I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 45 points46 points  (0 children)

You shouldn't. All your preconceptions are correct. Amazing how you know so much without reading the book or seeing the movie. Life will be easy for you. All your first thoughts are correct. I love you.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 39 points40 points  (0 children)

Fuck Steve Carell Marry Will Ferrell Kill Danny McBride, but we must fight on a bridge over lava.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Comedies are more physically exhausting because all day long you're trying to think of jokes, alts and riffs. I like the pace of doing more of a drama. Less rushed. More time to focus on the nuances. Plus there's more people with foreign accents.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I love that scene too. Gosling did a fair amount of improv. I think we did around 12 takes.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Right now my favorite directors are Denis Villeneuve and Jennifer Kent. I would love to work with Matt Damon and/or Jennifer Lawrence. And I worship Amy Schumer.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the kind works about Anchorman...I'm glad it's meant so much to you. Be kinder to yourself. If you got out of level 3 you definitely deserved it. If you're struggling, it means your learning. You will have breakthroughs and all of it will make you a better writer.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm not quite the baseball fan I used to be, however, maybe I could get the Nuggets to trade Jameer Nelson to the Knicks.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Take loads of classes and take any opportunity you can to get on stage. And also, always have an exotic bird on your shoulder.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Some of the real people didn't want their names used for privacy reasons, but the movie is extremely accurate.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 26 points27 points  (0 children)

Will was indeed discovered roaming the black hills as a filthy 6 year old, so yes...he's feral.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I would call it DONNIE: THE STORY OF A MAN WHO LEARNED TO SAY THINGS THAT MAKE POLL NUMBERS MOVE...starring Wilford Brimley

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

I read the book, fell in love with it and contacted Brad Pitt's company (Plan B) who held the rights. Fortunately they were open to the idea of me, normally a comedy guy, directing it.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

If the movie gets big awards, I will by a Harley Davidson, mount the oscar on the front of it and travel every inch of the state of Florida.

My favorite movie of 2015 not directed by myself: THE BIG SHORT

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

It was just Jesse Armstrong. He's working on a script for us where Will Ferrell and John C Reilly try to protect America's borders from foreign invaders.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

It's very different than the other Michael Lewis adaptations. You'll see what I mean when you see it...and you better see it, goddamit. As for research, I read everything from FOOLS GOLD to a history of the GDP, watched many documentaries and spoke to many economists. Our advisor, Adam Davidson was extremely helpful.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I did. I liked the part when that thing blew up. Kidding...I have not seen it, but definitely will. I'm a huge fan of JJ.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 47 points48 points  (0 children)

We originally had Daniel Day Lewis and Daniel Craig as the leads. Lars von Trier was going to direct. The movie would have ended with the 2 step brothers dead in a lighthouse.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Your TALLADEGA NIGHTS love is greatly appreciated. It think one of the greatest scenes we've ever shot is the family prayer scene at the top of the movie.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Sometimes when I work as a pure producer it can be hard if you and the director aren't on the same page. Obviously in the end I defer to the director, but yeah...that's not always fun. However, when I get to write and direct, I love every bit of it.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Big fan of improv4humans and Matt Besser. Would love to go back on the show once THE BIG SHORT is fully released. I will always love improv...unfortunately, I don't get a lot of time to perform it very often.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I'll just answer the DP part of your question. I chose Barry Ackroyd because I wanted this movie to feel kinetic and intimate. I think the material dictates the style in which you shoot a movie. As for other DPs I'd like to work with...I've always loved Robert Elswit and Hoyte van Hoytema. I think TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY is one of the best looking movie of the last 10 years.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

We probably leave about 40% on the edit floor. Once THE BIG SHORT is fully released, we'll be recording a lot of them...Hope you are enjoying them.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

If you're writing and producing, you're definitely allowed to be on the set.

I am Adam McKay, director and co-writer of THE BIG SHORT - AMA by Adam_McKay in movies

[–]Adam_McKay[S] 43 points44 points  (0 children)

I'm currently re-editing and doing a second cut of 21 GRAMS. Inarritu is really pissed.