The Ultimate Walking Dead Experience: Behind-the-Scenes with Daryl Dixon & Norman Reedus Unleashing Walkers in the Heart of Paris

Summary

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon brings a fresh perspective to the franchise by exploring new locations and introducing a European filmmaking sensibility.

The series places a high emphasis on telling intimate and emotional stories, with a strong focus on delving into character depths and their personal journeys.

Norman Reedus does an exceptional job portraying Daryl Dixon, staying true to the character's moral code and serving as a guiding light for the creative team.

The Walking Dead universe reaches new heights with the bold spinoff, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. This exciting new installment delves into a previously unexplored side of the franchise's world, taking Daryl Dixon all the way to France. A fish-out-of-water story, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon injects a fresh perspective that revitalizes the series. Even Norman Reedus, the star of the show, describes it as "art" and is thrilled by the emotional depth and personal stakes it brings.

While The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon may bear some similarities to its predecessors, a deliberate choice was made to enlist new filmmakers for this project. Among them, executive producer and director Daniel Percival, and director of photography Tomasso Fiorilli, who bring a fresh vision to the table. Their contribution, along with the rest of the team, demonstrates that The Walking Dead still has plenty of life in it.

Daniel Percival and Tomasso Fiorilli discuss their unique take on The Walking Dead, infusing it with a French flavor. Drawing inspiration from the original series, they shed light on their creative process. This enlightening interview, conducted amidst the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, highlights the indispensable contributions of the talented writers and actors from both unions. The show we explore here owes its existence to their remarkable efforts.

Daniel Percival & Matteo Tomasso Fiorilli On The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon

Screen Rant: Could you discuss the rationale behind taking The Walking Dead to France and your intention to balance the essence of the franchise with innovative elements in this new series?

Daniel Percival: I wasn't involved in the decision-making process. The showrunner, David Zabel, and AMC approached me as we had been in communication over the years. This project felt like the perfect opportunity to collaborate because they were looking for someone who hadn't worked on The Walking Dead before and could bring a fresh European filmmaking perspective. I'm not sure if they had a specific vision in mind; they just wanted something different.

Our goal was to find a balance between maintaining familiarity for the show's fans and introducing new and innovative elements that expand the world both visually and thematically. Personally, it was an exciting challenge. I was a huge fan of the show when it first aired; it captivated me with its freshness. However, it's difficult to recreate that feeling while still keeping the essence intact. It was a fascinating task because we couldn't stray too far from what viewers were accustomed to, yet we wanted to introduce new filmmaking techniques, aesthetics, and tone. It was a wonderful experience.

Tommaso, when it comes to the camera perspective, is there something that you believe captures the essence of the franchise? Something that you aimed to maintain, despite taking a different approach?

Tommaso Fiorilli: The central theme that guided our preparations for the show was the balance between grandeur and intimacy. This notion was consistently emphasized throughout our discussions and remained prevalent during both the pre-production and shooting phases. Our objective was to convey a close connection to the actors and their emotions. This is not just an action-packed film where people fight without any emotional impact. It delves into very human stories, exploring emotions and even delving into the metaphysical aspects of our existence.

We utilized a highly mobile camera that closely follows the actors, enabling them to express themselves freely. Rather than imposing on their actions, we encouraged them to demonstrate what they wanted to do, which we then captured on film. This approach was new to many of the actors, as it focused on naturalistic storytelling. Our cinematographer, Tommaso, illuminated the set externally, allowing for a seamless 360-degree range of movement. This freedom of movement grants us the ability to explore various angles, creating depth and enhancing the visual storytelling in the show. As a result, viewers will experience a constant sense of movement and fluidity.

Dan, I'm a huge fan of Philip K. Dick and Man in the High Castle, and knowing that you worked on that show, I'm curious if there's any knowledge or experience from that project that you found useful for this one?

Daniel Percival: Man in the High Castle focused heavily on creating immersive environments for its characters. One of the aspects I admire about working with Tommaso is his ability to construct captivating settings that can be sacrificed to emphasize a character's presence. Additionally, Man in the High Castle delved deep into the concept of depth, utilizing vanishing points and formal framing to achieve a noir-inspired style. The show boasted meticulously crafted frames, adorned with exquisite lighting and a leisurely shooting schedule—a luxury we didn't have here. In a way, it encapsulated the aesthetic of fascism, akin to the meticulously composed work of Leni Riefenstahl.

This show is more dynamic and mobile, with a focus on character within the environment. The environment in France plays a significant role as a character in the show, unlike the American version. We want to immerse ourselves in and witness Daryl Dixon's experience as a stranger in a new and unfamiliar land. He serves as the central perspective in every scene, taking us on a journey through this novel and unfamiliar world. One aspect I particularly admire about David's writing is how he reveals information in a suspenseful manner. Rather than immediately showing the location and then developing the story, he presents the story first and then surprises you with the location. It's all about turning expectations upside down.

This different approach to the tone of the show works exceptionally well for us. You never quite know what to expect next or what you'll discover, like stumbling upon a moat filled with zombies while following someone's perspective. Instead of seeing the zombies first and then the person, you first see the moat filled with zombies from the person's perspective. Walking through the trees, you suddenly come across a castle. The script is flipped in every way, and David's writing reflects that. Reading his work was an absolute delight.

To what extent was Norman Reedus involved in maintaining the authenticity that runs throughout this franchise, considering his long-standing involvement and the thrilling new directions it has taken over the past decade?

Daniel Percival: Absolutely. It serves as a guiding light for all of us. What's remarkable is that it has allowed him to undergo a significant transformation as a character. Throughout the 11 seasons of The Walking Dead, his journey has perhaps been the most compelling, transitioning from a rough country brother to the leader of the group. It's like throwing him into an unknown world, similar to Venus. He can't communicate, and everything is strange and unfamiliar. This presented a wonderful opportunity for him to fully explore and develop his character creatively, intellectually, and emotionally, resulting in a remarkable transformation. Every journey is about how circumstances shape a character, and that's the journey we take with him.

However, he possesses an inherent and unwavering moral compass that acts as a guide for all of us, influencing his actions in any challenging situation, whether it's a verbal confrontation or a physical one. Daryl can always be relied upon to stay true to his character, and that's truly beautiful to witness. He has been an invaluable collaborator, and it has been an absolute pleasure working with him.

Tommaso Fiorilli described his experience with a highly physical actor who was extremely helpful. The actor's approach to camera work, compared to choreography or a dance, resonated with Fiorilli. While many actors seem to disappear, this actor has a presence that is easily noticeable. When the actor enters a room, it becomes immediately clear where the camera should be placed. Additionally, despite having worked on 11 seasons of The Walking Dead, the actor approaches each day on set with a fresh enthusiasm, as if it were his first day. He genuinely enjoys the various aspects of the show, such as the zombie scenes, fight scenes, emotional moments, and the set locations. Overall, the actor's childlike enthusiasm is evident.

Daniel Percival: Their bond with Laurent is incredibly powerful. Daniel played a crucial role in handpicking Laurent and had a remarkable insight in casting Louis as the actor. Their chemistry is exceptional and integral to the storyline. Witnessing their relationship and the dynamic between them is truly heartwarming.

That's exceptional! You and the entire team have done an outstanding job. Congratulations on the series. It's truly magnificent.

Daniel Percival: It's great to hear that. I do have a quick question for you. Did the amount of French spoken in the film deter you in any way?

Personally, I believe it adds an exciting element and I believe it will be enjoyable for anyone.

Daniel Percival: We intentionally made that decision; there was extensive discussion about the level of French to incorporate. The fact that Daryl lacks understanding adds a dramatic touch to the story. Once again, he's portrayed as a stranger in a foreign land—the human on Venus. This perspective allows you to experience the narrative in a truly captivating way. As a fan of the show, I'm pleased to hear that you appreciated the inclusion of French.

About The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon

Daryl Dixon finds himself stranded in France in The Walking Dead, bewildered by his sudden arrival and the purpose behind it. Unraveling his fragmented memories, he embarks on an arduous expedition through a fractured yet indomitable France, yearning for a pathway back to his cherished abode. Nevertheless, as he continues his sojourn, the companionships he forges along the way intricately entangle his ultimate endeavor.

Check back for our other the Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon interviews:

Production Designer Clovis Weil

Louis Puech Scigliuzzi, Romain Levi, Eriq Ebouaney & Anne Charrier

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon premiered September 10th on AMC. New episodes air on Sundays.