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Podcast Episode

EP410 | The Most Important Directing Skill Nobody Teaches You (w/ Mike Pecci)

In Love with the Process Podcast··25 September 2026·1h 24m

About this episode

Mike Pecci takes a quick break from prepping They Like the Dark for another real time check in from the trenches of making his first feature film.This week Mike digs into a directing skill that almost nobody teaches you: how to talk to people. Over the years, Mike has learned how to sit across from another artist, whether it's on Zoom, over coffee, or in a production office, and figure out how they see the world. How do you listen instead of waiting for your turn to speak? How do you ask the right questions? How do you get a glimpse inside someone's creative toolbox and understand what their years of experience could bring to your movie? And just as importantly, how do you get them excited enough to want to jump into the madness with you? As Mike continues building the team for They Like the Dark, he shares what he's learned about communicating a vision, inspiring collaborators, reading the room, and recognizing when there's a genuine creative connection. Because directing isn't just about lenses, storyboards, and shot lists. You're asking dozens of talented people to bring their experience, ideas, and creativity together to make something that started inside your head. Learning how to talk to those people might be one of the most important tools a director can have. It's the kind of filmmaking insight you didn't know you needed. ► Mike's IG ► ILWP's IG  Music: Code Elektro, Mitch Murder, Ron Cannon ——SPONSORS——► Freenote Cloth► FujiFilm 10% off Accessories (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/accessories/) and Merch (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/brand-merch/) Promo code PROCESS10► Puget Systems► Blackmagic Design Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.