Archive · 17 Aug 2025
Kevin Macdonald Reflects on 'State of Play' and Hollywood Shift
Imagine a movie director named Kevin Macdonald at a film festival.
He talked about his movie "State of Play" and said it was a big change in Hollywood.
Back then, they spent lots of money, even building fake sets because a star didn't want to travel!
The movie was supposed to be for adults and cost a lot.
The director thinks this kind of expensive movie-making isn't as common anymore.
He also talked about how he and his brother started out, even making a short film that helped them get their first big movie, "Shallow Grave," off the ground.
Director Kevin Macdonald discussed the 2009 film "State of Play" at the Edinburgh Film Festival.
Macdonald views "State of Play" as a turning point in Hollywood, marking the end of an era of wasteful filmmaking.
The film, originally conceived with Brad Pitt, faced challenges including Pitt's rejection of the script.
The film was shot on a sound stage to accommodate Brad Pitt's family concerns, even though filming on location was possible.
Macdonald and his brother, producer Andrew Macdonald, also discussed their early careers, including their short film and the launch of their film "Shallow Grave."
- Who
- Director Kevin Macdonald and his brother, producer Andrew Macdonald.
- What
- Kevin Macdonald discussed his film "State of Play" and its significance in Hollywood, along with his early career.
- When
- At the Edinburgh Film Festival.
- Where
- Edinburgh, Scotland.
- Why
- To share insights on filmmaking and discuss the evolution of the industry.
Expensive Film Era
Cost Effective Film Era
Filming Approach
Expensive Film Era
High budgets, elaborate sets
Cost Effective Film Era
More cost effective with location shoots
- Film Discussed
- "State of Play"
- Director
- Kevin Macdonald
- Festival
- Edinburgh Film Festival
- Film's Original Star
- Brad Pitt
- Film's Budget
- $100 million
- Producer
- Andrew Macdonald
- Film Location
- Hollywood