Susan Kouguell

Senior Contributing Editor at Script Magazine

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Interview with “Government Cheese” Filmmaker Paul Hunter

1 month ago | scriptmag.com | Susan Kouguell

It was a pleasure to speak with showrunner, executive producer, writer and director Paul Hunter about his new series Government Cheese, which is now streaming on Apple TV+. In our wide-ranging interview we discussed his inspiration for the series, breaking the traditional rules of television and creating out of the box.
Interview with Director Catherine Gund about Her New Film 'Meanwhile'

2 months ago | scriptmag.com | Susan Kouguell

It was a pleasure to speak with Emmy-nominated and Academy-shortlisted producer, director, writer, activist and Aubin Pictures founder Catherine Gund about her new film Meanwhile. Gund’s media work focuses on strategic and sustainable social transformation, arts and culture, HIV/AIDS and racial, reproductive and environmental justice. Her films have screened worldwide and on many platforms. She won the 2023 Gracie Award for Documentary Producer.
Interview with 'A Complete Unknown' Editors Andrew Buckland and Scott Morris

Jan 15, 2025 | scriptmag.com | Susan Kouguell

It was a pleasure to speak with Academy Award®-winning film editor Andrew Buckland and Scott Morris about their editing work on A Complete Unknown. Buckland began working with director James Mangold on Knight and Day and The Wolverine, and has extensive credits on narratives and documentaries. Morris, named one of Variety’s top 10 Artisans to Watch, has worked with directors James Gray, Adam McKay and Gareth Edwards.
Interview with 'The Brutalist' Filmmakers Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold

Jan 14, 2025 | scriptmag.com | Susan Kouguell

Fresh off their win for Best Picture Drama at the Golden Globes, I spoke with Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold about their award-winning film The Brutalist. We delved into their writing collaboration, the sacrifices and support within creative partnerships, their personal connections to architecture, and the challenges of funding films. The Brutalist centers on László Tóth (Adrien Brody), a Hungarian-Jewish visionary architect.
Interview with 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' Award-Winning Writer and Director Mohammad Rasoulof

Jan 13, 2025 | scriptmag.com | Susan Kouguell

I first saw The Seed of the Sacred Fig last summer at the Locarno Film Festival on the Piazza Grande, which I highlighted for this publication. Both the film and Mohammad Rasoulof, received standing ovations. In a moving speech, Rasoulof stated: “I had to choose between prison and leaving Iran. With a heavy heart, I chose exile.” Filming in secret, Rasoulof and his cast and crew risked their lives making this film.
Interview with Oscar-Nominated 'Nickel Boys' Writer and Director RaMell Ross and Editor Nicholas Monsour

Dec 12, 2024 | scriptmag.com | Susan Kouguell

When covering the 2024 New York Film Festival for this publication I highlighted Nickel Boys, and since then I was eager to chat with RaMell Ross one-on-one. Our conversation did not disappoint and in fact, the bonus for this interview was speaking with Ross together with his editor Nicholas Monsour. We delved into their collaboration, discussed the film’s nontraditional structure, the unconventional screenwriting process, point-of-view, and so much more.
Interview with 'Wicked' Writer Winnie Holzman

Nov 28, 2024 | scriptmag.com | Susan Kouguell

It was a joy to speak with award-winning Wicked writer Winnie Holzman about the genesis of the stage play to the screen and then adapting it from one movie to two, and the importance of collaboration. Ms. Holzman generously shared insights and behind-the-scenes anecdotes that were inspiring, not to mention, fun.
Interview with 'Wicked' Editor Myron Kerstein

Nov 26, 2024 | scriptmag.com | Susan Kouguell

In this wide-ranging interview Kerstein talks about his love of editing musicals, his collaborations with director Jon M. Chu, finding the emotion in scenes, and so much more. No doubt, Kerstein’s enthusiasm and passion for films is contagious. Myron Kerstein, ACE, is an Oscar-nominated and ACE Eddie Award-winning film and TV editor, producer, and director.
Academy Award Winner Steve McQueen Talks about His New Film 'Blitz'

Nov 25, 2024 | scriptmag.com | Susan Kouguell

Blitz follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a nine-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.
Interview with 'Leap of Faith' Director Nicholas Ma

Nov 4, 2024 | scriptmag.com | Susan Kouguell

I had the pleasure to speak with award-winning director Nicholas Ma about his new documentary Leap of Faith. This poignant film follows 12 diverse Christian pastors in Grand Rapids, Michigan of varying theological, racial and political identities and ideologies. Brought together by Michael Gulker of The Colossian Forum, the pastors struggle with some of today’s most contentious issues.