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Chloe Zhao (Nomadland, Hamnet) on Filmmaking, Failure, Working With Non-Actors & Living the Question

A conversation with filmmaker-podcaster Phil Svitek covering Zhao's working method across Nomadland and Hamnet, including how she directs non-actors and how she handles projects that don't come together as planned.

Phil Svitek · 28 min · Intermediate · DIR · Directing · 2026

What you take away

Practical reassurance and method for directing non-professional performers without over-rehearsing them.

Watch it

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