Making A Linklater-Style Feature Film Over 2 Years With Filmmaker Clinton Cornwell
Update: 2025-04-11
Description
In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Clinton Cornwell to discuss his feature film 12 Months, which he shot over the course of two years (and 60 shooting days) in a style inspired by Richard Linklater's Boyhood.
Throughout our conversation, we dive deep into Clinton's unique production approach and creative process. Topics covered include:
Links from the show:
12 Months Film
Clinton Cornwell - Instagram
Clinton Cornwell - Letterboxd
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Throughout our conversation, we dive deep into Clinton's unique production approach and creative process. Topics covered include:
- Creating an improvised relationship drama shot over real time
- Working with a minimal crew (often just 3 people) across 60 shooting days
- The benefits and challenges of spreading production over two years
- Finding actors comfortable with improvisation and maintaining their commitment
- Balancing structure and spontaneity in an improvised film
- Managing 200+ hours of footage during post-production
- The advantages of being a "jack of all trades" filmmaker
Links from the show:
12 Months Film
Clinton Cornwell - Instagram
Clinton Cornwell - Letterboxd
Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday
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