Introduction

In an exclusive interview with ScreenDaily, acclaimed director Alex Garland and producer Andrew MacDonald discuss their 28-year collaboration, the possibility of a trilogy, casting indie films, and the importance of producers in the film industry. Their conversation offers a unique insight into the world of independent cinema and the role of producers in shaping successful films.

A 28-Year Collaboration

Alex Garland and Andrew MacDonald have been working together for nearly three decades, starting with the 1995 film ‘Shallow Grave’. This long-standing partnership has led to the creation of several critically acclaimed films, including ‘Trainspotting’, ’28 Days Later’, and ‘Ex Machina’.

“It’s a very unusual thing to have a partnership that lasts that long,” Garland said. “I think it’s very rare in the film industry, and it’s something that I feel very lucky about.”

MacDonald echoed Garland’s sentiments, adding, “It’s a very special relationship. We’ve been through so much together, and we’ve had our ups and downs, but we’ve always managed to come out the other side.”

The Possibility of a Trilogy

The duo’s latest film, ‘Men’, has sparked speculation about a potential trilogy following ‘Ex Machina’ and ‘Annihilation’. While Garland and MacDonald are open to the idea, they emphasize that it would require a compelling narrative to justify another installment.

“I think if we were going to do another one, it would have to be something that felt really new and interesting to us,” Garland explained. “We wouldn’t want to do it just for the sake of doing it. It would have to feel like there’s something more to say.”

MacDonald agreed, stating, “I think we would both want to make sure that if we did another one, it would be as good as or better than the previous ones. We wouldn’t want to do it just because we can.”

Casting Indie Films

Garland and MacDonald have a reputation for discovering and nurturing new talent in their films. They discussed the challenges and rewards of casting indie films, particularly in terms of finding the right actors for their unique roles.

“Casting is a very difficult process, and it’s a very important process,” Garland said. “It’s one of the most important things you do when you’re making a film. It’s about finding the right person for the right part, and that can be very difficult.”

MacDonald added, “I think one of the great things about indie films is that you can take risks with casting. You can cast people who are not necessarily well-known, but who you believe in.”

The Importance of Producers

The duo emphasized the crucial role producers play in the filmmaking process, particularly in independent cinema where resources are often limited.

“Producers are incredibly important,” Garland stressed. “They’re the people who enable you to make the film. They’re the people who find the money, who put the whole thing together, who make it possible for you to shoot the film.”

MacDonald echoed Garland’s sentiments, saying, “I think producers are often underestimated. They’re the ones who are there at the beginning, and they’re the ones who are there at the end. They’re the ones who are trying to make the film happen.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, Alex Garland and Andrew MacDonald’s 28-year collaboration has resulted in some of the most critically acclaimed indie films of the past few decades. Their discussion on the possibility of a trilogy, the challenges of casting indie films, and the importance of producers in the filmmaking process offers a unique insight into the world of independent cinema. As they continue to create innovative and thought-provoking films, their partnership remains a testament to the power of collaboration and creative vision in the film industry.

[listkeywords]: [‘Alex Garland’, ‘Andrew MacDonald’, ’28 Days Later’, ‘Ex Machina’, ‘Annihilation’, ‘Men’, ‘Trainspotting’, ‘Shallow Grave’, ‘Indie Films’, ‘Producers’, ‘Casting’, ‘Trilogy’]