Why ‘Hawkeye’ Directors Didn’t Direct ‘Echo’ Pilots – The Hollywood Reporter

[The following interview contains spoilers for episodes three and four of Hawkeye.]

Bert and Bertie, the common name of director duo Amber Templemore-Finlayson and Katie Ellwood, know the responsibility they share in introducing Alaqua Cox’s deaf superhero, Maya “Echo” Lopez, into the Cinematic Universe. Marvel. So Bert and Bertie relied on the Native American actor himself to accurately portray the ASL (American Sign Language) dialogue, as it relies on the whole body, not just the hands. But even though they helped introduce the character Echo, it had a big effect on Hawk Eye, the duo felt that they might not be the best choice to lead Cox’s upcoming spin-off series, Echo.

Bertie told The Hollywood Reporter: “We love the character of Echo, but… the Native American story of [Echo], in our opinion, should really be said by someone in that community. That would be a great thing if that could happen.”

Bert also considers Marvel Studios’ quest to keep many secrets a pleasure, specifically the return of Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova in episode four. It’s something they continued to do, even after her on-screen reveal.

“Having Marvel’s secrets is really fun,” Bert said. “If it’s something we want to keep a secret from our fans, that means they’re really going to like it and reveal about it. [Yelena Belova] got everyone really excited. I can’t really remember if that character came back, but probably? ”

In a recent conversation with CHEAP, Bert and Bertie also discuss why they weren’t intimidated entering the action genre for the first time. They then go on to explain the meticulous plan behind their big car chase in episode three.

So have you heard any news about sad Imagine Dragons fans?

Bert & Bertie: (Laugh.)

Bertie: Good question! Personally, I haven’t, but I’m sure Marvel will be affected.

So how did this partnership between you and Marvel begin? Who made the first move?

Bert: Oh, we invited Marvel on a date to this really cool restaurant, and we got them booed with a really cheap wine.

I know!

Bert: (Laugh.) Sorry, serious answer…

Bertie: (Laugh.) I love that answer! I think we should leave it at that.

Oh, we are there!

Bert: (Laugh.) Very good!

You two are the third director duo to direct in the MCU and out of a trio of duos [Russo Brothers, Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck), none of you had an obvious path to the MCU. In fact, most first-time MCU directors didn’t have six action movies on their résumés already. So did that provide you with some reassurance that you could also thrive in this environment?

Bertie: Just look at the choices Marvel has made. When Marvel chooses directors, they choose directors with voice, and that voice isn’t defined by action. Marvel gives you the support as a director to do all of the action you need to do, but what’s important to them is that you have a point of view and you have a way of telling stories. So you see that with the choices they make, duos and non-duos, across the board. It’s always about a fresh perspective.

The closeups in episode three were gorgeous due to the shallow depth of field. The bokeh was more pronounced than usual, and the actors almost looked like they were floating in the frame. Did you come to set with this look in mind, or did you discover it on set?

Bert: We love using closeups in our storytelling. For those emotional moments, you really draw the audience in, so it’s actually throughout our work. But our camera decisions are always determined by the narrative and emotional needs of the scene. When you’re in those closeups, it’s because the character is really feeling something in that moment, and we want to put the audience right there with them.

Regarding the Uncle character that pinched young Maya’s cheek, was that the actual actor that’s going to be revealed at some point? Or was that a double for the actor?

Bertie: We couldn’t possibly say.

Bert: I can’t remember

Bertie: Yes, we can’t remember.

Bert: It was such a long time ago.

It sounds like the cheap wine from your dinner date with Marvel has caused some memory loss.

Bert: Exactly!

Bertie: (Nods in agreement.)

So what did you learn about properly capturing ASL on screen?

Bertie: So much! We had a whole team that helped us out with that, and Alaqua [Cox] was of great help in guiding us through what she should look like when talking to someone. She looks at the whole person. You just said that we love close-ups; we like the emotion of the close-up photos. But for the viewer, and especially the deaf community watching this video, we wanted to make sure we kept our hands in the frame and as much of our body as possible, then punched in a close-up moment. . The other thing is that the dialogue between deaf and non-deaf people happens right in front of you, and often Alaqua might have a line where she says, “I don’t even have to say anything. . My Look tells you all you need to see with Maya. ”

I know two people who didn’t write the episode, but there’s only five minutes Zahn McClarnon (Maya’s father, William Lopez) is the criminal in my book. Who do we blame for this?

Bert: (Laugh.) Definitely not us! Working with him was amazing, and he really was a huge influence on Alaqua. This is her first on-screen appearance, and he’s been a great guide for her during their scenes together. But who knows what will happen in the series? We don’t know, but we can only imagine that we’ll see a lot more of him.

Did the car chase of episode 3 make many sleepless nights?

Bertie: Just in excitement! That is the honest truth. We’re meticulous planners, so we started planning in that sequence before we actually got to work. We knew we got the job and we hadn’t started it yet, but then we asked ourselves, “Can we get in with some storyboard artists right away?” So we started planning for that, and as you probably know, the Marvel stories stick together until the very end. So there are too many changes and moves, but we do know that the car chase in episode three and the rooftop fight in episode four was set in stone. So we started playing in that arena.

Are the two of you going to work on Echo spinoff series since you pretty much introduced the character?

Bertie: We love Echo’s personality, but we won’t say anything about what’s to come. But the Native American story of that, in our view, really should be told by someone in that community. That would be a great thing if that could happen.

There is a significant appearance in the rooftop fight of episode four. Can you say a few words about reintroduction? Florence Pughby Yelena Belova?

Bert: Having Marvel’s secrets is really fun. If it’s something we want to keep a secret from our fans, it means they’re going to really enjoy it, and the character reveal got everyone really excited. I can’t really remember if that character came back, but probably?

Bert & Bertie: (Laugh.)

Bertie: She jumped off the roof and was never seen again.

That would be great if you made that move.

Bert: Well, you already know the answer to that.

Bert & Bertie: (Laugh.)

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Hawk Eye Currently streaming on Disney+.