Masterclass with J.A. Bayona: Crafting stories that resonate

Spanish director J.A. Bayona shares insights

In a masterclass at this year’s Mipcom, where Spain takes the spotlight as the Country of Honor, acclaimed Spanish director J.A. Bayona (“Society of the Snow,” “The Impossible”) took center stage to delve into his filmmaking approach. He shared inspiring anecdotes and technical wisdom, providing a peek into what keeps his cinematic tales riveting and enduring.

The heart of Bayona’s storytelling

Bayona began by discussing his creative process, from the inception of an idea to the final cut. For him, the core of storytelling lies in resonating deeply with an emotional concept. He emphasized, “I need to feel a connection to a feeling, an idea that resonates with me. That’s something that, if strong enough, will last throughout the long and often painful process of making a film.”

One might wonder how this principle translates into his works. Bayona used his 2012 hit “The Impossible” as a prime example. If you haven’t seen the film, it’s time to catch up. Naomi Watts’ performance earned her an Oscar nomination, and it was driven by a powerful moment of human emotion.

In the movie, a mother and her son, amidst devastating floods, hear a child’s cry. The mother, despite her injuries, resolves to save the child. Bayona’s emotional connection to this specific moment in the story’s poem was so intense that it became the anchoring point for the entire film.

Watch “The Impossible” trailer here.

The magic of improvisation on set

The filming process for Bayona is a dynamic interplay between preparation and improvisation. “The beginning of a shoot is always one of the most creative moments for me. It’s the first time I’m with the actors in front of a camera.”

Bayona elaborated on the importance of flexibility on set. “Normally, I follow the script, but I always allow myself some time on set to be surprised by the material and leave space for improvisation.” This flexibility isn’t limited to the director alone; it extends to the actors as well. “I prepare the actors a lot… you need to give them the tools to improvise. If I don’t have a nice surprise, a happy accident on set, then that day, I won’t go home completely satisfied.”

Tackling the nerves: Fear as a guiding force

Despite his extensive experience helming blockbuster franchises like “Jurassic World” and “The Lord of the Rings”, Bayona admits that nerves never completely leave him. “I think fear is good. Panic is not. Fear helps you to be alert and at 150% all the time.”

He advises embracing this anxiety as a part of the creative journey. “If you’re working on something you already know how to do, it’s not as satisfying as exploring and trying to create something challenging. It gives you the chance to give your best.”

Watch “Jurassic World” trailer here.
Watch “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” trailer here.

Balancing wide reach with personal resonance

When asked about his films’ wide appeal, Bayona made it clear that his primary goal isn’t to create a universal hit but rather to craft stories that resonate deeply with him. “It’s very difficult to put yourself in the shoes of a million people; it’s impossible. I always look for an idea that will spark a flame to sustain me throughout the process.”

This deeply personal approach can be seen in his refusal to distinguish between the mediums of TV and cinema. Discussing his work on Prime Video’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” Bayona shared, “I don’t separate the language of TV and cinema because, for me, there is only one way to tell a story right. That is my goal. To figure out how actors should move in front of a camera and where it should be placed.”

A unique blend of preparation and spontaneity

Bayona’s approach to storytelling is a blend of meticulous preparation and spontaneous creativity. His insistence on connecting deeply with the material ensures that each of his projects is charged with emotional authenticity. By allowing room for improvisation, Bayona creates an environment where unexpected moments of magic can occur, enhancing the final product.

For those passionate about storytelling, Bayona’s masterclass serves as a reminder of the importance of emotional connection and flexibility in creative processes. His work stands as a testament to the power of deeply personal storytelling in captivating audiences worldwide.

Feel inspired by Bayona’s insights? Share your thoughts on social media and stay tuned for more stories on the art of filmmaking.