Search Captions & Ask AI

How Heated Rivalry Kept Production Costs Low

February 09, 2026 / 01:32

This episode discusses the cost-effectiveness of film production in Canada, the shooting schedule for a series, and the impact on crew hours. Key topics include production budgets, shooting efficiency, and the importance of pre-written episodes.

Jacob, the director, explains how they managed to shoot all six episodes in just 36 days by block shooting them like one film. He highlights the difference in production costs compared to the US, where studios often struggle with longer shooting schedules.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of working long hours in film production, particularly how it affects departments like hair, makeup, and wardrobe, which are often led by women. Jacob emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in the industry to avoid excessive overtime.

There is a brief humorous exchange about the nature of the conversation, showcasing the casual tone of the discussion.

TL;DR

Jacob discusses efficient Canadian production methods and the need for industry change regarding crew hours.

Video

00:00:00
Is it less expensive to make this in
00:00:02
Canada from a production perspective?
00:00:04
>> Yes, it is because we don't have the
00:00:06
same level of money that is being thrown
00:00:08
around. So, we by necessity have to
00:00:11
spend less. But we also like did
00:00:14
something here where we shot all six
00:00:16
episodes in 36 days. Jacob directed all
00:00:19
six of them. We block shot them like one
00:00:21
giant movie. Studios, especially US
00:00:23
studios, come and say, "How do you guys
00:00:25
do this?" And we go, "It's crazy. you
00:00:27
have all of your episodes written before
00:00:29
you go into prep. And that's typically
00:00:31
when we lose people and they don't
00:00:33
understand.
00:00:34
>> It's crazy to do it the other way. It's
00:00:35
especially when you're not doing 22
00:00:37
episodes anymore. Like back in the old
00:00:38
model when you're doing this volume of
00:00:40
episodes where it's not possible to have
00:00:41
them all written. You have to just be
00:00:43
writing all the time. But if you're
00:00:44
doing if the new model is 8 to 10
00:00:46
episodes, there's almost no reason why
00:00:48
this can't be accomplished before you
00:00:49
start shooting.
00:00:50
>> Yeah. We start shooting and then we do
00:00:52
10-hour shoot days primarily. Like I'm
00:00:54
not going to say it's not every day, but
00:00:56
we try to keep our hours low. As soon as
00:00:58
you get into 12, 13 hours with crews,
00:01:00
you end up paying for an additional day
00:01:03
by virtue of the overtime. The
00:01:05
departments that get hooped are hair,
00:01:07
makeup, wardrobe with these pre-alls a
00:01:10
lot of the time. Who are those
00:01:11
departments run by? Primarily women. And
00:01:14
so we also just feel that like there in
00:01:17
our business we need to change this
00:01:19
mentality of endlessly shooting 15 16our
00:01:22
days which is where the costs balloon.
00:01:24
>> Right. Right. What are you a lesbian?
00:01:26
What's happening here?

Badges

This episode stands out for the following:

  • 60
    Best direction

Episode Highlights

  • Efficient Production Model
    Shooting all episodes in 36 days saves money and time. "It's crazy to do it the other way."
    “It's crazy to do it the other way.”
    @ 00m 34s
    February 09, 2026
  • Rethinking Shoot Hours
    Long shoot days lead to ballooning costs, especially affecting women-led departments.
    “We need to change this mentality of endlessly shooting.”
    @ 01m 17s
    February 09, 2026

Episode Quotes

Key Moments

  • Shooting Schedule00:14
  • Cost Management01:17

Related Episodes

Podcast thumbnail
Former Prince Andrew Arrested — Will Epstein’s Network Face U.S. Justice? | Pivot
Podcast thumbnail
Trump Says U.S. Is “In Charge” of Venezuela — But What Happens Next? | Pivot
Podcast thumbnail
“Manufactured Division”: How Social Media Is Driving Anger and Polarization | Pivot