January 19, 2022
Shot Talk – Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry with Dir. R.J. Cutler & DP Jenna Rosher
Summary
Lawrence Sher, ASC sits down with acclaimed Director R.J. Cutler & DP Jenna Rosher for an in-depth discussion of their Apple TV+ Documentary Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry. From the documentaries that influenced their style and technique, to how they were able to get cameras into the heavily guarded Grammys, this discussion dissects the year long making of Billie’s debut album that would go on to change the world.
Along with the release of this edition of Shot Talk, we’re also adding images from the films Gimme Shelter and Don’t Look Back, two documentaries which heavily inspired the filmmakers.
Key moments
- 00:02:26 R.J. Cutler on Meeting Billie Eilish
- 00:06:04 Origins of the Debut Album
- 00:07:40 How a Documentary Shoot Begins
- 00:11:52 Jenna Rosher’s Introduction to the Project
- 00:12:40 Vérité Style: The Filmmaking of Observation
- 00:17:20 Technical Choices for a Vérité Documentary
- 00:19:21 Jenna Rosher’s Camera and Lens Choices for the Doc
- 00:21:35 Thoughtful Approaches to Documentary Filmmaking
- 00:24:44 Trust: The Most Valuable Piece of Film Equipment
- 00:26:46 Scene Breakdown: Grammy Noms Announcement
- 00:33:25 The Pure Luck of Getting an Amazing Scene
- 00:36:57 Capturing Billie in the Moment
- 00:39:40 Jenna’s Approach to Concert Coverage
- 00:41:35 Scene Breakdown: Radio City Music Hall
- 00:47:35 Themes of Family and Billie’s Driving Lessons
- 00:54:00 Maggie Baird’s Reaction to the Film
- 00:55:39 Discussion of Authorship on a Documentary
- 01:03:47 Relationship with Subjects After Wrapping a Doc
- 01:10:03 Final Thoughts
