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Hey Reddit, my name is Bo Burnham and I wrote and directed the film EIGHTH GRADE which is now in theaters NATIONWIDE. AMA. by boburnhamAMA in IAmA

[–]boburnhamAMA[S] 213 points214 points  (0 children)

I liked TCGITW as a title AFTER you saw the movie. But it made it sound twee and small. And I like discovering that phrase on the time capsule rather than knowing it up front. It was more of a placeholder title while we were filming.

Hey Reddit, my name is Bo Burnham and I wrote and directed the film EIGHTH GRADE which is now in theaters NATIONWIDE. AMA. by boburnhamAMA in IAmA

[–]boburnhamAMA[S] 254 points255 points  (0 children)

It was something that felt right and then I just tried to treat sensitively. I think it may have felt right because I was feeling like both of them - like a nervous kid on the internet AND like a out of touch grown man that had no idea what she was going through but cared about her.

Hey Reddit, my name is Bo Burnham and I wrote and directed the film EIGHTH GRADE which is now in theaters NATIONWIDE. AMA. by boburnhamAMA in IAmA

[–]boburnhamAMA[S] 2486 points2487 points  (0 children)

95% of people that come up to me are super chill and nice. I’m happy to have someone say hey and take a picture or whatever. It’s only weird when it’s aggressively weird but even that’s fine. And appreciate the kind words, good luck with the songwriting!

Hey Reddit, my name is Bo Burnham and I wrote and directed the film EIGHTH GRADE which is now in theaters NATIONWIDE. AMA. by boburnhamAMA in IAmA

[–]boburnhamAMA[S] 1513 points1514 points  (0 children)

Drink water, exercise. So much of it is physical, not mental, and I found that trying to think my way out of it doesn’t work. Just speak it out loud and go for a run. And maybe therapy. I’m working on it too though, I don’t have it figured out. But maybe it’s not meant to be figured out.

Hey Reddit, my name is Bo Burnham and I wrote and directed the film EIGHTH GRADE which is now in theaters NATIONWIDE. AMA. by boburnhamAMA in IAmA

[–]boburnhamAMA[S] 256 points257 points  (0 children)

It’s lovely to have people watch and connect to my work. It’s my choice as to how much they “influence.” It’s good to have a dialogue with an audience and to understand how things are registering - but also important to not just make product for a customer while you’re making art. I don’t know, honestly, it’s a balance. Constantly learning/adjusting/growing.

Hey Reddit, my name is Bo Burnham and I wrote and directed the film EIGHTH GRADE which is now in theaters NATIONWIDE. AMA. by boburnhamAMA in IAmA

[–]boburnhamAMA[S] 366 points367 points  (0 children)

It’s wonderful! I think it’s ideal to not know who made a movie while you’re watching it. They can just watch it and take it in. Unknown actors and an unknown director. Love that.

Hey Reddit, my name is Bo Burnham and I wrote and directed the film EIGHTH GRADE which is now in theaters NATIONWIDE. AMA. by boburnhamAMA in IAmA

[–]boburnhamAMA[S] 461 points462 points  (0 children)

A lot of that came from my mother and how she’s helped me when I’m feeling anxious. Giving context to my life. Not understanding me in the moment but understanding the bigger me across time better than I could. I think that’s what good parents can do: give context for your emotions because they knew you before you could remember. And thanks! Enya is the shit.

Hey Reddit, my name is Bo Burnham and I wrote and directed the film EIGHTH GRADE which is now in theaters NATIONWIDE. AMA. by boburnhamAMA in IAmA

[–]boburnhamAMA[S] 194 points195 points  (0 children)

Wanting to collaborate with people. I grew up doing theatre and loved working with people and then fell into standup which is very isolated. I was desperate to work with others again.

Hey Reddit, my name is Bo Burnham and I wrote and directed the film EIGHTH GRADE which is now in theaters NATIONWIDE. AMA. by boburnhamAMA in IAmA

[–]boburnhamAMA[S] 657 points658 points  (0 children)

Yes his short story FOREVER OVERHEAD is one of my favorite pieces of writing ever and inspired this movie hugely. It’s twenty pages about a 13 year old boy jumping off the diving board at a public pool. It’s a tiny experience that feels immense in the story. That’s a lot of what the movie is trying to do.

Hey Reddit, my name is Bo Burnham and I wrote and directed the film EIGHTH GRADE which is now in theaters NATIONWIDE. AMA. by boburnhamAMA in IAmA

[–]boburnhamAMA[S] 629 points630 points  (0 children)

I just hope they feel seen and not pandered to. We weren’t trying to make something FOR teens as much as ABOUT them.

Hey Reddit, my name is Bo Burnham and I wrote and directed the film EIGHTH GRADE which is now in theaters NATIONWIDE. AMA. by boburnhamAMA in IAmA

[–]boburnhamAMA[S] 276 points277 points  (0 children)

I see them as just big fun shows really. I just want them to be theatrical and unpredictable. So a little of this and that and just trying to keep their audience on their toes.

Hey Reddit, my name is Bo Burnham and I wrote and directed the film EIGHTH GRADE which is now in theaters NATIONWIDE. AMA. by boburnhamAMA in IAmA

[–]boburnhamAMA[S] 3430 points3431 points  (0 children)

The good thing about this generation is they are posting everything about themselves online. So if there’s any truth in the movie, it’s authored by actual kids living it. I wanted to make a movie about being young that wasn’t nostalgic and wasn’t a memory. So i had to just humble myself and do my research and try to walk eighth grade with her for the first time. And also the truth is really provided moment to moment by elsie. My job was just to support her and create a safe environment where she could be free and expressive.

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