M. Night Shyamalan’s Daughter Directs New Season of SERVANT
M. Night Shyamalan and Apple’s Servant returns for season two next month. And today we hear his daughter, Ishana Night Shyamalan will make her directing debut.
M. Night Shyamalan tells THR: “Well, first of all, it’s so funny you say that because my daughter was like, “You’re putting me between you and Julia!? What are you doing!?” And I’m like, “That’s gonna be perfect. You’re gonna be great!” Yeah, my daughter directed two episodes this season, and she wrote two by herself, co-wrote a third one and re-wrote a fourth one. So she was very involved in this second season, and she’s been training forever. From the time she was four, we’ve talked about cinema and writing. She also went to film school and did all that.“
He continues: “So I said, “Hey, I think you’re ready. This format would be perfect for you, and this particular episode would be great for you to direct.” And she did. She brought her humor and energy to it, and I treated her just like the other directors.
RELATED: SERVANT Officially Renewed For Season 3
He adds: “I gave her my advice and also worked with the actors and told them what was important. I told her what was visually important and that she should prep every shot before she gets to set. It’s a very formalistic way of shooting, but I said, “You don’t have to do those shots, but you should’ve thought this through very carefully with your DP before you start.” Then I said, “Once you go and shoot, I’m going to tell you what I think as I watch the footage coming in.”
Finally, he says: “I do that with all the filmmakers because I want them to be free. That way, they give me their very best stuff that’s them. This is not a journeyman show. This isn’t, “Hey, we want a hired gun,” or something like that. As a director, you have to come and take huge risks; don’t give me coverage. You might fail — and we’ll reshoot those things — but that’s what we want. We don’t want you near safety; we want you near the edge of your comfort zone.”
RELATED: SERVANT 2 Wraps as Shyamalan Starts Season 3 & 4 Writer’s Room & Works Out Show’s Conclusion
Following its suspenseful Season 1 finale, the second season takes a supernatural turn with a darker future for all lying ahead as Leanne returns to the brownstone and her true nature is revealed. You can check out the season 2 trailer HERE.
Tony Basgallop created the series and executive produces with Shyamalan, Ashwin Rajan, Jason Blumenthal, Todd Black, and Steve Tisch. Toby Kebbell stars with Nell Tiger Free, Lauren Ambrose, and Rupert Grint. The first season is now streaming.
The first season followed a couple who hire a nanny for their baby. But her arrival brings about strange and frightening occurrences. The debut season sports an 84% on Rotten Tomatoes. The Critics Consensus reads: Though Servant’s slithering mystery often wanders into dark, crowded corners, its claustrophobic atmosphere, and powerful performances build enough tension to keep viewers hooked.
The 10-episode second season will premiere globally on Apple TV+ with the first episode on January 15th, 2021, followed by new episodes weekly, every Friday.
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