This post contains details from Mondays episode ofThe CWsAll American.
After a long night, Olivia activates her village so you can get through the day.
So it feels like a very natural fit for you to direct this episode.
All AmericanTroy Harvey/The CW
Its such a difficult episode.
There were so many dark places to go.
So being able to translate that into her making suggestions and shaping our performances and stuff around the scenes.
EZRA:It was mostly about the tone.
It could easily be such a dark episode.
And it is in some ways, but we didnt want to lose the hope.
Theres just an aspirational quality to this episode that we didnt want to lose.
So, she just made sure I found places to keep that hope alive.
DEADLINE: Are there any specific scenes that brought you a lot of joy to direct?
EZRA:I would say the ferris wheel scene.
Theres always a sense of compromise in a lot of these things.
Then the scene with myself and Coach Kenny, Mustafa Speaks.
Again, its a really big turning point.
It was tough, but ultimately satisfying.
The scene Im most proud of is the opening montage.
Thats not really something weve done onAll Americanbefore.
That was me from start to finish.
I picked the song, designed it all…It was just executed exactly how I wanted.
DEADLINE: Im glad you mentioned that first scene.
It stood out to me, especially because of the song (Last Stand by Kwabs).
How did you choose it?
EZRA:Its funny, Ive known that song for years.
Its not a new song.
I used to listen to that song beforeAll Americaneven existed.
It just jumped out at me.
Its one of those songs, those old favorites that I revisit every now and then.
I said, Hey, this is the song.
Im going to edit it to that song.
So if it cant be that song, then tell me as soon as possible.
For the shots, I wanted it to feel like it didnt stop moving.
Weve all had those nights that just feel relentless.
I wanted it to feel relentless for Olivia, which is why the camera doesnt stop moving.
Theres no real cuts in each individual moment.
I just wanted it to feel sort of inescapable.
The lyrics just match up perfectly with that.
DEADLINE: This is also a heavy episode for Spencer.
EZRA:Its just honestly just switching your brain.
Acting is very specific.
Going from this universal viewpoint to this very specific viewpoint was tough.
When it was my coverage, I didnt really watch them.
I would just go with what felt right, and then I would check in with them.
DEADLINE: You made your directorial debut last season.
What did you learn from directing that episode that made you feel empowered to take this one on?
EZRA:Its a cliche, but just to trust your gut and trust your instincts.
Directing for the first time, you have all these ideas but theres a nervousness about that.
Its usually very vulnerable trying things, especially when its things you havent ever done before.
Theres a few things in this episode that are a little bit different than things weve done before.
So its their vision and the writers vision.
Its like cooking in somebody elses kitchen.
Right before he dies, he sort of recommits to that.
How did it feel to now direct an episode honoring his legacy?
EZRA:It just felt right.
When I read the episode, it just felt like this is the one Im supposed to have.
I dont know how planned that was on the schedule side, but it just felt right.
And where it falls in the story just makes complete sense.
When will the time be right?
Will we see that in Season 5?
That whole aspect [of the show] has taken on a life of its own.
Sam and I laugh about it all the time.
The writers are definitely cooking up some special stuff for these remaining few episodes.
DEADLINE: Well, theyve really been toying with us this season.
