Ep 634: James DeMonaco
Summary
Filmmaker James DeMonaco reflects on his unconventional journey from Staten Island to Hollywood, detailing the creation and expansion of the blockbuster "Purge" franchise and his commitment to its vision. He shares anecdotes from working with legends like Francis Ford Coppola on "Jack" and the practical realities of directing. DeMonaco also delves into his latest film, "The Home," revealing its unique inspirations and the strong ensemble cast, including Pete Davidson, while offering insights into the industry's compromises and the art of "smuggler cinema."Episode description
Filmmaker James DeMonaco (THE PURGE franchise, THIS IS THE NIGHT) joins Adam and Joe to discuss his career journey and the making of his new feature THE HOME (in theaters now). From growing up in Staten Island with no viable connections to the film industry… to teaching himself how to write scripts armed with only a copy of Syd Field's book SCREENPLAY… to briefly attending NYU film school where he made a friend with a means to securing some financing… to making his first independent film RED which lead to a student Academy Award… to how his script for JACK (co-written with Gary Nadeau) lead to an industry bidding war… to working with cinematic icon Francis Ford Coppola and the brilliant Robin Williams on the project… to writing films like THE NEGOTIATOR, the remake of ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 and SKINWALKERS before getting the opportunity to direct his screenplay for LITTLE NEW YORK… to creating the worldwide blockbuster franchise THE PURGE and why he and his producing partner Sébastien K. Lemercier have continued to shaped the franchise through five (soon to be SIX) films… to how visiting family members in elder care facilities lead to the idea for THE HOME… to the casting of SNL alum Pete Davidson and the great John Glover in leading roles of the film… to what it was like shooting a film with a cast of elderly people during the tail end of COVID…to learning that every writer needs a "Mad Hungarian" and tons of other anecdotes he's learned throughout his career… this honest conversation about the path of becoming a filmmaker is one that every artist can benefit from.