Cord Jefferson and Ryan Coogler on Writing, Directing, and What They’re Doing Next

Cord Jefferson’s directorial debut AMERICAN FICTION premiered at Toronto International Film Festival last year where it won the People’s Choice Award. The film grossed $23 million and won several accolades including the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. In his Oscar speech, Cord implored the industry to take more creative risks. Just weeks later, Cord and Ryan met over a video call to talk about their first films, Cord’s unique path to filmmaking, insights from the set of AMERICAN FICTION, and what Cord and Ryan are working on next – including tidbits from Ryan’s next movie which he was preparing to shoot at the time of recording. Learn more and read the transcript of this conversation at ProximityMedia.com . (02:30) Get Reel (10:46) How Cord’s first writing job took GUTS (19:28) On the set of AMERICAN FICTION and collaborating with Jeffrey Wright (27:58) What they’re working on next and what keeps them going (37:44) “You shouldn't be doing this if the end goal is to win an Oscar.” (39:49) Prox Recs CONNECT WITH PROXIMITY MEDIA: Follow us on Instagram , Twitter , and TikTok . We’re also on YouTube . Learn more at ProximityMedia.com . Text PROX to 510-998-3176 or head to subtext.to/prox for updates on new episodes and latest projects from Proximity Media. CREDITS: In Proximity is a production of Proximity Media Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Paola Mardo Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Producer: Caitlin Plummer Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Cedric Wilson, Judybelle Camangyan Production Assistant: Isabella Miller Design and Social Media: Alexandria Santana