From Jakarta to New York: How "The Architecture of Love" Brought Indonesian Cinema to Broadway Stages

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At Broadway Stages, we love to welcome filmmakers from around the world to New York City, showing them all what the Big Apple has to offer so they can capture the unique sights and sounds of the city in their creative projects. Our facilities can be seen in many international hits, from 2018's blockbuster Chinese buddy comedy "Detective Chinatown 2" (one of the highest-grossing films of all time in China) to 2024's celebrated Indonesian romantic drama "The Architecture of Love."

In the latter film, award-winning Indonesian actress Putri Marino stars as Raia Risjad, a successful writer whose seemingly perfect life in Jakarta falls apart when she discovers that her outwardly devoted and supportive husband has been unfaithful. She heads to New York to start a new life and hopefully find inspiration for her latest novel. However, she has had writer's block since her divorce — that is until she meets River Jusuf (Nicholas Saputra), a kind yet distant architect who piques her interest. As it turns out, the enigmatic River is also running away from a painful past in Jakarta.

The two wander around New York admiring the historic and beautiful skyscrapers, including the iconic Flatiron Building. The architect is happy to talk about the New York City skyline in great detail, but when it comes to talking about himself, River remains reserved. Can Raia get him to open up about his painful past? Or will he keep running away?

"The Architecture of Love" was filmed, housed, and produced in part at Broadway Stages in collaboration with Rollin Studios, a production company founded by and run by Anthony Argento, the son of Broadway Stages' founder Tony Argento. Eager to be a part of the film and TV industry, in 1983, Tony turned a dilapidated movie theatre on Broadway Street in Astoria, Queens into his first soundstage — the company’s namesake. Passion for the film industry runs in the family, as Broadway Stages remains a family-run business to this day, with Tony's sister Gina Argento serving as president and CEO, overseeing the day-to-day operations.

Brooklyn-based Rollin Studios is a globally connected, full-service film production company that strives to bring "new cultures to your doorstep — adapting and learning from one another." The company has produced dozens of films and shorts from filmmakers all over the world.  

Aside from the Flatiron Building, another filming location that should look familiar to locals is the Montauk Point Light, a lighthouse at the easternmost point of Long Island. First lit in 1797, it is the oldest lighthouse in the state and fourth-oldest working lighthouse in the nation.

Directed by Teddy Soeriaatmadja and adapted for the screen by Alim Sudio, "The Architecture of Love" is based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Ika Natassa. It performed well on the awards circuit last year, earning nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Costume Design at the 44th annual Indonesian Film Festival held last fall. The film also earned a nod for Favorite Film at the 18th annual Indonesian Movie Actor Awards. At the 37th annual Festival Film Bandung, the movie competed for three awards — Best Supporting Actor for Jerome Kurnia, Best Music Arranger for Ricky Lionardi, and Best Actor for Saputra.

As this month is Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we chose to showcase "The Architecture of Love" as a prime example of international collaboration, combining global storytelling with local production. We are thrilled to support international cinema so AAPI voices can be heard around the world.

Join us in honoring AAPI voices in film — learn how Broadway Stages is helping shape stories that resonate worldwide. Contact us to learn more

One of New York’s largest and most trusted full-service production studio companies, offering comprehensive services for film, television, live streaming, commercials, live performances, music videos, and more. With over 40 years of experience, we’ve become a cornerstone of New York’s thriving creative industry.

With more than 60 soundstages spanning across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, Broadway Stages offers over 4 million square feet of state-of-the-art production space, including soundstages, support space, distinctive filming locations, parking, and in-house services for lighting, power, and grip rentals. We provide tailored solutions for productions of all sizes, delivering the resources and expertise needed to meet your creative and technical needs.

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information and links to put you in touch with industry-focused job posting sites; general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.

Behind the Scenes at Broadway Stages: The Ultimate Support Space for Creative Success

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Broadway Stages Is NYC's Leading Full-Service Film & TV Production Studio

Broadway Stages stands as one of New York City's most expansive and diversified film and television production studio companies. With 60+ soundstages and varied filming locations across NYC, we host everything from indie films, music videos, and commercials to hit TV shows and feature films. And, we’ve made sustainability and a positive community impact priorities. 

We also offer integrated equipment rentals, including lighting, grip, power, etc. through Luna Lighting. In addition, we have ample support spaces for all the productions we host. These spaces, located adjacent to or near soundstages and filming areas, are essential for a production's overall operation and efficiency. 

Essential Film Support Spaces That Maximize On-Screen Success

Success on-screen directly results from the coordination, talent, and effort happening off-camera. Even the best scripts and actors can fall flat without the right behind-the-scenes support.

Camera, lighting, and sound technicians capture the sights and sounds that bring a story to life. The attention to detail in the hair, makeup, and wardrobe units gives a project authenticity and ensures seamless continuity. 

Furthermore, the task of catering is essential. As Napoleon said, "An army marches on its stomach." Not to be forgotten are the platoons working hard to keep everything financed, on schedule, and running efficiently. And all of them need space to achieve their goals.

Writers and creatives need quiet, dedicated offices or writers' rooms that foster focus and collaboration, ensuring the creative vision is developed efficiently and cohesively. Hair, makeup, and wardrobe teams require well-lit prep rooms with mirrors, costume racks, dressing rooms, and styling stations to ensure talent is camera-ready and visually consistent throughout production. Construction and scenic shops need large, ventilated workshops and tool-equipped spaces to build and paint sets, providing the physical environments essential for visual storytelling. Props teams rely on secure storage areas for props and set dressings, allowing quick access and continuity across scenes.

Even if they are not visible in the final content, support spaces are crucial because they ensure the production process flows smoothly behind the scenes.

Streamlined Film Production with All-in-One Studio Solutions

At Broadway Stages, we take a holistic approach to the production process by viewing all creative, technical, logistical, and business-related elements as interconnected parts of a unified whole. 

Anticipating challenges and identifying potential conflicts ahead of time can reduce costly mistakes or delays. This avoids last-minute rushes and ensures things run smoothly and on budget.

Our all-in-one studio solution also fosters collaboration and clarity, which are essential in a dynamic enterprise. When all departments (like lighting, camera, and sound) are aligned with the director's vision and have clear communication, it leads to a more efficient and positive work environment for everyone.

Likewise, a production team that integrates art design with the script and cinematography from the start can create a cohesive, visually stunning film rather than trying to force separate elements together at the end. Bill Groom was the production designer for "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," which used one of Broadway Stages’ soundstages for Season 1. He told Backstage, "This work is very collaborative. It's every department working together to create a world that the actors inhabit." 

The same is true of proximity. Where you film and where your support space is located matters; as our longest-running TV series, “Blue Bloods,” attested. Paramount+ posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), "There's certainly a Brooklyn vibe in @BlueBloods_CBS, which makes sense considering the show's stages and offices are all in the borough. Of course, being there means it's convenient to shoot on-location around New York City, be it Queens or the East Village." 

Customized Workspaces for Every Film Production Department

We have green rooms for talent to stay relaxed and ready between scenes, and holding areas for background actors to be on standby without disrupting active filming zones. Our hair and makeup and wardrobe rooms ensure actors are styled accurately and consistently throughout the scene. And we can provide production offices to serve as the organizational hub for scheduling, communications, and logistics.

In addition, we have extensive set construction and storage areas where crews can build, paint, and safely store sets, enabling quick access and changes as scenes demand. And our equipment storage and prep rooms offer secure, organized spaces for technical gear, ensuring everything is prepped and available when needed.

For all of your vehicle needs, from cast and crew parking to large production vehicles, we offer over 16 acres of parking across our facilities in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. Best of all, we can give you 24/7 access, providing maximum flexibility and convenience for your production team. 

With over 40 years of experience in the business and more than 4 million square feet of integrated space, Broadway Stages is uniquely positioned to meet the diverse needs of each aspect of a production. Our experience and expertise ensure that your production is in capable hands.

Why Decision-Makers Choose Broadway Stages for NYC-Based Productions

Broadway Stages offers a comprehensive, all-in-one production environment that supports every facet of filmmaking. With extensive soundstages, essential support spaces, and integrated equipment services, we streamline operations and foster collaboration across departments. From creative development to technical execution, we help ensure that the work you do behind the scenes is just as powerful as what appears on screen. Combined with our dedication to sustainability, community impact, and operational efficiency, we provide seamless support that you can rely on. Partner with Broadway Stages and get started now. Contact us today.

One of New York’s largest and most trusted full-service production studio companies, offering comprehensive services for film, television, live streaming, commercials, live performances, music videos, and more. With over 40 years of experience, we’ve become a cornerstone of New York’s thriving creative industry.

With more than 60 soundstages spanning across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, Broadway Stages offers over 4 million square feet of state-of-the-art production space, including soundstages, support space, distinctive filming locations, parking, and in-house services for lighting, power, and grip rentals. We provide tailored solutions for productions of all sizes, delivering the resources and expertise needed to meet your creative and technical needs.

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information and links to put you in touch with industry-focused job posting sites; general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.

How the 2025 Cat and Dog Film Festivals Are Inspiring Change — One Tail at a Time

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At Broadway Stages, we understand film festivals' pivotal role in driving creativity and innovation within the film industry. In addition to catering to the interests of film buffs, these events provide a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work, often serving as the first step toward gaining recognition and distribution. Film festivals foster connections among industry professionals, creating opportunities for collaboration that align with our mission to support storytelling and production excellence. As a cornerstone of the film community, Broadway Stages is proud to highlight initiatives that promote cultural exchange and fuel the growth of the industry we love. Today, we tell you about the 9th Annual New York Dog Film Festival and the 7th Annual New York Cat Film Festival.

Last fall, the SVA Theater in Chelsea hosted two of the cutest and fluffiest film festivals on the circuit — the 9th Annual New York Dog Film Festival and the 7th Annual New York Cat Film Festival. After their New York City premieres, the festivals hit the road, traveling across the country so animal lovers all over can experience the joy, the sadness, and the silliness inherent in the selection of short films. In each city, 10% of every ticket sold benefits a local animal rescue.

Recently, the festivals made their way to the historic Arlington Cinema 'N' Drafthouse in Arlington, Virginia. Dozens of filmgoers attended May 6 in their finest feline frocks and May 7 in their coolest canine couture to support the Animal Welfare League of Arlington and watch 90 or so minutes of short films that ran the gamut from the absurd to the profound. The 36 selections come from all over the world and include a mix of live action and animated films, some barely a minute long and others clocking in at nearly 20 minutes. The filmmakers range from seasoned vets like Oscar-winning animator Joan Gratz to up-and-coming documentarians and content creators.

At Broadway Stages, we support filmmakers at all stages of their careers and are proud to play a role in getting artists' stories told. We particularly appreciate when films have such a positive impact on communities, such as these festivals raising money for local animal rescues and encouraging people to find their new best friend and beloved family member at the local shelter.

The introspective films offer simple yet powerful messages to viewers about how having a furry friend by their side simply makes life better. Read four takeaways below, and find out if the dog or cat festival is coming to a city near you.

Don't Ignore a Problem. Do Something About It.

"I don't need to be a big dog to do big things." — Eben the Traveling French Bulldog

The cat festival started off with the inspirational documentary "So it Began" produced by Mutual Rescue. The short film follows Calvin Tucker, also known as "Black Noah," who a decade ago found himself running with gangs and unhappy with his life. That is, until a chance encounter with a stray kitten changed his life. He had seen thousands of strays before but never felt compelled to help one, however he developed an instant bond with that kitten who he named Henry.

"Henry saved me by giving me purpose," he says. Since he and Henry rescued one another in 2015, Tucker has saved more than 600 animals in Alabama.

"Kitty CrusAIDE" by Josh Carter tells a similar story. A decade ago, Dani Braun's sister convinced her to foster a litter of kittens. Before she knew it, Dani had become a cat person. She stopped ignoring the strays in her neighborhood and established Kitty CrusAIDe, an organization that seeks to control feral cat populations through TNR (trap, neuter, release). To prevent disease outbreaks and keep the local cat populations healthy, volunteers also make sure the cats are vaccinated before they are released.

Many of the dog-centric films also highlighted people who decided to help rather than ignore. "Unleashed" by Yayoi Kawahito follows Chad Grigg, who was inspired to found the organization Bark and Burn after spending a summer with his cousins whose dog spent most of his time unhappily locked in a cage. One day, he let the dog out and watched him transform into a loving and happy pooch running and jumping around the woods.

Grigg started walking dogs around New York City but felt like that was not enough. During the pandemic he began long-term dog sitting for medical workers who were away from their pets all day. He would take them on long hikes and watch them joyously experience nature before returning home happy and tired after a long day of proper exercise. Through his organization, Grigg continues to do what he and his four-legged clients love most — explore the wilderness and roam free.

Live in the Moment and Don't Let Your Fears Stand in Your Way

"I've heard people say that when they retire or when they have more money then they'll go outside more... Tomorrow is promised to no dog, cat, squirrel, or human." — Eben the Traveling French Bulldog

The title star of the documentary short "Eben” by Josh Greene and Jack Lattin is not your typical French Bulldog. Despite his small stature and stumpy legs, throughout his life Eben climbed mountain summits, swam and paddle boarded, and traveled hundreds of miles “on paw” with his parents. He even got his head caught in a seal's mouth and lived to tell the tale. The near-death experience did not deter him from spending hours curiously observing the semiaquatic marine mammals in their natural habitat, and a "no dogs allowed" sign did not keep him away from the pier.

Even a cancer diagnosis could not slow him down. Eben lived each day to the fullest, hiking seven miles on his 13th birthday.

Sometimes you need to just stop and smell the roses (or eat them, in the case of one film's furry protagonist). Another option: enjoy the present by simply feeling and reflecting on a moment even after it has just passed.

In the poetic short "Trace of a Cat," filmmaker Kim Best explores what cats leave with us when they vacate a spot. Although the cat may no longer be physically present, it leaves its "trace" and warmth behind, prolonging the joyous moments spent cuddling together.

Find Joy in the Little Things, and Figure Out What Makes You Happy

"You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy" – Eben the Traveling French Bulldog

For many dogs and cats, just spending time with their favorite human is enough to make their day. Throw in a belly rub or chin scratch, and life doesn't get much better than that. Humans, however, often forget how much joy can be found in the little things.

In "Cat Advocacy," another Kim Best film, Nube the cat's owner is worried that Nube did not like any of its birthday presents. While the kitty parent calls numerous companies to complain that their toys disappointed their cat, Nube happily plays with paper bags, cardboard boxes, and a ball of aluminum foil.

Freddie Bear the Goldendoodle loves to jump around and play on the beach for hours and hours with his best friend. From sunrise to sunset, the canine star of "Freddie Bears' Lovely Day" by Mustapha Khan never tires of playing catch, picking up sticks, running in circles, and feeling the sand beneath his paws.

In the claymation short "Buffy and the Balloon" by John Maslowski, a little brown dog named Buffy is over the moon when a special balloon flies in through the window. But Buffy must learn to play gently if she wants to keep the fun going.

Change Is Hard, but It's Never Too Late to Try Something New

"Embrace the transformation of change." – Welly the Dog Poet

How do you cope with life-changing events and heartbreaking losses? In the black-and-white short "Love Another" by Diana Rousseau, an older couple learn to love again after losing their longtime best friend. The pair bring home a new dog, and at first things are "a little ruff." But the couple patiently help their new pooch overcome resource guarding and fear-related aggression, and in time everyone lives happily ever after.

Few events are as life-changing as retirement. Harold "Catman" Sims spent decades as a teacher before he discovered his true passion — being with and rescuing cats. Kim Best shares his story in "King of Cats."

Shortly after his retirement, Sims started volunteering at a shelter and began a new career as an animal advocate. He established the first no-kill shelter in Jackson County, North Carolina, and later established a cage-free cat sanctuary called Catman2. A long-time collector of cat memorabilia, the octogenarian created the American Museum of the House Cat in 2017. Sims passed away in November, but his legacy lives on through his cat sanctuary and museum.

Older pets still have plenty to offer, as Jane Goldman explores in "Who Wants a Cuddle?" At the Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco, the Cuddle Club meets regularly, bringing in senior citizens to spend time with the canine residents and make new human friends. It is difficult to say who appreciates the club more, the dogs or the humans. As one regular visitor says, "It's a great day when you've got dog hair on you."

Speaking of seniors, it is never too late for a cat to make a fresh start and try new things. In "A New Home for an Old Cat" by Stephanie Cernelli, a senior cat thanks its adopters for taking it in after the death of its longtime owner. Grateful for a second chance in life, the cat quickly adapts to its new home, even learning how to live with a curious toddler.

In another short about embracing change, Welly the Dog Poet waxes poetic about a trip to the groomer in "Goodbye Old Coat" by Karen L. Mintz. Welly reflects on "the shedding of my former self" as he says goodbye to his coat, standing "resolute in clumps of my past." He is grateful to his coat for sheltering him from harm, but he is also excited for the future and to "make way for a new coat and new dreams.”

Learn about all of the dog film festival selections and the cat film festival selections.

One of New York’s largest and most trusted full-service production studio companies, offering comprehensive services for film, television, live streaming, commercials, live performances, music videos, and more. With over 40 years of experience, we’ve become a cornerstone of New York’s thriving creative industry.

With more than 60 soundstages spanning across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, Broadway Stages offers over 4 million square feet of state-of-the-art production space, including soundstages, support space, distinctive filming locations, parking, and in-house services for lighting, power, and grip rentals. We provide tailored solutions for productions of all sizes, delivering the resources and expertise needed to meet your creative and technical needs.

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information and links to put you in touch with industry-focused job posting sites; general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.

History, Power, and Prestige: What to Expect from “The Gilded Age,” Season 3

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Break out the roast duck, raw oysters, and champagne – HBO's lavish period drama "The Gilded Age" is coming back this summer for its star-filled third season.

Who Is Joining the Cast of "The Gilded Age" for Its Third Season?

The new season will feature an expanded cast and introduce more historical figures of the era. Bill Camp ("Presumed Innocent") will portray the legendary financier J.P. Morgan who will undoubtedly cross paths with the ruthless railroad tycoon George Russell (Morgan Spector). LisaGay Hamilton ("The Practice") will play the famed Black writer, abolitionist, and suffragette Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, and newcomer Hannah Shealy will appear as the young socialite Charlotte Augusta Astor.

Tony nominee Bobby Steggert ("Ragtime") will portray the artist John Singer Sargent, who would go on to become one of the most popular portrait painters of the Gilded Age. Coincidentally, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the artist's death, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has a special exhibit of the artist's work on display through August 3. In a 2023 webinar, the costume designers of "The Gilded Age" stated that the visual approach for the show was heavily inspired by paintings of the era, with lead costume designer Kasia Walicka Maimone saying, "We looked at endless amounts of paintings, and that created very quickly this key to the door of how to approach this period, because the painters naturally heightened the beauty, heightened the contrast, heightened the colors, and we needed that language of heightened reality for our story."

The third season of "The Gilded Age" will also introduce a new prominent family, the Kirklands, who live in Newport, Rhode Island. Two-time Tony winner Phylicia Rashad ("The Cosby Show") will play the matriarch Elizabeth, and Tony winner Brian Stokes Mitchell ("Kiss Me, Kate") will appear as her husband Frederick, a church pastor. Theater star Jordan Donica ("Camelot") will portray their son, a handsome doctor named William, who fancies Peggy Scott (Denée Benton). Tony winner Leslie Uggams ("Roots") will recur as Mrs. Ernestine Brown, a friend of the Kirklands. During the Gilded Age, wealthy families spared no expense building enormous mansions in Newport, and many still stand today. Through June 27, the Preservation Society of Newport County is launching a guided experience that will take visitors through four of Newport's most iconic mansions that also served as filming locations for the series.

In other casting news, Emmy winner Merritt Wever ("Nurse Jackie") will appear in the new season as Monica O'Brien, the estranged sister of Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon). Dylan Baker ("Homeland") is set to play a doctor who caters to members of high society. Broadway actress Kate Baldwin ("Hello, Dolly!") will portray Nancy Adams Bell, the older sister of John Adams (Claybourne Elder). Michael Cumpsty ("Severance") will play the British Lord Mildmay, and John Ellison Conlee ("Boardwalk Empire") is set to appear as Weston, a successful and well-educated businessman associated with Mildmay. Tony winner Victoria Clark ("Kimberly Akimbo") will appear as Joan Carlton, a kindhearted New Yorker who comes from old money.

Other newcomers for season three include Jessica Frances Dukes ("Ozark"), who will play Athena Trumbo, a cousin of Dorothy Scott (Audra McDonald) and member of Newport's elite Black community; Andrea Martin ("Evil") as Madame Dashkova, a medium who claims to be able to converse with the dead; Hattie Morahan ("Outnumbered") as Lady Sarah Vere, the sister of the Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb) who is engaged to Gladys Russell (Taissa Farmiga); and Broadway's Paul Alexander Nolan ("Escape to Margaritaville") as Alfred Merrick, a distinguished New York businessman.

What Happened on "The Gilded Age" Last Season?

In season two, Bertha Russell fought to establish an enviable music hall, the Metropolitan Opera House, for the nouveau riche who were unable to get boxes at the distinguished Academy of Music. To win the Opera War, Bertha promised her daughter's hand in marriage to the Duke of Buckingham in exchange for his attendance on opening night. Across the street, Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson) secretly took a job teaching at a girls school and turned down a promising marriage proposal to the dismay of her aunt Agnes Van Rhijn (Christine Baranski). In the season finale, Marian and Larry Russell (Harry Richardson) finally shared a kiss, setting the stage for additional tension between the feuding neighbors in the new season. Oscar (Blake Ritson) and Ada (Cynthia Nixon) each endured tragedies that offset one another but flipped the power dynamics of the household heading into the new season.

What's Going to Happen in Season Three?

The third season logline indicates that big changes are ahead, stating: "Following the Opera War, the old guard is weakened and the Russells stand poised to take their place at the head of society. Bertha sets her sights on a prize that would elevate the family to unimaginable heights while George risks everything on a gambit that could revolutionize the railroad industry — if it doesn't ruin him first. Across the street, the Brook household is thrown into chaos as Agnes refuses to accept Ada's new position as lady of the house. Peggy meets a handsome doctor from Newport whose family is less than enthusiastic about her career. As all of New York hastens toward the future, their ambition may come at the cost of what they truly hold dear."

Additionally, an HBO executive told Deadline that the new season will explore divorce, though there are no details regarding which couple is splitting up. Be sure to tune in to HBO on June 22 to find out, and to marvel at the extravagant hats, luxurious digs, and sumptuous cuisine of the era.

One of New York’s largest and most trusted full-service production studio companies, offering comprehensive services for film, television, live streaming, commercials, live performances, music videos, and more. With over 40 years of experience, we’ve become a cornerstone of New York’s thriving creative industry.

With more than 60 soundstages spanning across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, Broadway Stages offers over 4 million square feet of state-of-the-art production space, including soundstages, support space, distinctive filming locations, parking, and in-house services for lighting, power, and grip rentals. We provide tailored solutions for productions of all sizes, delivering the resources and expertise needed to meet your creative and technical needs.

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information and links to put you in touch with industry-focused job posting sites; general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.

The Creative Force of “Poker Face” | Rian Johnson and Tony Tost Bring Bold Storytelling to Broadway Stages – Catch Season Two on Peacock

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Rian Johnson and Tony Tost may not be related, but their careers in film and television have a surprising number of parallels. Both have risen to fame for their intricate storytelling, ability to blend genres, and commitment to surprising audiences with every twist and turn. From Johnson's "Brick," a thriller that became an instant classic, to Tost's "Americana," which explores the murky depths of crime in rural America, these two writers and directors have cemented themselves as industry giants. Most recently, Johnson and Tost have brought their distinct storytelling strengths to Peacock’s "Poker Face," blending Johnson's intricate mystery plotting with Tost's knack for American roots and working-class narratives. Their collaboration helped shape the show's rich world of eccentric characters and offbeat crime stories, anchored by Natasha Lyonne's charismatic lead performance.

Rian Johnson: A Master of Reinventing Genres

Rian Johnson is the creator and executive producer of "Poker Face," bringing his signature mystery storytelling to the series.

As one of Hollywood's most talked-about filmmakers, Johnson is best known for his work on "Looper” and "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." However, perhaps one of his most defining moments came when he flipped the murder mystery genre on its head with the release of "Knives Out." With its sharp wit and brilliant surprises, Johnson's fresh take on the genre made it an instant hit, earning him a slew of accolades and critical acclaim. 

Johnson has been able to apply the lessons he learned in "Knives Out" to "Poker Face." In an interview with Entertainment Magazine about the movie, he said, "The really satisfying payoff at the end is not the reveal of whodunit; it comes after that. It's the dramatic payoff to this protagonist we've been following." This is just as true in his work on the hit Peacock series.

Johnson's journey to success didn't happen overnight. After studying film at the University of Southern California, he started with the 2005 indie film “Brick,” a neo-noir whodunit set in a high school. The film was lauded for its unique blend of teen drama and classic detective story, drawing comparisons to Raymond Chandler's works. 

His next project, "The Brothers Bloom," was another risk: a caper film about con artists that mixed humor, romance, and drama in a way audiences hadn't seen before. Following this, he brought us "Looper," a 2012 science-fiction thriller starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis. This film earned him widespread recognition for his ability to combine complex timelines and high emotional stakes within a genre-bending narrative.

And his direction on "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" garnered praise for subverting expectations and challenging the status quo of the iconic franchise. "The ultimate intent was not to strip away – the intent was to get to the basic, fundamental power of myth. And ultimately, I hope the film is an affirmation of the power of the myth of ‘Star Wars’ in our lives," Johnson told Empire magazine.

Then came "Knives Out," a film that redefined the murder mystery genre for a new generation. Johnson combined elements of classic whodunits with biting social commentary, creating a film that felt familiar and fresh. The film's success led to a sequel, "Glass Onion," further cementing Johnson's status as a master of modern storytelling.

All of these experiences reflect his approach to storytelling. He told ScriptMag.com, "It's not illustrating a simplistic thing over and over again; it's taking a look at a complicated thing from many different angles, and that allows you to really use it as fuel for your story."

Tony Tost: The Voice of Complex, Character-Driven Stories

Meanwhile, Tony Tost has also made his mark in film and television. He made his feature directorial debut on the drama film "Americana." On television, he has brought his brand of storytelling to "Longmire” as its writer and producer and "Damnation” as its creator, showrunner, and executive producer. 

Each production told stories of crime, love, and ambition in a uniquely stylized narrative, which suited him perfectly for joining "Poker Face" in its second season. Tost was thrilled to be joining the show in season two. He posted on Instagram, "Still counting my blessings that I’m getting to step in and help make a new season of one of my favorite shows."

A former poet, Tony Tost brings a distinct literary flair to his storytelling, crafting tales grounded in real-world issues and richly layered with emotional depth. His career began in television, where he worked as a writer and producer on "Longmire," a crime drama that resonated with fans for its compelling characters and gripping storylines. 

The show's success helped pave the way for his next project, "Damnation," a period drama set during the 1930s labor movement.

He used this momentum in his film, "Americana." Starring Sydney Sweeney, Halsey, and Eric Dane, the story follows a stolen Lakota ghost shirt as it intertwines the fates of a desperate junkie, a war veteran, and a pair of outlaws in a tense and poetic tale of survival and redemption.

As writers are the genesis of storytelling, Tost gives real consideration when filling the writer's room. In his blog, Practical Screenwriting, he wrote, "In a nutshell, my attitude while looking for writers: I'm trying to create a collective storytelling organism that's uniquely suited to tell this particular TV show's story. This organism will need to have a creative, engaging, hard-working temperament, so the meshing of individual personalities will play a part. This organism should also have a rich and varied trove of experiences — both personal and professional — to draw upon while breaking and discussing episodes." 

The Art of Storytelling: Johnson and Tost's Creative Vision

Both Johnson and Tost share a deep commitment to character-driven storytelling. While Johnson often uses genre elements to shape his narratives, Tost's work is heavily influenced by his literary background, focusing on nuanced personas and the moral dilemmas they face. Despite their different approaches, both filmmakers use their work to challenge conventional expectations.

Regarding their creative process, both Johnson and Tost highly value collaboration. Johnson has spoken about his sense of actors in bringing his words to life. In an interview with TheWrap, he noted, "The thing with writing is that you only have so much real estate in terms of screen time, so I had to make sure all these great characters got their moment and were serviced by the script — for the audience and for myself, I didn't want to shortchange anyone." 

On another note, Tost's work is often rooted in a sense of realism, regardless of the situation. He said (again in his blog Practical Screenwriting), "Just giving lip service to actual real social issues, or presenting half-digested platitudes regarding them, is a pretty cynical and shitty thing to do. It’s unlikely to be persuasive, and it’s also likely to produce shoddy writing."

Looking Ahead: "Poker Face" and Beyond

As both filmmakers continue to evolve, their future projects remain highly anticipated. Johnson, who served as creator, writer, executive producer, and director for "Poker Face," is already working on his next project. "Wake Up Dead Man" (A Knives Out Mystery) promises more high-stakes mysteries and brilliant twists. Meanwhile, Thursdays on Peacock fans can see Tost’s work in Season Two of "Poker Face," for which he served as showrunner and executive producer. 

At Broadway Stages, we're proud to be the production partner of choice for "Poker Face" and the unique creative visions of Rian Johnson and Tony Tost. We can't wait to see what's next from these two incredible storytellers!

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