The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
    • Events Film The Kontenders Theater TV All
      Events

      On the Scene: The Ned Nomad debuts in New York City

      June 29, 2022

      Entertainment

      EXCLUSIVE: The Proud Family cast talks Louder and Prouder at ABFF!

      June 28, 2022

      Entertainment

      Eight Ray Talent Agency Hosts 2nd Annual Pre-BET Awards Celebrity Gifting Suite

      June 27, 2022

      Entertainment

      On The Scene: Uniqlo Unveils New Peace For All Collection

      June 25, 2022

      Film

      On the Scene: Richie Shazam’s Directorial Debut ‘Savitree’

      June 28, 2022

      Film

      Exclusive: Writer/Director Rebeca Huntt Talks Her Debut Feature, “Beba” [VIDEO]

      June 28, 2022

      Film

      On The Scene: ‘The Human Trial’ screening

      June 28, 2022

      Film

      Tribeca Film Festival Feature Showcase 2022

      June 27, 2022

      The Kontenders

      Exclusive: Interviews At The 37th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards [video]

      March 15, 2022

      The Kontenders

      Knockturnalist: Top 20 Favorite Films of 2021

      January 9, 2022

      The Kontenders

      The Kontenders: Stepping behind the curtain of “Nightmare Alley”

      December 17, 2021

      The Kontenders

      The Kontendors: The Humanity behind the Refugee Crisis in “Flee”

      December 13, 2021

      Theater

      Exclusive: Nkeki Obi-Melekwe talks final performances of ‘Tina – The Tina Turner Musical’…

      June 28, 2022

      Theater

      On The Scene: The 75th Annual Tony Awards Red Carpet!

      June 21, 2022

      Theater

      On The Scene: Inside The 2022 Tony Awards Press Room

      June 20, 2022

      Theater

      Review: Sarah Silverman’s The Bedwetter Captures a Child’s Despair with Not-So-Child-Friendly Humor

      June 17, 2022

      TV

      Jeffrey Wright, Luke Hemsworth, Creative Team & More Chat at the ‘Westworld’ Season…

      June 29, 2022

      TV

      Exclusive: Dominic West, Wendell Pierce, David Simon, and Nina Noble Talk ‘The Wire’…

      June 29, 2022

      TV

      EXCLUSIVE: The Proud Family cast talks Louder and Prouder at ABFF!

      June 28, 2022

      TV

      On The Scene: Museum of the Moving Image’s ‘Living with The Walking Dead’…

      June 24, 2022

      Entertainment

      Jeffrey Wright, Luke Hemsworth, Creative Team & More Chat at the ‘Westworld’ Season…

      June 29, 2022

      Entertainment

      Exclusive: Dominic West, Wendell Pierce, David Simon, and Nina Noble Talk ‘The Wire’…

      June 29, 2022

      Entertainment

      On the Scene: The Ned Nomad debuts in New York City

      June 29, 2022

      Entertainment

      On the Scene: Richie Shazam’s Directorial Debut ‘Savitree’

      June 28, 2022

  • Music
    • Koncerts News All
      Koncerts

      The Day Party Independence Day Celebration 2022: Meek Mill

      June 24, 2022

      Koncerts

      On The Scene: Bastille Rocks Terminal 5

      June 13, 2022

      Koncerts

      On The Scene: Vance Joy Headlines Pier 17

      June 10, 2022

      Entertainment

      Lollapalooza 2022 Will Be Historic: Thank You BTS’ J-Hope

      June 7, 2022

      News

      Exclusive: Cast and Creators Talk ‘The Wire’ 20th Anniversary

      June 23, 2022

      News

      Interviews with the Cast of Tribeca Festival’s Premiere of “The Courtroom”

      June 23, 2022

      News

      NOW OPEN: MUSICA Nightclub Brings European-Style Clubbing to NYC

      June 20, 2022

      News

      Interview with Actress Samira Wiley for the Tribeca Festival Premiere of “The Gratitude…

      June 20, 2022

      Music

      P1HARMONY: The Boy Group Everyone Needs to Look Out For

      June 28, 2022

      Music

      Eight Ray Talent Agency Hosts 2nd Annual Pre-BET Awards Celebrity Gifting Suite

      June 27, 2022

      Music

      The Day Party Independence Day Celebration 2022: Meek Mill

      June 24, 2022

      Music

      Exclusive: Cast and Creators Talk ‘The Wire’ 20th Anniversary

      June 23, 2022

  • Lifestyle
    • Art Events Fashion & Beauty Sports All
      Art

      Ilegal Mezcal Hosts The Annual Celebrating YOU Event At Ilegal HQ

      June 29, 2022

      Art

      ON THE SCENE: NFT NYC COCKTAIL PARTY HOSTED BY SWOPES + SUNRISE ART…

      June 23, 2022

      Art

      Bodvár House of Rosé Throws Lush, Pastoral National Rosé Day Event

      June 14, 2022

      Art

      Exclusive: Reyna Noriega Partnered W/ BAND-AID® Brand OURTONE™ To Create ‘Thank You Cards’…

      June 3, 2022

      Events

      Jeffrey Wright, Luke Hemsworth, Creative Team & More Chat at the ‘Westworld’ Season…

      June 29, 2022

      Events

      On the Scene: The Ned Nomad debuts in New York City

      June 29, 2022

      Events

      Ilegal Mezcal Hosts The Annual Celebrating YOU Event At Ilegal HQ

      June 29, 2022

      Events

      Eight Ray Talent Agency Hosts 2nd Annual Pre-BET Awards Celebrity Gifting Suite

      June 27, 2022

      Fashion & Beauty

      How Beia Encourages Skincare for Your Love Life Amid Launch of Body &…

      June 29, 2022

      Fashion & Beauty

      The KnockturnaLIST: Editors’ Picks 2022

      June 29, 2022

      Fashion & Beauty

      Swimming in Style This Summer with Sperry

      June 24, 2022

      Fashion & Beauty

      This Tasting Menu Paired Every Dish with Champange. Here’s How it Went.

      June 21, 2022

      Sports

      Carriage Driving 60th Anniversary Festivities – Join us for a day in the…

      June 16, 2022

      Sports

      Exclusive Interview With Jahfari Harvey

      May 26, 2022

      Sports

      NINJA Undergoes Full Rebrand by Creative Studio EAT

      April 20, 2022

      Sports

      On the Scene: Red Bull Dance Your Style

      March 31, 2022

      Lifestyle

      Jeffrey Wright, Luke Hemsworth, Creative Team & More Chat at the ‘Westworld’ Season…

      June 29, 2022

      Lifestyle

      On the Scene: The Ned Nomad debuts in New York City

      June 29, 2022

      Lifestyle

      Ilegal Mezcal Hosts The Annual Celebrating YOU Event At Ilegal HQ

      June 29, 2022

      Lifestyle

      St. George Spirits Celebrates Theirs 40th Anniversary With A Cocktail Party

      June 29, 2022

  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EntertainmentFilmThe LatestVideo

‘Death Note’ Director Adam Wingard Talks Good vs. Evil and Trying to Cast Bowie and Prince [Video]

by Riyad Mammadyarov August 25, 2017
by Riyad Mammadyarov August 25, 2017 0 comment

Adam Wingard discusses working with green screen for the first time and how he overcame that challenge.

Most directors don’t jump head first into the world of big budget cinema (except you Carl Rinsch). They inch their way up the filmmaker’s ladder, taking it one rung at a time. First, they make short films with friends, then they move onto indie flicks that are solely and/or community financed. They take it slow, bit by bit, hoping that each passing year will be the year that marks their breakout. But if everything goes right, the stars align, and the powers that be allow it, the fledgling filmmakers can finally take that leap, one which was granted by mama bird in the form of a studio, allowing the artist to spread its wings and fly off into big budget cinema.

One such director in that category is Adam Wingard. Known for his work in horror, the director, cinematographer, editor, and screenwriter has spent the last 13 years carving a name out for himself in the horror indie world. From the skin-crawling You’re Next to the Blair Witch remake, Wingard has worked tirelessly to climb the budget tower, coming to rest at his newest and biggest film endeavor, Death Note. The Knockturnal had the opportunity to sit down with the director to discuss his time working with an eclectic cast, overcoming the challenges of building a VFX ferris wheel and the multitude of genres that the film touches upon. Take a look at what he had to say below.

The Knockturnal: How did the story find you?

Adam Wingard: Well, yeah, it actually was just that. It was one of those things where it’d been up in the air for a few years because quite a few years ago my brother had called me on the phone and we were just chatting about stuff, and he randomly, at the end of the conversation, said, “Oh, have you heard of Death Note?” He was like, “If you ever adapt something into a movie, you should do that.” I’d just vaguely heard about it, but after that I went and sought it out, and at that point I’d only done You’re Next, and so my career wasn’t really at a point where I could just go to a studio and say, “Hey, you guys doing Death Note?”

The Knockturnal: I want in [laughs].

Adam Wingard: They’d been working on it for quite some time. Shane Black and Gus Van Sant were attached at different points, which is kind of a funny, you know, for me to follow up into that. So, a couple years later, Warner Brothers randomly sent me the script. It was originally with them, and I was really excited immediately that it was there. Then the rest is history.

The Knockturnal: What about the story appealed to you? What about the story attracted you to the project?

Adam Wingard: Well I mean it just has so many different opportunities thematically. The exploration of good and evil and really what’s in between—what’s the gray area. Those were the elements that I was really excited about, and then being able to take that. The movie just lends itself to being such an exciting kind of genre mashup. You’re allowed to do from everything from action and horror. There’s a little bit of comedy, there’s a thriller element, there’s a crime element. There’s even a musical element technically.

The Knockturnal: A little almost teen romance a little bit.

Adam Wingard: Exactly, yeah. So it just has everything. So it was pretty much a no-brainer.

The Knockturnal: You have an awesome cast. Talk about bringing such a diverse cast together from Willem [Defoe] to Lakeith [Stanfield] to Nat [Wolff].

Adam Wingard: Well yeah, I mean the most difficult part about a film like this is anytime you’re dealing with a movie where you have high school kids, it’s about finding actors who are actually young and really do feel like real kids, but have enough experience where they can really bring that to life and do something with it. So the casting was definitely probably the most challenging thing that I’ve done for my films, and so much of it was about the chemistry that they had with each other and that kind of thing. Something like Ryuk, where we got Willem in, it was kind of an interesting thing where early on I actually had two different choices before Willem, and they were based on the fact that Ryuk himself has this glam rocker vibe. So, believe it or not, the first person that I had on our casting list was David Bowie, and then David Bowie died, and then the second person I had was Prince, not even joking, and then Prince died.

The Knockturnal: Oh, my God.

Adam Wingard: I was like, okay, we can’t go out to any more of these types of guys because we’re literally creating our own casting death note. So then Willem was at the top of the list, and fortunately, he hasn’t died yet, so we’re doing good.

The Knockturnal: There’s so many great scenes from this movie. What was the hardest scene for you to put together?

Adam Wingard: Probably the Ferris wheel finale. That’s the biggest VFX sequence that I’ve ever done, and it was one of those things where originally we were going to shoot at a real Ferris wheel, and at the last minute they were like, “You can’t shoot here,” because it basically implies that their Ferris wheel might fall over or something. So we were in this place where we had to create our own Ferris wheel from scratch. I was very nervous about that because I come from this sort of indie world where you just don’t have money for VFX, and so you just don’t do them because there’s no guarantee that they’re going to be good. With that one, that was one of those things where I actually came out of it, and I felt like I’d moved up to the next level where I’d gotten past the green screen challenge. I’m not going to lie, when I first got on to the set and you got your actors and they’re just in front of this green screen for some stuff, I was just like, “Oh my God.” You’ve just seen that go bad so many times in movies, and that terrified me. Through the process of working through this, we were able to figure out the right lenses and all the textures you can put in front of the lens and stuff to really help sell that. So hopefully this will prepare me for my next film, which is going to be very VFX heavy.

The Knockturnal: Well you did it. It worked.

Check out Death Note out when it hits Netflix Friday, August 25.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Adam WingardDeath NoteLakeith StanfieldNetflix
0 comment
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Riyad Mammadyarov

I am a graduate of New York University and am currently pursuing my master's degree in cinema studies at the same institution. My passion for films knows no bounds! It warms my heart and inspires zeal to talk movies with fellow cinephiles. Have any questions, comments or just want to chat? Email me at riyad.mamedyarov@gmail.com

previous post
‘Death Note’ Star Lakeith Stanfield Sits in Peculiar Ways and Consumes Glucose [Video]
next post
‘Le Dîner en blanc’ Returns to New York for its 7th Year

Related Posts

Jeffrey Wright, Luke Hemsworth, Creative Team & More...

June 29, 2022

Exclusive: Dominic West, Wendell Pierce, David Simon, and...

June 29, 2022

NOW OPEN IN FLATIRON NYC: Anita’s La Mamma...

June 29, 2022

On the Scene: The Ned Nomad debuts in...

June 29, 2022

The KnockturnaLIST: Editors’ Picks 2022

June 29, 2022

On the Scene: Richie Shazam’s Directorial Debut ‘Savitree’

June 28, 2022

Exclusive: Writer/Director Rebeca Huntt Talks Her Debut Feature,...

June 28, 2022

Exclusive: Nkeki Obi-Melekwe talks final performances of ‘Tina...

June 28, 2022

P1HARMONY: The Boy Group Everyone Needs to Look...

June 28, 2022

MAD Luminaries host Artist PRIDE Brunch

June 28, 2022

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Digital Cover No. 15

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
    • Events Film The Kontenders Theater TV All
      Events

      On the Scene: The Ned Nomad debuts in New York City

      June 29, 2022

      Entertainment

      EXCLUSIVE: The Proud Family cast talks Louder and Prouder at ABFF!

      June 28, 2022

      Entertainment

      Eight Ray Talent Agency Hosts 2nd Annual Pre-BET Awards Celebrity Gifting Suite

      June 27, 2022

      Entertainment

      On The Scene: Uniqlo Unveils New Peace For All Collection

      June 25, 2022

      Film

      On the Scene: Richie Shazam’s Directorial Debut ‘Savitree’

      June 28, 2022

      Film

      Exclusive: Writer/Director Rebeca Huntt Talks Her Debut Feature, “Beba” [VIDEO]

      June 28, 2022

      Film

      On The Scene: ‘The Human Trial’ screening

      June 28, 2022

      Film

      Tribeca Film Festival Feature Showcase 2022

      June 27, 2022

      The Kontenders

      Exclusive: Interviews At The 37th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards [video]

      March 15, 2022

      The Kontenders

      Knockturnalist: Top 20 Favorite Films of 2021

      January 9, 2022

      The Kontenders

      The Kontenders: Stepping behind the curtain of “Nightmare Alley”

      December 17, 2021

      The Kontenders

      The Kontendors: The Humanity behind the Refugee Crisis in “Flee”

      December 13, 2021

      Theater

      Exclusive: Nkeki Obi-Melekwe talks final performances of ‘Tina – The Tina Turner Musical’…

      June 28, 2022

      Theater

      On The Scene: The 75th Annual Tony Awards Red Carpet!

      June 21, 2022

      Theater

      On The Scene: Inside The 2022 Tony Awards Press Room

      June 20, 2022

      Theater

      Review: Sarah Silverman’s The Bedwetter Captures a Child’s Despair with Not-So-Child-Friendly Humor

      June 17, 2022

      TV

      Jeffrey Wright, Luke Hemsworth, Creative Team & More Chat at the ‘Westworld’ Season…

      June 29, 2022

      TV

      Exclusive: Dominic West, Wendell Pierce, David Simon, and Nina Noble Talk ‘The Wire’…

      June 29, 2022

      TV

      EXCLUSIVE: The Proud Family cast talks Louder and Prouder at ABFF!

      June 28, 2022

      TV

      On The Scene: Museum of the Moving Image’s ‘Living with The Walking Dead’…

      June 24, 2022

      Entertainment

      Jeffrey Wright, Luke Hemsworth, Creative Team & More Chat at the ‘Westworld’ Season…

      June 29, 2022

      Entertainment

      Exclusive: Dominic West, Wendell Pierce, David Simon, and Nina Noble Talk ‘The Wire’…

      June 29, 2022

      Entertainment

      On the Scene: The Ned Nomad debuts in New York City

      June 29, 2022

      Entertainment

      On the Scene: Richie Shazam’s Directorial Debut ‘Savitree’

      June 28, 2022

  • Music
    • Koncerts News All
      Koncerts

      The Day Party Independence Day Celebration 2022: Meek Mill

      June 24, 2022

      Koncerts

      On The Scene: Bastille Rocks Terminal 5

      June 13, 2022

      Koncerts

      On The Scene: Vance Joy Headlines Pier 17

      June 10, 2022

      Entertainment

      Lollapalooza 2022 Will Be Historic: Thank You BTS’ J-Hope

      June 7, 2022

      News

      Exclusive: Cast and Creators Talk ‘The Wire’ 20th Anniversary

      June 23, 2022

      News

      Interviews with the Cast of Tribeca Festival’s Premiere of “The Courtroom”

      June 23, 2022

      News

      NOW OPEN: MUSICA Nightclub Brings European-Style Clubbing to NYC

      June 20, 2022

      News

      Interview with Actress Samira Wiley for the Tribeca Festival Premiere of “The Gratitude…

      June 20, 2022

      Music

      P1HARMONY: The Boy Group Everyone Needs to Look Out For

      June 28, 2022

      Music

      Eight Ray Talent Agency Hosts 2nd Annual Pre-BET Awards Celebrity Gifting Suite

      June 27, 2022

      Music

      The Day Party Independence Day Celebration 2022: Meek Mill

      June 24, 2022

      Music

      Exclusive: Cast and Creators Talk ‘The Wire’ 20th Anniversary

      June 23, 2022

  • Lifestyle
    • Art Events Fashion & Beauty Sports All
      Art

      Ilegal Mezcal Hosts The Annual Celebrating YOU Event At Ilegal HQ

      June 29, 2022

      Art

      ON THE SCENE: NFT NYC COCKTAIL PARTY HOSTED BY SWOPES + SUNRISE ART…

      June 23, 2022

      Art

      Bodvár House of Rosé Throws Lush, Pastoral National Rosé Day Event

      June 14, 2022

      Art

      Exclusive: Reyna Noriega Partnered W/ BAND-AID® Brand OURTONE™ To Create ‘Thank You Cards’…

      June 3, 2022

      Events

      Jeffrey Wright, Luke Hemsworth, Creative Team & More Chat at the ‘Westworld’ Season…

      June 29, 2022

      Events

      On the Scene: The Ned Nomad debuts in New York City

      June 29, 2022

      Events

      Ilegal Mezcal Hosts The Annual Celebrating YOU Event At Ilegal HQ

      June 29, 2022

      Events

      Eight Ray Talent Agency Hosts 2nd Annual Pre-BET Awards Celebrity Gifting Suite

      June 27, 2022

      Fashion & Beauty

      How Beia Encourages Skincare for Your Love Life Amid Launch of Body &…

      June 29, 2022

      Fashion & Beauty

      The KnockturnaLIST: Editors’ Picks 2022

      June 29, 2022

      Fashion & Beauty

      Swimming in Style This Summer with Sperry

      June 24, 2022

      Fashion & Beauty

      This Tasting Menu Paired Every Dish with Champange. Here’s How it Went.

      June 21, 2022

      Sports

      Carriage Driving 60th Anniversary Festivities – Join us for a day in the…

      June 16, 2022

      Sports

      Exclusive Interview With Jahfari Harvey

      May 26, 2022

      Sports

      NINJA Undergoes Full Rebrand by Creative Studio EAT

      April 20, 2022

      Sports

      On the Scene: Red Bull Dance Your Style

      March 31, 2022

      Lifestyle

      Jeffrey Wright, Luke Hemsworth, Creative Team & More Chat at the ‘Westworld’ Season…

      June 29, 2022

      Lifestyle

      On the Scene: The Ned Nomad debuts in New York City

      June 29, 2022

      Lifestyle

      Ilegal Mezcal Hosts The Annual Celebrating YOU Event At Ilegal HQ

      June 29, 2022

      Lifestyle

      St. George Spirits Celebrates Theirs 40th Anniversary With A Cocktail Party

      June 29, 2022

  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch