Destry Allyn Spielberg engaged in an insightful discussion with actor and filmmaker Bradley Cooper about her directorial debut, Please Don’t Feed the Children, in early 2024. The conversation highlighted the challenges she faced in bringing this atmospheric, zombie-inspired film to life, shot over 18 days in Santa Fe, as well as her distinct approach to filmmaking despite her famous family name. This Bradley Cooper filmmaking conversation reveals how Destry approaches storytelling with both passion and precision.
Initial Skepticism and a Gradual Embrace of the Script
At first, Destry was reluctant to take on Please Don’t Feed the Children because it was described as a zombie movie, a genre she initially wanted to avoid. She put the script aside until no other projects sparked her interest, then gave it a chance. Once she read it, the story’s depth became clear—it was much more than a typical horror film, focusing on viral outbreak survival and human loss, and the ‘zombie’ element was a late surprise rather than the core theme.
Destry explained to Bradley Cooper,
“I think we should do this one.”
—Destry Allyn Spielberg
Challenges of Low-Budget Filmmaking and Tight Scheduling
The production took place in Santa Fe with a very constrained schedule and budget. Shooting wrapped in just 18 days, which Destry described as an experience she would not want to repeat. Their approach prioritized simplicity in technical choices, such as using a pair of vintage lenses combined with the ALEXA 35 camera. The team mainly used wide-angle lenses for much of the film to maximize visual impact within resource limits.
She elaborated,
“We didn’t go over the limit. One, because we couldn’t, and also they were tight. The whole thing was really set up like a play because we didn’t have any room or money. We just couldn’t add another day.”
Bradley Cooper praised the look of the film, commenting on the impressive aesthetic achieved despite these constraints.
Working Closely With the Writer and Embracing Practical Effects
Destry was actively involved with the writer from the moment she committed to the project until filming began. Realizing the high costs and complexities of visual effects in VFX-heavy films, she preferred to rely on practical effects to bring the story to life. She acknowledged the challenge of securing financing for a film with traditional zombie elements, noting their budget-conscious approach to effects as a necessity.
This dedication to practicality underpinned the style and tone of the film, enhancing its raw, immersive atmosphere.
Careful Casting and Bringing New Talent to the Forefront
All casting was conducted after Destry took on the project, with a deliberate focus on discovering new faces for the young roles. The ensemble cast combined promising newcomers with respected actors such as Michelle Dockery and Giancarlo Esposito, who both embraced the indie film environment enthusiastically. Destry shared that her father had suggested Zoe Coletti for the role of Mary after seeing her performance on Only Murders in the Building. Coletti’s self-tape impressed the director so much that she did not consider other options for the part.
Destry described Michelle Dockery as perfectly fitting the matron character she envisioned, inspired by the eerie presence of Coraline‘s Other Mother. And casting Giancarlo Esposito was described as a fortunate favor, as his involvement elevated the project especially given its tight budget. His collaborative input on dialogue and character development was invaluable.
Fostering Ensemble Chemistry Through Preparation and Shared Experiences
Because the story depended heavily on the interactions within the ensemble group, Destry prioritized building real relationships among the young cast members. They participated in group activities such as museum visits and dinners to create genuine bonds, aiming for authentic reactions on screen. Destry remarked,
“You guys need to go and do adventures together. You guys are living together. You need to all hang out and become friends.”
—Destry Allyn Spielberg
This approach helped the cast deliver convincing performances portraying the challenges and tensions of survival.
Balancing Dark Themes With Subtle Humor
The film’s tone is predominantly somber and intense, matching its post-apocalyptic, horror-driven narrative. However, Destry noted the natural presence of comedic moments within horror, which serve as relief amidst heavy subject matter. Bradley Cooper reflected on how the film managed to simultaneously convey misery and maintain moments of levity, a balance often tricky to achieve.
Technical Choices Supporting Story and Atmosphere
Destry shared how her shot compositions and camera movements were carefully planned to heighten tension and engagement. One notable example was shooting a pivotal scene at a pool location on a ramp to create a sense of entrapment, with the character Mary positioned at the bottom to feel overwhelmed by others descending towards her. Despite nearly losing that location a week before shooting, the production team secured it to maintain the film’s creative vision.
Bradley Cooper praised these choices, describing her as a natural filmmaker with keen instincts for both composition and emotional impact.
Future Endeavors and Passion for Ensemble Storytelling
Destry revealed that her next project is a murder mystery, continuing her preference for ensemble casts. Although fully financed, she described challenges in casting one key role, noting the current industry trend where actors often prefer lead roles over ensemble parts. Her dedication to ensemble storytelling stems from appreciation for the dynamic performances that arise when characters interact deeply onscreen.
She emphasized,
“I personally love ensemble work. That’s when you get really great performances because you’re getting real reactions from characters working together. But we’ll find our guy.”
—Destry Allyn Spielberg
Work Habits and Reflective Editing Process
After filming concludes, Destry typically begins editing immediately without a break, describing herself as a workaholic. However, she acknowledged the necessity of pausing to gain perspective during post-production to avoid overworking the material, likening editing to painting where stepping back is essential.
Personal Journey Into Filmmaking and Rejecting the Shadow of a Famous Name
Destry shared candidly that she did not initially plan to become a director, despite growing up surrounded by filmmaking. As a child, she enjoyed making home movies with friends, but pursued acting with limited success. Frustrated by acting opportunities, she decided to make her own short film at 21, taking on directing out of necessity without prior experience. The hands-on directing experience ignited a passion she hadn’t expected.
She reflected,
“I don’t want to do this. This is my dad’s job. I don’t want to take that from him or even try.”
and then added,
“This is what I want to do. Fuck acting. I want to be behind the camera.”
—Destry Allyn Spielberg
The Value of Friendship and Film Conversations
Throughout their conversation, Destry and Bradley exchanged more than technical details; they showed the warmth of a creative friendship, discussing the joy and challenges of filmmaking while sharing mutual respect. They talked about meeting up beyond movies, indicating that the process of filmmaking is both a professional journey and a personal one fueled by collaboration and trust.
Significance of Destry’s Filmmaking and Future Impact
Destry Allyn Spielberg’s entry into directing with Please Don’t Feed the Children reflects a determination to craft personal, character-driven stories with fresh talent, despite budget and time constraints. Her hands-on, ensemble-focused approach, combined with practical effects and deliberate location choices, demonstrates an emerging filmmaker carving her own identity beyond her family legacy. This Bradley Cooper filmmaking conversation underscores the importance of perseverance, creativity, and collaboration in independent filmmaking.
With a murder mystery next in development, Destry’s trajectory suggests a continued commitment to ensemble narratives and deeply human storytelling, likely influencing both her career and the indie film landscape in coming years.
