Talk to Me: The Philippou Brothers Dive into Horror on JRE

Ever wondered what it takes to create a viral horror sensation? Joe Rogan sits down with Danny and Michael Philippou, the Australian twin brothers behind the YouTube channel RackaRacka and the new A24 horror film, “Talk to Me.” From their humble beginnings making backyard stunts to directing a critically acclaimed feature film, these guys have a story to tell – and it’s as wild and unpredictable as their movies. This episode dives deep into their creative process, the challenges of filmmaking, and the surprisingly emotional core of their terrifying creation.

TL;DR

The Philippou brothers discuss their transition from YouTube stunt videos to directing the A24 horror film “Talk to Me.”
They reveal the intense, collaborative writing and creative process behind their unique style of horror.
The conversation covers the pressures and rewards of working with a bigger budget and a professional cast.
They touch on the themes of grief, trauma, and family that underpin the scares in “Talk to Me.”
The brothers share hilarious and sometimes harrowing stories from their RackaRacka days, including run-ins with the police and near-death experiences.

Key Topics Covered

From RackaRacka to A24: The Evolution of a Vision

The brothers recount their journey from creating over-the-top action and horror shorts on YouTube to directing a full-length feature film for A24. They explain how their early experiences with special effects, stunt work, and guerilla filmmaking laid the foundation for their unique style. They emphasize the importance of constantly experimenting and pushing boundaries, even when things go wrong.

They discuss the challenges of translating their DIY aesthetic to a more professional environment. Having a budget to work with certainly makes things easier, but maintaining their creative control and staying true to their vision was paramount. One thing that really stood out was their commitment to practical effects, even with the availability of CGI.

“We’ve always been about practical effects. It just feels more real, more visceral.” – Danny Philippou

The Creative Process Behind “Talk to Me”

The Philippou brothers offer insight into their collaborative writing and directing process. They describe how they brainstorm ideas, develop characters, and meticulously craft the scares in their films. They emphasize the importance of building tension and creating a sense of unease, rather than relying solely on jump scares. They also spoke about the need to ensure the performances from the actors felt incredibly raw and believable to the audience. Ensuring that the film’s scary concepts are grounded in reality.

They also discuss the thematic elements of “Talk to Me,” exploring themes of grief, trauma, and the search for connection. They wanted to create a horror film that was not only scary but also emotionally resonant.

“Horror is a great way to explore real-life anxieties and fears.” – Michael Philippou

Navigating the World of Professional Filmmaking

The brothers discuss the challenges and rewards of working with a larger crew, a professional cast, and a significantly bigger budget. They share stories about collaborating with actors, dealing with studio executives, and navigating the complexities of the filmmaking process. They emphasize the importance of communication, trust, and staying true to their artistic vision.

They also touch on the pressures of meeting expectations after the success of their YouTube channel. They felt a responsibility to deliver a film that would not only scare audiences but also be critically acclaimed.

Intriguing Anecdotes & Stories

The Philippou brothers recount several wild stories from their RackaRacka days. One particularly memorable anecdote involves a near-death experience while filming a stunt involving a car and a trampoline. They laugh about the incident now, but admit that it was a terrifying experience at the time. Another story involves a run-in with the police after filming a zombie apocalypse scene in a public park. These stories highlight the brothers’ fearless approach to filmmaking and their willingness to push the limits.

They also shared an interesting insight as to why they often used their grandmother in videos. In one instance they detailed having her play a possessed character, using a harness and wires to move her around.

Conclusion

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative minds of Danny and Michael Philippou. From their humble beginnings on YouTube to their recent success with “Talk to Me,” the brothers have proven themselves to be talented and innovative filmmakers. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring filmmakers, horror fans, and anyone interested in the creative process.