Filmmakers that inspire me
And why
Greta Gerwig
Writer/ Director
Greta Gerwig is one of my favourite writer-directors and has been a huge influence on my own relationship with filmmaking. Her work inspired me from an early age to look beyond simply watching films and start thinking about how they are written, directed and brought to life. I admire the vulnerability and authenticity in her writing, particularly the way she creates characters who feel deeply human and imperfect. Lady Bird and Little Women are two of my favourite films, and continue to inspire the kind of character-driven stories I want to tell.
Jordan Peele
Writer/ Director
Jordan Peele is one of the filmmakers who has had the biggest influence on how I see the possibilities of filmmaking. I love the way he uses horror as a tool to explore issues within society, while balancing it with his distinctive sense of comedy. Get Out and Us are two of my favourite films of his, particularly for the way they entertain while also encouraging the audience to question the world around them. His work made me realise that my own voice has power, and that filmmaking can be a powerful way to communicate my thoughts, beliefs and perspective.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Writer/ Actor
Phoebe Waller-Bridge is one of my favourite writers, particularly for the vulnerability and honesty in her work. She isn’t afraid of embarrassment or of making her characters, or herself through her writing, uncomfortable. I admire how bold, clever and genuinely funny her writing is, while still feeling incredibly raw and human. Fleabag is a huge inspiration to me, especially her decision to break the fourth wall and completely rethink the relationship between the character and the audience. It showed me that there are no rules when it comes to how a story can be told, and that I can think outside the box when finding my own way of telling a story. I love how grounded her writing feels despite its bold choices, and how she can make something feel both painfully honest and hilarious at the same time.
Rob Reiner
Writer/ Director
Rob Reiner is a filmmaker I really admire for his range, particularly the way he moves between genres while keeping his characters feeling deeply human. I love his coming-of-age films and the flawed, complicated characters he creates, especially in When Harry Met Sally.... But what fascinates me most about Reiner is Misery, where he completely shifts his style and creates one of the most effective horror films I’ve seen. I admire how clever his storytelling is and how willing he is to explore different genres rather than being defined by one particular style. As someone who is especially drawn to both coming-of-age stories and horror, I find that range really inspiring. His work reminds me that I don’t have to limit myself to one genre, and that the heart of a story can remain human even when its tone and world completely change.
