In the world of filmmaking, we often hear about directors who steer the ship solo. But every now and then, there’s a dynamic duo that comes along and shows us the power of collaboration. Sally El Hosaini and James Krishna Floyd, the creative minds behind ‘Unicorns,’ which is set to premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, are a prime example of how teamwork can make the dream work.
While both Hosaini and Floyd have previously worked together in director-actor roles, ‘Unicorns’ marks a significant milestone as their first co-directing venture. For Floyd, this also marks his directorial debut, adding an extra layer of excitement to the project. During their visit to the FilmSweep Media Studio to discuss their film, they shared insights into the surprising benefits of co-directing.
In a candid conversation with FilmSweep’s Perri Nemiroff, Hosaini and Floyd, who are not just creative partners but also married, shed light on what made their co-directing experience unexpectedly smooth. Despite having their own unique styles and approaches to filmmaking, they anticipated more challenges due to their shared opinions and confidence in their careers. However, their close relationship turned out to be their secret weapon. According to Floyd, “it was a dream.”
The key to their successful collaboration? Communication. Hosaini mentioned that disagreements were few and far between, but when they did occur, they always managed to make the right decision for the film. This harmony in their working relationship can be attributed to their deep understanding of each other, both personally and professionally. As Floyd put it, “we have a shorthand.” Their familiarity allowed them to communicate non-verbally, making the creative process even smoother.
But it wasn’t just Hosaini and Floyd who reaped the rewards of their collaboration; the entire cast of ‘Unicorns’ benefited from their co-directing approach. Ben Hardy, one of the cast members, highlighted how their strong rapport played a pivotal role in keeping conflicts at bay. Instead of clashes, they found themselves guided by two creative minds that helped them navigate the filmmaking journey with ease.
Jason Patel, another member of the cast, emphasized how the directors’ different perspectives enriched the decision-making process for scenes. Their passion for the project was palpable and infectious, motivating the cast to give their best. As Patel stated, “they’re both so passionate about it. You’ve both been in it for, like, seven years basically, so they’re so determined to make this the best film possible, so it inspired us because we obviously want to make the best film possible.”
In a world where the spotlight often shines on solo directors, ‘Unicorns’ and its co-directors, Sally El Hosaini and James Krishna Floyd, serve as a reminder that great things can happen when creative minds come together. The film promises to be a testament to their collaborative spirit and a must-watch at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. Stay tuned to FilmSweep for more exciting coverage of TIFF 2023, and be sure to watch the full interview for an in-depth look into the magic behind ‘Unicorns.’
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Co-directing
Q: What is ‘Unicorns,’ and who are the co-directors behind it?
A: ‘Unicorns’ is a film set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. It’s co-directed by Sally El Hosaini and James Krishna Floyd, who are also married and share a unique creative partnership.
Q: What is surprising about the co-directing experience of Hosaini and Floyd?
A: What surprised them the most was how smoothly their co-directing process went. Despite having their own styles and opinions, their close relationship and deep understanding of each other’s work allowed them to work together seamlessly.
Q: How did their close relationship benefit their co-directing efforts?
A: Their familiarity with each other, both in life and work, created a shorthand communication style. This enabled them to make decisions efficiently and effectively during the creative process.
Q: How did the co-directing approach impact the cast of ‘Unicorns’?
A: The cast members, Ben Hardy and Jason Patel, noted that conflicts were resolved quickly, and they were guided by the directors’ creative insights. The passion and determination of Hosaini and Floyd inspired the cast to give their best and make the film the best it could be.
More about Co-directing
- Toronto International Film Festival
- Sally El Hosaini
- James Krishna Floyd
- FilmSweep Media Studio
- ‘Unicorns’ Film
3 comments
Their close relashp pays off. They make decisions fast! ‘Unicorns’ sounds like a must-watch.
‘Unicorns’ film sounds awesome! co-directing can be tough, but Sally El Hosaini & James Krishna Floyd nailed it. Great job!
wow! Hosaini & Floyd’s teamwork is inspiring. no clashes, just creative magic! excited for ‘Unicorns’ at TIFF.