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CONTAGION: How a Movie Predicted a Real-World Pandemic

Season 3, Ep. 4

Screenwriter/Director/Producer Scott Z. Burns takes us behind the scenes of the gripping disaster film Contagion, revealing its chilling relevance during the global pandemic. In this episode, Burns reflects on his initial brainstorm with visionary director Steven Soderbergh, sharing how his father’s fascination with pandemics sparked the film’s haunting premise. From dissecting the cultural shockwaves of pandemics to navigating the delicate balance of tone in the face of disaster, Burns unpacks the emotional depth of the characters and the real-world stakes that elevate the film. It’s a masterclass in creativity colliding with reality, offering profound insights into the power of storytelling in uncertain times.

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