Uta Briesewitz, a prominent figure in the film industry, recently shared her experiences and insights during a Masterclass at the Munich International Film Festival, focusing on her latest film, ‘American Sweatshop’.
Uta Briesewitz Discusses ‘American Sweatshop’ and Her Journey in Hollywood
Uta Briesewitz delivered a Masterclass at the Munich International Film Festival, focusing on her new film American Sweatshop and sharing experiences from her time on The Wire. She also highlighted the challenges she faced as a woman in the industry.
Insights from the Masterclass
Briesewitz was joined by producer Anita Elsani and director of photography Jörg Widmer. The session, organized by the Kirch Foundation and hosted by Deadline, provided an in-depth look at the film and the creative process behind it.
About ‘American Sweatshop’
American Sweatshop features Lili Reinhart as Daisy, a young woman tasked with evaluating harmful content on social media. The film premiered at SXSW and had its European debut at the Munich festival. Elsani described the film as having a clear attitude, emphasizing the unseen efforts of those who manage disturbing online content.
Briesewitz’s Transition from Television to Film
While the film is set in Florida, it was shot in Cologne, Germany. Briesewitz, a German director who made her mark in Hollywood, discussed the differences between working on big-budget U.S. TV series and indie films. She noted that while larger productions afford more time and safety, smaller projects allow for spontaneity and creativity.
Her Journey in the Industry
Briesewitz studied film in the U.S. and initially worked as a cinematographer on projects like Next Stop Wonderland and The Wire. She shared her experiences of long shooting days on The Wire, where 14 to 20-hour workdays were common. These demanding hours ultimately led her to direct some of the biggest series in recent years.
See More ...
Overcoming Challenges
Briesewitz faced significant challenges early in her career, including a discouraging encounter with a Hollywood agency that expressed bias against female directors of photography. Rather than deter her, this experience strengthened her resolve to succeed in the industry.
Recent Work and Future Projects
Briesewitz’s recent projects include American Sweatshop and episodes of acclaimed series such as The Wheel of Time, Severance, Black Mirror, Stranger Things, Westworld, and Altered Carbon.
Source: deadline.com
