts that are both shocking and funnyBalancing parenting and directing, and how being a parent reshapes storytelling instinctsHiring passionate collaborators to elevate areas where you may feel less confidentWhy directors should consider editing or DP paths for a more sustainable careerGuests: David Joseph CraigBrian Crano on IMDbSubscribe to the No Film School Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogleGet your question answered on the podcast by emailing podcast@nofilmschool.com Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here: This episode of The No Film School Podcast was produced by GG Hawkins.

Jun 7, 2025 - 13:55

Filmmaking Lessons from a Married Directing Team

In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins is joined by writer-director duo (and real-life couple) David Joseph Craig and Brian Crano to discuss their new film I Don’t Understand You, a genre-bending dark comedy starring Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells.

The film follows a couple on a babymoon in Italy that spirals into chaos and violence. Craig and Crano share their process of fictionalizing their own adoption journey, balancing collaboration as married filmmakers, and navigating international co-productions. They also dive into the mechanics of shooting stunts, working with passionate collaborators, and sustaining a creative life while parenting.

In this episode, we discuss:

How personal experiences shaped the emotionally charged and comedic tone of I Don’t Understand You
Transitioning from individual careers in acting and theater to collaborative filmmaking
Tips for making international co-productions smoother, especially in Italy
The logistics and artistry of filming stunts that are both shocking and funny
Balancing parenting and directing, and how being a parent reshapes storytelling instincts
Hiring passionate collaborators to elevate areas where you may feel less confident
Why directors should consider editing or DP paths for a more sustainable career

Guests:

Subscribe to the No Film School Podcast on:

Get your question answered on the podcast by emailing podcast@nofilmschool.com

Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here:

_{This episode of The No Film School Podcast was produced by GG Hawkins.}