John Wilson, the visionary filmmaker behind the acclaimed documentary series “How To With John Wilson,” is preparing to unveil its much-anticipated third and final season. Reflecting on the intriguing dynamics of a video camera, Wilson delves into how it can alter people’s behavior, a phenomenon he skillfully exploits in his show.
Despite its initial premise as a straightforward “how to” guide, each episode of the Emmy-nominated series eventually descends into a captivatingly eccentric and sometimes shocking exploration of human life. During an interview with The Associated Press, Wilson disclosed that his unique style of cinematography draws inspiration from his past experience working with a private investigator. He also contemplated the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the future of filmmaking.
Make sure to mark your calendars for the premiere of the third season of “How To” on July 28, airing on HBO and Max. (Note: The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.)
WILSON: The anticipation is killing me; I’m thrilled for its release. It’s been quite a few months since I’ve been holding onto this, and there’s so much I’m eager to discuss about the upcoming season. Personally, I believe it’s the finest one we’ve produced so far. I’m counting down the days with excitement.
WILSON: Throughout my journey in the documentary realm, I’ve immersed myself in reading interviews, conversing with people, and closely observing human behavior. It’s fascinating how some individuals try to overlook the profound impact a camera has on the dynamics of a space. Instead of concealing this influence, I prefer embracing it wholeheartedly because I find the tension created by a camera truly captivating. I see it as a powerful element that can elevate the drama in a situation, and I’m genuinely surprised that more people don’t leverage it in their work. Embracing the camera’s presence and the changes it brings forth can lead to incredibly compelling storytelling, and that’s something I’m really drawn to.
WILSON: Absolutely, authenticity is crucial to me in my work, and that involves removing as much artificiality as possible. It’s quite amusing at times. In some interviews, the individuals may already be familiar with the show, having even watched it before. Yet, there are instances when I finish an entire interview, and they inquire, “So, who’s the host of this show?” When I reveal that it’s me, they’re taken aback and puzzled, wondering why there isn’t a separate cameraperson. They might even question if it’s a budget constraint. It’s amusing because in their eyes, they perceive me as an exceptionally talkative cameraperson on the verge of losing their job due to frequent interruptions of the shots. But, that’s just how I prefer to work, immersing myself in the process and allowing the camera’s presence to be an integral part of the experience.
WILSON: It’s a whirlwind of creative chaos; everything unfolds simultaneously. There are times when I’ll have around six different episode concepts swirling in my mind. I might spot someone standing under scaffolding, for instance, and initiate a conversation about it, hoping for an interesting perspective. If it doesn’t pan out as expected, I mentally cycle through questions and ideas from other episodes, attempting to salvage useful material. Thankfully, I have a team of other producers who assist me in this process.
However, the true cohesion and form take shape during the editing phase. I’m constantly shooting and working closely with the editor, providing them with clear directions for each piece of footage. This parallel approach of shooting and editing concurrently is essential for the show’s creative process. It’s a delicate dance of synchronized efforts, and that’s the only way to make it work effectively.
WILSON: I share a sense of awe and even a touch of trepidation towards the unstoppable advancement of AI. As filmmakers and creators, it becomes our responsibility to consciously prioritize crafting works with a distinct human touch. There’s something profoundly resonant about authentic human storytelling, and audiences respond positively to it for a reason.
In the future, I believe there might emerge a clear division between the content we choose to consume. Some might lean towards AI-generated material, while others prefer human-made work. There’s a possibility that human-driven content could be created with limited resources, perhaps even without significant financial backing, but it will be a deliberate choice made by the creators.
Ultimately, it’s about recognizing the value of genuine human expression and understanding that, despite the rise of AI, there will always be an audience that craves and appreciates the authenticity of human-created content. As creators, we must make the conscious decision to preserve and promote the unique essence of human work, even in the face of technological advancements.
WILSON: It’s quite a serendipitous tale. I stumbled upon the job posting in an unconventional corner of Craigslist’s classifieds—the “etc.” section, where atypical work opportunities find their place. The listing was for a video editor position, and I decided to give it a shot. Little did I know what awaited me.
During the interview process, I was intrigued to learn that the company behind the posting was, in fact, a private investigation agency. The revelation struck a chord within me, and I immediately knew I wanted to stay. There was something captivating about the prospect of working in such a unique and unconventional environment, blending video editing with the realm of private investigation. It turned out to be a turning point in my career, shaping my style of cinematography and eventually influencing the distinctive approach I take in my documentary series.
WILSON: Absolutely, the experience had a profound impact on my filmmaking perspective. Observing people from a specific vantage point or distance during my time with the private investigation agency sparked something electrifying within me. It instilled a desire to capture everything in a similar style, replicating that unique perspective in my work.
There’s an inexplicable allure to witnessing human behavior from a certain distance, and I yearned to recreate that feeling in my own storytelling. It influenced my approach to cinematography, encouraging me to seek out and embrace that distinctive perspective in my documentary series. The experience became a driving force behind my desire to create compelling and authentic portrayals of humanity on screen.
WILSON: Nathan and I share strikingly similar personalities, which facilitated a strong connection between us. We bonded over the things that inspire us and the kind of media we enjoy consuming. Naturally, I was a huge fan of his show, which made our collaboration even more exciting.
Initially, it was a bit challenging to separate the persona I had formed from watching his show and the real Nathan. But as we got to know each other better, I discovered a brilliant, intelligent, and sensitive individual with an exceptional work ethic. Nathan’s unwavering commitment to excellence and his refusal to settle for anything less than the best were truly admirable traits.
Joining forces, we laid down the foundation for the show, defining its rules and principles. It was a fascinating journey to understand each other’s value systems and find ways to harmonize and complement our approaches. I have to admit that without Nathan’s intensity and vision, the show wouldn’t have turned out as remarkable as it did. Working together, we created something truly special, fueled by our shared passion and commitment to excellence.
