Exclusive Video: Todd Haynes Shares Tips for First-Time Filmmakers

Students in the Masters of Fine Arts film program at Stony Brook University had the unique opportunity to observe the evolution of Todd Haynes’ “Carol,” from script to screen. The film marks Haynes’ return to filmmaking after a 7-year-hiatus and reunites him with his longtime producing partner Christine Vachon, who, earlier this year, was appointed as Graduate Director of Stony Brook’s Master of Fine Arts film program.

In addition to observing the production of “Carol,” students in the program have been credited on other projects produced under Vachon’s production banner, Killer Films — notable examples include “Nasty Baby” starring Kristen Wiig and “Still Alice” starring Julianne Moore.

“The practical training that our graduate film students receive as a direct result of our partnership with Killer Films is unique to Stony Brook,” said Magdalene Brandeis, Associate Director of the Southampton Graduate Arts. “There’s no better modeling of the long-term producer/director relationship than Christine Vachon’s with Todd Haynes, exemplifying our mission to nurture the next generation of great filmmakers and great storytellers and to turn the film school model on its head.”

Indeed, Haynes reiterates the importance of practical experience during a Q&A session with Vachon in which he shares his insights on directing with the students. An excerpt from the conversation with the students appears in the video produced by Stony Brook University in partnership with Indiewire, at the top of this page. To learn more about the Stony Brook program, click here. 

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