Anna Mastro Is Working on a Movie with PlayStation and Talks to Us About SECRET SOCIETY OF SECOND-BORN ROYALS

Anna Mastro (Marvel’s Runaways) is the director of the new Disney+ family film Secret Society of Second-Born Royals, and she was gracious enough to answer a few of my questions. We talk about the film that just launched on Disney’s streaming service, and she even mentions that she’s working with PlayStation on a new “female-driven action movie.”

Tommy: What got you to say yes to Secret Society of Second-Born Royals? What drew you to the project?

Anna: I loved that it was a unique coming of age story about a 15 year old girl who feels like she doesn't fit in in her world. I also loved that it was an original movie for the new Disney+ platform and has elements of action, world building and themes of teamwork and empowerment.

Tommy: Many people might see the film as a glorified Disney Channel Original Movie geared towards preteens and children. Do you think that's a fair assumption? If not, what would you say to get others to watch it?

Anna: I would say it's a very grounded movie about a group of teens with powers trying to find their place in the world. Across the board we tried to make it feel like a sophisticated action movie for kids - from the stunts to the music to the way the film looks and feels we aimed to make something that felt like it would be a new brand of family movie for Disney+.

Tommy: Did you notice any particular hurdles with SSSBR? How did COVID-19 affect the film?

Anna: For me personally, trying to figure out how to photograph the powers and establish the rules of them was tricky. How do you show a 'power of persuasion' where you will do whatever someone tells you to do? That was the most difficult part. Covid-19 didn't really affect our film except for when we were mixing, Covid was really starting to heat up in the news and in the US and we were having his wonderful, fun experience and had to kind of keep it small in order for us to finish. Ultimately, we finished the online (final step of post) one hour after Lockdown in Los Angeles, and not being able to hug any of my collaborators and go home to basically quarantine felt very nostalgic. I really had a sense of how fleeting everything is and how lucky we are to get to make films and do what we do. The other way Covid is affecting us now for the release is not getting to reunite with the cast in person, not getting to have a premiere and watch the movie in a theater with them and celebrate everyone's hard work. For some of them this is their first movie. That said, being able to release this movie, on Disney+ worldwide at a time when kids should be going back to school, but probably aren't, feels like a gift. I'm excited for kids and families to see it and hope they enjoy it as much as we did making it.

Tommy: What are some of the differences between directing a film and directing episodes for a television show? Which do you prefer to work on?

Anna: When you direct an episode of TV you're coming into a world, a look and style and characters that have already been established. It's a fun place to play in - you get to bring your skills and it's a very quick in, working with an existing script and edit your cut and then you go on to the next project. Unless you're doing the pilot or the entire series (which I've done as well). But on a movie you're starting from scratch. Putting the team together, figuring out what the world looks like, who the characters will be, casting the actors. It's a much longer process, but ultimately one that is very rewarding and exciting. I love both movies and TV and hope to continue to work in both mediums.

Tommy: What is a genre/franchise/property that you would love to work on that you haven't had the chance to yet?

Anna: I would love to make a movie for Marvel, I've always loved the X-Men franchise and had such a great time directing TV for them. I'm currently working with Playstation on a female driven action movie that is still top secret but I'm looking forward to working with that brand. I would also love to make a musical. There's original music in Secret Society and I made an episodic series with Duncan Shiek (Spring Awakening) and I truly believe in the power of music to bring people together around the world - so I'm looking forward to making a movie musical.

Tommy: Who are some of your inspirations for filmmaking?

Anna: Danny Boyle for sure. I wrote my college thesis on Trainspotting and think he's an absolutely brilliant filmmaker who constantly gets to reinvent himself by having such diverse stores, worlds and characters. Growing up I watched every Jacques Demy film ever made - I've probably seen Umbrellas of Cherbourg 30 times and even used a clip of it in my first film Walter. But Tom Tykwer's Run Lola Run was probably the film that inspired me to move to LA and become a filmmaker.

Tommy: Who is one person (writer, director, actor, etc.) that you'd love to work with that you haven't yet?

Anna: Mads Mikkelsen. I think he's the most brilliant actor. 

Anna: I'm lucky that I've actually gotten to work with so many amazing actors. In the future I'd love to work with Zendaya, Riley Keough, Scarlett Johansson, Alexander Skarsgard, Florence Pugh, Taika Waititi, Sandra Oh, Rose Byrne, Lucas Hedges, Justin Theroux, Andrew Scott, and Sophia Lillis. And Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones (I adored Normal People!).

Tommy: Do you have any other projects that fans should keep an eye out for?

Anna: I'm developing a movie for PlayStation and currently adapting a stage musical to become a movie. There's also a TV series based on Gayle Forman's YA book I Have Lost My Way that we're currently working on, so be on the lookout for that. Also, fingers crossed for more Secret Society in the future!