How Being Yourself Can Make You Hilarious | Taika Waititi on Filmmaking

subscribe to Guru ⏩ / baftaguru
Taika Waititi, the much-loved filmmaker behind Hunt for the Wilderpeople, What We Do In the Shadows and Thor: Ragnarok, shares his insights on dealing with crushing self-doubt, creating the ideal creative space and continuing to write no matter what.
Produced in 2018.
#TaikaWaititi #ThorRagnarok #HuntfortheWilderpeople #Director
⏬ stay up to date ⏬
Twitter:
@BAFTAGuru: / baftaguru
@BAFTA: / bafta
@BAFTAGames: / baftagames
Facebook: / bafta
Instagram: / bafta
sign up for our newsletter: guru.bafta.org/newsletter
subscribe to our podcasts:
iTunes: bit.ly/Vz84HI
Soundcloud: / bafta
visit our websites to find out more:
www.bafta.org/guru
www.bafta.org

[@baftaguru]

What's your favourite film directed by Taika Waititi, and why?

[@chrissy4823]

Boy! it captures everything that is earnest about NZ while also being funny and touching at the same time. truly one of the best movies ever!

[@mereanawarbrick2221]

Was going to Eagle Vs Shark... But yeah I will say BOY. Taika has captured so much of what life looks like for children who come from fatherlessness (if that's a word) and how kids fantasize their absent dad.

[@imyoubutbalder]

Hunt for the Wilderpeople was my introduction to his work, and I was hooked immediately. Easily one of the most creative forces working in the industry today!

[@jaykambli9307]

What we do in the shadows is my favorite film directed by Taika.

[@shadowboxing7029]

I'd probably go with Boy, the humour and drama is perfectly blended and executed.

[@shukezi3619]

this guy is the reason why i’m going to college for filmmaking. this is the guy that makes me wanna tell my own original stories that make as much of an impact on others as his own stories make on me.

[@p.s.csdeaky8530]

I don't know who you are, ut I'm happy for you, keep going!

[@quickflashmedia1769]

just go out and create ! use the money and time for your first film!

[@jackallenproductions]

Have you started film school yet? It can be great for making connections. Even if you didnt end up going, don't be afraid to start filming projects by yourself- you learn so much about the process by diving right in and then reviewing your work.

[@daimhinaubrey3194]

same. ngl would go to college for filmmaking right now if i could. he’s so inspiring.

[@ellytaylor6082]

I’m starting film production at uni this year and I absolutely love this guy

[@k4eru20]

he's so so so fascinating. i love seeing this side where he's not putting on airs to make people laugh like in group interviews because he answers quite seriously and i can get obsessed with one small idea he puts out there and then i have to just pause and think about it for ten minutes. absolutely lovely, thanks for this

[@radicalmallard]

It’s always reassuring to hear that someone I really look up to also feels a lot of self doubt at times. I’m about to begin taking film production classes and I frequently second guess myself and want to quit before I’ve even started because I’m worried I’m not going to be good enough, but I’m trying to push through that because I know I’m just self sabotaging.

[@shimmerajakazoid8472]

DONT GIVE UP

[@sandrawanjiku8984]

This is the most serious Taika interview on the net! I wasn't even expecting it!😂💀

[@wommiez]

honestly, I've found that if you want genuine serious interviews from him, you should look into longer ones. it's hard to sit and talk about something for just 3 to 5 minutes, but once there's more time to really have a conversation he has so much great knowledge to share

[@SteventheThorn]

Turns out Jojo Rabbit was basically a perfect film and by far the best of 2019, for me.

[@awesomesharkhand1876]

You're speaking facts.

[@benjaunceyyy]

If it weren't for Parasite I would agree, Jojo Rabbit is a masterpiece

[@Osigot]

I watched the Parasite and JoJo Rabbit and I can say that Waititi created a masterpiece while Bong got another comedy thriller in the Korean style (good, but not ingenious).

[@benjaunceyyy]

@@Osigot I know it's technically subjective, but calling Parasite anything other than ingenious or a masterpiece is just wrong. The layers and levels of symbolism and attentive detail is unprecedented in that film. Examples: Mr Park running a VR company, symbolising how the rich literally create the reality for everybody else. Another being the rock, floating when their apartment flooded representing it's actually hollow (which is why the blow didn't kill him), and Kevin always saying "it keeps clinging to me/ following me" suggests the hollow rock is symbolic of his hollow dreams; his aspirations are literally unattainable rendering the ending and impossibility. Additionally with the Native American theme, acting as a parable of the poor family infiltrating a home where somebody is already living (guy in the bunker basement). Just because literally everybody is praising it doesn't mean you have to force an indifference of opinion, Jojo is still a masterpiece in my opinion but on a far more simplistic level - I also think the same for Knives Out, Parasite is more poetic and I don't think anybody has the ability to write anything quite like it. 2019 really was the best year ever for movies

[@Maliilse75]

@@benjaunceyyy Nah. Jojo rabbit was better. And way riskier.

[@LadyOaksNZ]

Us Maori are super proud of Taika ... from New Zealand 🇳🇿.

[@pollyhedron7998]

I love this man so much. It's so nice to see him talking about drama in his films, because it's my favourite aspect of them. He's perfect, he's beautiful, he's everything I want to be when I'm 43. Also, he's a member of a very small group of people who looks good with moustache.

[@archersterling5919]

He is an amazing writer, director, and actor, but his stache' is magnificent.

[@nem447]

it's for his role in suicide squad

[@jerbear7952]

As amazing as he is, I think his ability to pull off a mustache really is one of his greatest contributions to humanity.

[@elinannestad5320]

@@jerbear7952 except if you want to kiss him. For the rest of us it is acceptable.

[@daimhinaubrey3194]

who else is on a Taika Waititi marathon after 🏴‍☠️🏳️‍🌈? 💗

[@CupOfFish]

Me sm it’s lol too much, trying desperately not to rewatch 🏴‍☠️🏳️‍🌈 for a 5th time

[@daimhinaubrey3194]

@@CupOfFish do eeeeet

[@El-de6nj]

@@CupOfFish ive begun planning when you rewatch it based on how poor my memory is so it will never get old

[@hevathestonerbabe]

It's good to see him without his humurous media brovado. I think he's just the most beautiful, wonderful and creative man. What a man.

[@ursamajor5107]

In his self-disclosure, there are many of the signs of a true creative genius, which are made all the more impressive by his humility. It's easy to see why Chris Hemsworth is so passionate about him.

[@sybariticcupboardrat3763]

Agreed. So many people are up their own butts about comedy not being compatible with telling poignant stories. Like it somehow robs the story of depth. It's absolute gatekeeping bullshit. Jojo Rabbit is a great example.

[@amygclay]

“Boy” is most definitely my favorite all time film. Perfect in every way - poignant, funny, layered. Taika acted in and directed himself, and the young lead actor was perfectly cast. Thank you Taika!

[@gc33]

You're an egg.... 😉

[@everythingshiny]

Yep same, still my favourite too :)

[@sohara....]

Loved "Hunt for the Wilderpeople". Looking forward to seeing "Boy".

[@lizagene1524]

my favorite of his movies!

[@viviannelson2584]

Taika has the sweetest eyes! So talented.

[@jessica5497]

@@christiancastellanos5821 he's doing just fine.

[@1997residente]

I work as a Taxi Driver,and i talked to a passenger from New Zealand. When i talked to him about Taika Waititi,He told me he is smart,humble and funny. The passenger told me he was proud of Taika for sharing his passion and good will to the world.... Also,He told me Hunt for a wilderpeople was not a movie,but a documentary. ..

[@alisterbennett]

" not a movie,but a documentary"?? Kiki humour..

[@Andy_M986]

It's supposed to be a mockumentary.

[@ronstero]

@@Andy_M986 you mean "what we do in the shadows"

[@KittyMatador]

"The easy way ultimately becomes the hard way." ❤

[@aino1010]

Taika means magic in finnish

[@kikorangi]

and tiger in Maori

[@Annie1962]

@@kikorangi Magic Tiger!

[@MrUndersolo]

What about Waititi?

[@bananian]

@@MrUndersolo It means Mike

[@apexxxx10]

*Here is something from Suomi-Finland. AKI KAURISMÄKI. A scene from his black comedy ARIEL* kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnzKgJuYd65-q5Y

[@raysroom3223]

the algorithm is pushing taika waititi vids on me and im not mad

[@xabelardusx5330]

could honestly listen to Taika talk about anything

[@tonyrae86]

My favourite of his has to be Jojo Rabbit only because it's a MASTERPIECE but how can you choose? Boy, Hunt for the Wilderpeople and What We Do In the Shadows are all treasures also.

[@thestigmatickreature]

I adore him to the moon and back. He's a special place in my heart.

[@edwardr148]

Omg. The first one minute 20 seconds is gold for me I am really good at that process of seeing people and making dialogue but when it comes to writing something it is that crushing self doubt. Thank for helping me.

[@ElvishGeek101]

When can we expect Reservoir Cats in theatres?

[@SharonAFox]

Taika, Bravo...Thank you so much for your amazing films. I think one of the reasons today's scripts are so bad is most writers have not found their way to their authentic voice...because they spend so much time trying to create something very much like what others are creating that reach success in the marketplace. Most scripts I read have such plastic characters and stories that have no life in them from the get-go. I hope people watch Taika's movies and listen to many of his interviews so they can be inspired to seek their own voice. Wishing every one great success in finding their authentic voice not just for their writing but also for their daily life.

[@pegasusdrive12]

Get this man his Akira movie already.

[@russelltyler9363]

Is this a thing?! Can this be a thing? Please tell me this can be a thing?!

[@IFeelSoTongueTied]

@@russelltyler9363 yes....

[@Astroghouls]

nah. Not this director.

[@maximejean2873]

Always nice to hear talking Taika Waititi

[@rubberducky4074]

Can't wait for Jojo Rabbit! One of my most highly anticipated movies this year.

[@benzaiten933]

the summary sounds absolutely insane - can't wait 👍

[@cjstryder5441]

In New Zealand it would have been Reservoir Cats, classic.

[@OwenTuson02]

I formatted scripts in word the same way hahaha amazing

[@Annie1962]

Recently watched 'Boy' and loved it. It's currently on Stan

[@mdinunzio7610]

Can anyone not love this man

[@NishantPradhanFilms]

A true genius

[@kirstalamm6971]

this guy, I'm in love with

[@firapuroki4571]

A very good video. A very useful advice.

[@paradoxacres1063]

People will probably hate me for saying this...but _Thor Ragnarok_ will always be my favourite Taika Waititi film *:)*

[@baddi3bey]

Paradox Acres don’t agree but totally valid, Ragnarok was fkn amazing and set the tone for the Thor we’d see in endgame defeated and lost.

[@paradoxacres1063]

@@baddi3bey I don't have the budget to watch many movies at the theater..but i went to see _Thor Ragnarok_ twice! *:)*

[@jerbear7952]

It’s incredible that a thor movie could compete with some of his incredible work. It just goes to show how great Ragnarok was.

[@ryankuczynski5705]

Taste is subjective. Don't ever let people tell you what you should like, but be open to exploring other ideas and that you *might* like something better

[@TapDancingOnYoFace]

best Taika interview

[@ahorrell]

That's how you know NZ has a housing crisis. Taika's advice to himself is 'buy a house'

[@EstellaTenga_]

I keep looking at his shirt

[@JohnMoseley]

Looks like it might be from Muji.

[@roxykll]

Awww love this

[@broadwaybrook2319]

Closed captions calls his movie: "Hope for the world people."

[@chriscorley6478]

Taika to play a CGI motion capture GREEN LANTERN sequel character? Yes! 🎬🗽

[@Bravetowers]

What we do in the shadows!

[@JohnMadinald]

Hi! I'm Korg and this is Miek!

[@grungyasscinema]

“Before everything went mental” *ONSCREEN DISTORTED GRAPHIC*

[@backcombed2559]

when the world seems divided and full of hatred ,in walksa TAIKA ,special man

[@EJwc]

where do i get this shirt?

[@gregmurray9214]

that is a nice shirt

[@PatriciaHickmanfiction]

I’ll bet it comes with nice pants. 🧛

[@TwiPrime]

Looking forward to seeing Reservoir Cats, as soon as time travel is perfected. *waits patiently*

[@everythingshiny]

He's right though, NZ cinema has come a long way in a short time. Before Lord of the Rings and BOY we were...struggling.

[@adrienspaceage1619]

Reservoir Cats!

[@spenceredwinrobson]

THIS.

[@whade62000]

Lol even Taika can’t escape the housing crisis.

[@Hek692]

It’s viago from vellington.

[@joaomnesteves]

Anyone knows what HID means? (minute 11:01)

[@coolecology75]

i think he said HRD, new zealanders say their r's like "ah." that said i still don't know- human resources development?

[@starbird0653]

he said “HOD.” head of department. like art department, costuming, grips etc.

[@arcana830]

What he mean by 'all the beats"... is it like setting the tempo?

[@chaeyoungvideos5742]

Specific things that happen

[@kiwibookfairy3843]

It's a writing term, it can be a scene or event that needs to take place to move your story forward

[@kienstar7]

11:59

[@richardcampbell577]

my favourite film is JoJo Rabbit because it is the funniest with history weaved into it

[@SRMM-fl9xb]

"Michael Jacksons my dad"

[@veganfunnycat8583]

Did you know that *'Taika'* means *Peace* in Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian? :))

[@natural91LC]

wait what? they don't use word for writing? wat did he say he uses?

[@joonamato]

Just google screenwriting software :) Anything is better than word.

[@natural91LC]

@@joonamato thank you :)

[@CouchPotatoNZ]

Most people use Final Draft script writing software

[@natural91LC]

@@CouchPotatoNZ thank you

[@Felontich]

BRING ME FEGELEINNNNN

[@NeRdAlEhStErFErI]

Reservoir Sheep

[@StreetHierarchy]

The hammer pulled you off??

[@kirengelhardt3707]

I. WANT. RESERVOIR. CATS.

[@GRedit1000]

I know people I'd urge to NEVER be themselves.

[@yoonahkang7384]

If I was myself I would be called an hysterical feminist

[@ernstgebhardt765]

Rita Ora Gaan nog Na my toe hom sy Wil Sien hoe lyk haar geliefde persoon in haar lewe Rita Ora Se pa Kom Saam met haar Na my huis toe waar Ek woon sy Se dit is binne Kort Kom sy

[@johnperivolaris6447]

New Zealand Robert Downey Jr.

[@hernalexito]

Taika is humble. No sign of ego like RDJ

[@elinannestad5320]

go away. RDJ? Nah.

[@user-oo4zo8yy5u]

He's a Maori alright. But he cant dive for seafood for shit so ...

[@jackbicknell4711]

This bloke looks like an indian jimmy fallon

[@neach-brathaidh-fala]

Fuuuck, he looks hungover.

[@lawandajohns456]

The old-fashioned button behaviourally add because feast unquestionably bomb across a responsible permission. sloppy, ultra penalty

[@saiashwin26]

I like this guy's movies but he goes overboard with humor in his interviews.

[@djpb2]

That's who he is. He goes overboard with who he is.

[@zep909]

Interviews are silly

[@RhysClark97]

interviews are one of the most ridiculous things ever...getting someone to answer questions for the sake of asking questions

[@zep909]

@@RhysClark97 I agree. There's a great Richard Ayoade interview - I think from Channel 4 - where he analyzes some of the absurdity of interviews with people who are promoting their work. It's comedic people who sometimes will observe this and can't NOT use/co-opt the interview format to comment on that.

[@RhysClark97]

@@zep909 yeah I remember that one, I think its when he was trying to promote that ben stiller movie he was in where he was just like, I'm upholding my end of the bargain, I'm promoting the movie...in fact, me derailing this interview means I am probably doing a better job than someone who doesn't because more people will watch it lol , their a few people who are obsessed with derailing interviews, Richard ayoade and taike obviously, Russel brand sometimes does it but thats usually through philosophy overload, he will purposefully over-answer a question to run down the clock on the interview so they don't get to ask anymore

[@Kermit_T_Frog]

He's a great talent, but anybody who's not comfortable in solitude is not really a writer. And I don't see how a 5th draft can be a triumph. These writers who need a deadline in order to get their asses in gear baffle me. When I reach the end of my 5th draft, I have an overwhelming urge to begin my 6th. I never feel like I have a final draft.

[@sharpeslass5452]

Every writer has a different process. I know of several gear writers who regularly do their stuff through workshops with other pros. There is no One Way to be a proper writer. His scripts speak for themselves.

[@Kermit_T_Frog]

@@sharpeslass5452 Not only writing but reading is a solitary activity. In a literate society, writing is a way for the solitude of the writer to speak to the solitude of the reader. As for writing for illiterates --- people who have never developed this inner life --- well, maybe writing can be done as a team. Not what I'd call writing. More like wordsmithing. And not even really that. Rather than the smithing, this getting a room of TALKERS together to compete on FINDING the most appropriate means of expression is more like a scavenger hunt.

[@sharpeslass5452]

@@Kermit_T_Frog I'm an introvert myself and don't collaborate, my process is entirely internal (except that even the best need a good editor's eye), but I do know very good, very LITERATE, authors who do it with great success. Again, there is not "one way" to create. I do agree that writing standards across the board have plummeted abysmally. I blame the internet.

[@Kermit_T_Frog]

@@sharpeslass5452 If you want some idea what I'm getting at, I'd recommend that you look into Marshall McLuhan. And there are any number of writers who say pretty much the same thing as I do, though not in the same words. Nietzsche and Kierkegaard come to mind.

[@sharpeslass5452]

@@Kermit_T_Frog have you SEEN Jojo Rabbit? It's as close to a perfect script as I've seen in decades. Results speak for themselves.

Thor was suck a crappy movie. Sad move... but What we do in the shadows was fun. A bit uneaven but fun :) No genius but a fun filmmaker. Wilderpeople was uneven too, a mix between an amateurish movie and a competent film. Taika might be great one day, but for now a so-so filmmaker.

[@film_magician]

He made a Marvel movie not cliched or boring. Have you seen What We Do In The Shadows? He's a comedic genius indeed.

[@acameronhunt]

Yeah...this is a clear “no statues of critics” scenario

[@benjaminm18]

Can you explain why you believe Thor to be crappy? I'd like to hear a new perspective on it

[@chrissy4823]

The fact that Taika directed Ragnarok was the only reason I went and saw a Marvel movie in the first place, and it was the only superhero movie I have ever watched more than once. I think its important for blockbuster movies to have an array of differant Filmmakers direct for this very reason - people that wouldn't normally watch movies like this would go and see it. his movies are always original and hilarious. I would call him a genius :)

[@slimlegs6298]

Its harder than you would imagine directing a motion picture you dipshit