Elaine McMillion Sheldon is a director and writer known for documentaries, such as the Netflix Original Documentaries, Heroin(e) and Recovery Boys. Her latest film, King Coal, premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. This “part fable, part documentary” is about the complex, coal culture in Central Appalachia.

In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Emmy-winning filmmakers, Elaine McMillion Sheldon and Curren Sheldon to discuss: 

The inception of the film and how it became a hybrid style

What the lens vetting process was like

Not using any artificial light

The reason behind focusing on the young characters in the film 

Why it’s important to have bad ideas

Pushing through moments of vulnerability

Where Elaine got inspiration from 

Working with a breath artist to create all the crazy sounds in the film

All the wonderful support they received from labs and grants 

Why you need to have a long-term version



Memorable Quotes

“How do we make this feel almost like a dream, almost like an imagined future?” [7:51]

“This film required a level of failure and vulnerability that made me insecure at moments. But ultimately made me grow as a filmmaker.” [14:09]

“Having a long view of your career is so healthy otherwise you’re gonna get burnt out and depressed.” [31:20]

“Most of this industry lives in a bubble, on a coast.” [42:08]



Resources:
King Coal trailer
King Coal official website
King Coal on Instagram

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