Hunger Games Director Breaks Down Scenes from 'Mockingjay,' 'Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes' and More

Director of 'The Hunger Games' franchise Francis Lawrence breaks down some iconic scenes from 'Catching Fire,' 'Mockingjay: Part 1,' 'Mockingjay: Part 2' and the newest film 'Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.' Get his full breakdown of how he brought the movies to life, from location to the intricacies of the sets and styling.
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[@slootfroot182]

So tired of people downplaying and dismissing these movies. THG is probably one of the most solid franchises out there - every movie in this series is so well-crafted and compelling. I will never understand why so many people sleep on the hunger games.

[@godfreyofbouillon966]

Because they have taste. Yes, you will never understand.

[@noobilyplus]

@@godfreyofbouillon966opinions

[@noobilyplus]

@@godfreyofbouillon966people seem to forget the word exists

[@15Candles]

Mockingjay ruined trilogy which put a lot of people off especially that it was the finale of the trilogy

[@dibsdibs3495]

@@15Candlesyeah the director acknowledged that making it two parts was a bad idea and intentionally made the prequel one film even though it’s the longest book

[@jonathanscores6478]

Francis Lawrence deserves a lotta recognition for what he's brought for the Hunger Games franchise since Catching Fire. He made such tremendous effort in his care and level of directing throughout the films

[@15Candles]

And I gotta give him credit for being honest that splitting Mockingjay into two parts was a mistake. Hopefully he'll learn his lesson to make him a better filmmaker in the future. He's very talented and seems like a nice guy

[@KaioMichiru22]

@@15Candles we all know that was a marketing decision made by Lionsgate to follow the trend set by Harry Potter and Twilight

[@jonathanscores6478]

@@15Candles He does fr

[@jbuehler00]

They are all significantly better than the first which I know has a lot to do with budget I'm sure, but they are just really well done and its not often I like sequels more than originals but this is close!

[@Verylengthyapple]

Ah that’s why I liked catching fire more than the first movie

[@beesbrownies]

Them using an Olympic stadium is INSANE meta

[@Songbirdstar]

IKR?? That was pretty surreal for me. Very black mirror 😭

[@laincoubert7236]

also not just olympics, but olympics in 1930s germany! i see what they did there

[@mackyronni]

It’s very capitol-coded

[@seanberdo5380]

Could you explain it for me? Im a bit to stupid rn to see the connection

[@beesbrownies]

@@seanberdo5380 just the idea of using a giant sporting event to film a hunger games movie in, a movie about this twisted sport of sorts if that makes sense?

[@tobiasexarchopoulos721]

He’s an incredible director. I wonder how the first Hunger Games movie would’ve looked had he directed it.

[@melindamercier6811]

I think it wouldve been even better.

[@imadethiscuziwsbored]

@@melindamercier6811oh certainly and the camera wouldve been stable haha thats the only thing that makes the first one hard to watch for me. The wobbly camera makes my head hurt

[@15Candles]

@@imadethiscuziwsbored He did a great job with the filmmaking technique in Catching Fire but for some reason he brought the shaky cam thing back to Mockingjay Part 1 eventhough it wasn't overused but it's still rather distracting and noticeable

[@cooperallen7145]

​@imadethiscuziwsbored Shakey cam was needed to make it pg-13. In catching fire they had some more working room, newer tech, etc. Mocking Jay pt 1 is a pretty violent book and movie so it needed to hide some of it to allow more people to see it. I do wish they'd go for a R rating but what ever

[@Maximus5775]

@@cooperallen7145yeah I also wish they made it R rated it would be more realistic

[@wassha09]

I don’t know why, but I think that the arena that was used in the 10th Hunger Games, was a lot more scary than the technological superior ones that were used for the 74th/75th Hunger Games.

[@katiarodriguez600]

Same!! Like there’s not that many places to hide. Vs a HUGEEEE ARENA later on.

[@aadrizzlee]

i 100% agree

[@liv97497]

Yes, but the point isn't to be scary, it's to make it more entertaining. Having bigger arenas lengthens the duration of the games and makes betting more unpredictable by adding other factors (like weather, animals, etc), which makes for a better show for capitol citizens. Plus, having the same arena year after year might start to get boring, since tributes will likely keep dying in the same few ways. Gotta keep things fresh

[@virgilhawkins5680]

I think it's because of how Spartan the arena is. It's an empty, decayed, liminal space with no living creatures in it... Just 9 years of ghosts who may never rest in peace.

[@leanbeanjeanmachine]

this is exactly what i was thinking

[@asosisos659]

using digital arrows when she was pointing at someone is a great protection

[@jr1648]

Someone should have given that idea to the director of "Rush."

[@saori_ho]

Francis Lawrence did such an amazing job in all hunger games movies!

[@casper6126]

Let’s hope for many more, and hopefully hopefully there Will be a return one with jennifer lawrence

[@DaScorpionSting]

He didn't direct the first one

[@LagoonaGhoul12]

Despite her controversies, Rachel did an amazing job portraying Lucy Gray, she's truly talented...she just needed some media training. So far she's only been in three released movies it's nice to see a fresh face that isn't a nepo baby. Also shoutout to the director, hollywood needs him, you can feel his passion. I hope they make another prequel movie or series maybe about the formation of panem and the dark days.

[@WeiYinChan]

Honestly people already hated her and she said this one thing that that they didn’t like so a bunch of grifters exaggerated it and made a big deal out of nothing. I’m sure all actresses doing live actions of princess movies said something similar, it’s very standard Disney corporate script but she was hated way more for no reason. I doubt all these full grown men really care about Snow White as much as they are pretending to, most of them probably didn’t even watch the original lol. Honestly they are mad at Disney for pushing out bad movies but instead of attacking the company they found an opportunity to pin that all on an actress who didn’t make any decisions

[@lusinebaghyan8864]

​@@WeiYinChanwhat did she say? What happened?

[@WeiYinChan]

@@lusinebaghyan8864 she said something like “it’s not the 1930s anymore Snow White would be more of a leader”. People don’t have to like it but they are acting like she said babies’ blood should be included in a balanced diet

[@lusinebaghyan8864]

@@WeiYinChan thanks for answering , but now I am more confused. What's wrong whit wat she said?

[@WeiYinChan]

@@lusinebaghyan8864 people said she is disrespecting the source material of the movie she’s in. Honestly most of those people are professional grifters who know hating on her is dramatic and would get them lots of views, I bet none of them liked or even watched the original Snow White but they are just pretending to be very offended about what she said when really, they don’t really care.

[@abbeyBominable123]

Rachel was amazing as Lucy Gray. Easily my favorite character of the movie.

[@user-xi9mq7dt3v]

FAAAAACCCCCTTTSSSSS

[@Cinna316]

One of the most underrated directors working today

[@15Candles]

People rarely gave him credit for The Hunger Games movies. The fact that Lionsgate stuck to what they did best in the trilogy by bringing Lawrence back is great

[@TheSkinnyZ]

Insane how they never pointed a real arrow at anyone and yet other people in film don’t think to take similar precautions when it comes to f‘ing guns.

[@sophiaoliveira17]

Thank YOU, Francis Lawrence, for doing the books justice with these movies!

[@jessieas1643]

The Hunger Games fandoms has to be the luckiest tbh we got the best book to movies adaptations ever 😍

[@FunSoSoToTo]

The hunger games series for me are the only Hollywood media that I can relate to as a none American. Hollywood movies always felt distant to me and somehow I find a character that looks like me ends up to be the bad guy. But the hunger games touch on deep fundamentals that always leaves me emotional and it never treated the viewer as stupids. Just saw the ballad of songbirds and snakes, another great movie!

[@thedragon12]

You're black, arent you ?

[@gelmarccuaton8829]

The Hunger Games anthology was the most successful dystopian novel and movie ever released. It continued to gross and even prospered throughout its fandom.

[@SKOceanicFE]

Even though there are some directing choices that annoy me and that are too cliché I feel extremely grateful that he's so passionate about the source material and truly has done it justice!

[@crywolf07]

what directing choices u think were cliché? i'm curious

[@drartemisa21]

No because I felt this too, especially when comparing to Gary Ross's style. But I can't quite name specifics. But yeah, agree, you can feel his passion for the franchise and I'm just glad the baton was passed to someone who obviously loves the source material and wanted to do it justice.

[@Winter-Alpha-Omega]

Which directing choices annoy you?

[@enigmasong632]

he's been the best director for film to book adaptations. catching fire is one of my favourite movies!!

[@simpleplanfan011]

He’s the perfect director for these movies. He really understands this series!

[@Honeyin2013]

I love how many practical effects are in these movies. It makes it so much more immersive for the audience as well!

[@iamjnina]

I really like how they approached practical + digital effects

[@aliceahee3922]

I love you Francis I hope your pillow is cold on both side

[@victoriat7961]

i need him to do this scene analysis with the entire movie actually

[@nomnoms379]

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is one of the most superior Hunger games movie ever!!! It is so beautiful and the world building is stunning. Everyone who agrees 👇

[@buttercup3518]

I wonder why Snow's true love is a free spirit and was nothing like him. He'll probably end up marrying someone like him but does not love (as it was hinted at the end of the book).

[@kellim1823]

@@buttercup3518yea I’m pretty sure he married a classmate and it was described as a “Loveless marriage” probably just to keep his bloodline going

[@hippityhoppityw]

the directing of the these films doesn't get enough credit. imo the screenwriting tends to be fine to weak but the direction always elevates it like crazy. The emotion that the filmmaking Lawrence elicits is always pretty strong in these.

[@user-ve1lz9dm6j]

Francis Lawrence was born to direct the Hunger Games movies. Great movies all, great analysis of scenes by a totally commited director. Thank you guys !

[@jayblocke]

The world building was just incredible. Big kudos to the design team and crew.

[@onevoiceonedream02]

Love how I get this notification as soon as I’m about to do an archery lesson in gym class! Wish me luck!

[@lashropa]

😂

[@beesbrownies]

You got this!

[@joajoy]

May the oooodds...

[@gossipandgrigio7200]

I was one of the extras in mockingjay. I’ll never forget my experience

[@cassidysanchez5072]

This movie was so freaking amazing. I absolutely loved it and the soundtrack was amazing

[@Me._..-.]

A performer in a hunt A hunter in a performance

[@talia4898]

francis lawrence you will always be famous

[@hannahma561]

Babe he already is

[@MegInWhispers]

i loved this! THG are some of my absolute favorite films. i just saw the new one tonight and loved it. thank you for keeping it so true to the book and bringing the story to life. everyone and everything was so on point!

[@eden.elizabeth]

he is such an incredible director

[@PedroAugusto_mr]

Thank you for these amazing movies, Francis! Besides, thank you, James Newton Howard, for incredible soundtracks.

[@fackmsart]

When I say I like the Hunger Games people think about the first one and how ¨bad¨ it was and that makes me sad though I do agree visually speaking was a toll, but when Francis Lawrence picked it up I just fell in love with those visuals, just amazing. ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥🔥

[@thehorsesnamewasfriday8695]

hunger games series is so incredible. everything

[@andsewitis]

Loved hearing this. Thank you for doing this franchise!

[@amber9830]

I admire him so much

[@ocaaaa]

FRANCIS THANK YOU FOR TAKING CARE OF THE WHOLE OF THG

[@milaeverdeen3548]

Wish we could see some more of this!

[@elizabethjanzen5862]

genuine question why doesn’t this have a million views

[@ElenainMovieland]

This videos should be like 1h long please 😭

[@julietkovalchuk1337]

Amazing director ,watching his movies bring me nothing but joy ❤️

[@taren1d]

never thought about the arrows being fake. glad they did that lol

[@najrenchelf2751]

I immediately noticed the interesting choices creating the "retro-future" - worked out marvellously, if you ask me! :D

[@florentinenice9146]

This is sooooo interesting!!! I love talking about movies and how they are made!

[@peppap1ggle664]

Could listen to him for hours

[@comicsans3926]

The movie was amazing! Everyone was perfectly casted. THG series is one of the materials I respect and hold dear to my heart. Both books and movies are amazing

[@maetaylor5677]

other movies and books have come along with really similar plots and themes but I think these books have alot of depth that the others do not. I like these movies and find them easily re watchable

[@98bocinas]

did we ever find out what was lucretius flickerman prediction of the winner?

[@ngin98]

this guy knows the hunger games in & out

[@BenHoward206]

Loved the movie and I can't wait to rewatch it!

[@xtiyan]

I love Francis Lawrence. He also did my favourite Britney Spears music videos! ‘I’m a Slave 4 U’ & ‘Circus’

[@SarahSmith-ff6yy]

The new movie did not disappoint and I was so excited to see that he directed the new one too!

[@amber9830]

I find this so interesting

[@TheYotuberZ]

Vanity Fair should get Gary Ross to do a breakdown of the First Hunger Games film

[@sjjas7271]

tom is really great in this movie

[@MsCloudnumber9]

brilliant!

[@willemdafoe7926]

I can’t believe he doesn’t mention working with one of greatest talents of all time, Charles white

[@umbra7860]

This new movie was great. and so are the others

[@literallymp9811]

Istg francis lawrence is a genius

[@kenyasofia5985]

lo amamoooossss

[@ianlawrencesantos3887]

Forever grateful that we got francis lawrence to direct CF, MJ, and TBOSAS

[@FernThatsALL]

Plot twist, he has two hands after 2 minutes 😅

[@sunshinegirl5229]

Well done that movie!!!

[@user-qb4hx1wi1x]

I would love for the thg franchise to keep continuing making movies

[@yesilpicasso1028]

Kitaptaki her şeyi birebir çekmesi inanılmaz ya, bu adam ve suzanne collins işlerine o kadar bağlı kaldılar ki bu hem okurlar hem izleyiciler için bir mucize. Film veya kitap hakkında (you know who is she) saçmasapan açıklamalar yapmak yok, salak salak senaryo değişikliği yok, kalite var ve gerçekten harikaydı. Kitapta olup filmde olmayan sadece 3 yer var, ***** BURDAN SONRASI SPOILER ONA GÖRE ****** 1. Clementianın hastane ziyareti ve snowun yanına yeniden oturusu 2. Sejanusların evine ziyarete gidiş 3. Bar işleten adamdan gitarı istediği yer Bunun haricinde her şey vardı, tek bir eleştirim yok, çok iyi işti tebrik ederim!

[@anamoarry3750]

He should be making more dystopian book adaptations movies.

[@ericcartman7361]

He’s doing Stephen Kings The Long Walk and it is set to start filming this year in July

[@melindaweixler3682]

Fire ♨now 🏆🙂🙏🏼

[@laur13xx74]

POLAND MENTIONED 💯🗣🗣💯❗🗣❕❗‼🗣

[@TashingaTakawira]

❤❤❤❤

[@lorenhermon]

i love you!!!!!!!!

[@nazardiamond6639]

I wish he didn’t split the movies into 2 parts! I am glad he also realizes this

[@limnaee1812]

Did he say this in the video? I missed it

[@nazardiamond6639]

there was a press conference where he was asked if he considered splitting this new film into 2 parts like with mokingjay and he said that he regrets splitting the 3rd book into 2 parts@@limnaee1812

[@Mr_Starkitty]

The best CG is the part you don’t recognize

[@Sabrina-dn7zr]

another movie pleaseee

[@spike4561]

I'm actually tearing up. I miss you so much Philip Semour Hoffman

[@babyhols777]

Who made the first film

[@luxveda8868]

The books are the best

[@juandiegochoque2363]

he's mother. period

[@geoafe66]

Never seen a Hunger Games movied

[@aalllllllexx]

5:35 i wish he would have addressed the fact that the book explicitly says the execution scene does not happen here. It says it's not the training center, its the snow mansion.

[@thesimslover82884]

The area used in the film is the Avenue of The Tributes. It's the place the chariots rode during the Tribute Parades. Were they dressed up in costumes that represent their District.

[@aalllllllexx]

@@thesimslover82884 which leads to the tribute center building and it says in the book that it doesn't happen there.

[@buttercup3518]

Panem is real.

[@axellperezz]

🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽

[@syp123]

incels need to let you know that they won't watch it for Rachel zeigler, we get it move on with urself

[@kad3629]

They’re so weird making it abundantly clear they’re unhappy virgins who live in their parents basement. Like if I was like that I’d keep quiet, personally. Idk maybe that’s just me

[@lifeisabeautifulrisk]

“incels need to let you know…” *closes comment* 🤣 no one cares

[@syp123]

​@@kad3629so real 😂

[@kad3629]

@@syp123 thanks I’m here all week❤️

[@LagoonaGhoul12]

frr they are acting like she assaulted someone or scammed ppl. All she did was maybe make annoying comments about one of her projects which yea made her seem entitled but it's honestly not that deep. I wish they kept the same energy for all the male actors who were outed as entitled, selfish and even predatory

[@Xan923]

The Atlanta part made me giggle full disclosure we dont want yall here either 😅

[@geserlhagva5942]

Wheres the Billie 2023 videoooooo.

[@Nazaba09]

I liked ballad of song and snakes but I hate that both Lucy and Katniss are such self righteous characters. Alls fair in love and war guys.

[@thechefbutcher]

what is there to breakdown

[@ethancoster1324]

Mockingjay part 2 was a disappointment for me. PG13 just doesn't do those Capital War scenes justice.

[@dovelyy]

ok zionist

[@lawrencenicolaides2361]

Flaming pile

[@ericbergstrom1]

This guy made this more boring than he could have 😂

[@TheoVasiloudes]

the dumbest one of these notes on a scene videos i’ve seen…. just mindlessly telling us what digital and what’s practical…. idiotic

[@thomascamp2725]

New one is mid, not like the other ones at all and very corny, way too much singing. Did not love the casting as well, so many random stuff going on.

[@nickbrutanna9973]

** Hunger Games: The Ballad of Bitching and Whining **

[@LagoonaGhoul12]

this comment makes no sense

[@Mbart403]

He did a really bad job on this movie unfortunately…

[@albertoespinoza4832]

Zegler you really messed up lol

[@krustomer]

She never said anything wrong actually ❤

[@kad3629]

Nah she’s fine you’re just mad

[@LagoonaGhoul12]

Nah she is doing well, especially with this movie.

[@user-mn5si5jd5z]

rachel zegler ruin my hype

[@gdesiree29]

Sucks for u lol

[@kad3629]

If an actress is enough to ruin your hype than you must not have any to begin with

[@paulinechaussette4536]

@@kad3629Sorry but I have to agree with them, I truly think her performance can ruin the film, it did for me sadly...

[@gdesiree29]

@@paulinechaussette4536 that sucks for u then

[@DRdreamer23]

Wow Rachel is so powerful already, I love her

[@LCal23456]

Hard sell. Perhaps he was forced to this position by the studio. It shouldn’t be that way had it not for the bad casting call of having the most obnoxious actress star on this film - and the movie might have done a lot better. I can’t remember him aggressively promoting his previous movies in the series.

[@lzluna6802]

HUNGER GAMES DIRECTOR CAN SAY WHATEVER HE WANTS BUT HIS HUNGER GAMES MOVIE IS GOING TO FLOP THANKS TO RACHEL ZEGLER

[@simpleplanfan011]

It won’t. Nice try, though.

[@Mariasantacruz2005]

You’re pathetic

[@LagoonaGhoul12]

turns out it didn't

[@amandapr1me]

It's the #1 movie in the country??