JRE 2026 · June 27, 2024

Peter Berg

filmbusinesscrimehistory

Who is Peter Berg?

Peter Berg is a writer, director, and producer known for "Friday Night Lights," "Lone Survivor," "Deepwater Horizon," and "Patriots Day." His newest project is the Netflix exclusive limited series "Painkiller."https://film44.comwww.netflix.com/title/81095069

Topics and Timestamps

01Peter Berg discusses his approach to directing intense action sequences and the research required for films like Lone Survivor and Deepwater Horizon
02Berg explains the creative process behind adapting true stories for film and the responsibility of honoring real events and people
03Discussion of his Netflix limited series Painkiller and how it tackles the opioid crisis through storytelling
04Berg talks about working with actors and what he looks for in performances, particularly in high-pressure dramatic scenes
05Insights into the differences between directing action films versus character-driven dramas and the challenges of each
06Berg shares experiences from film sets, working relationships with studios, and navigating the entertainment industry
▶Peter Berg discusses his filmmaking philosophy and approach to telling true stories0:05:30
▶Berg explains the research and preparation that goes into directing action sequences0:18:45
▶Deep dive into the Painkiller Netflix series and tackling the opioid crisis0:35:20
▶Berg talks about working with actors and creating authentic performances0:52:10
▶Discussion of the differences between directing for film versus streaming platforms1:08:30

The Show

Joe sits down with director and producer Peter Berg to talk about his career spanning from Friday Night Lights to his latest Netflix project Painkiller. Berg has become known for taking on true stories and bringing them to life on screen with intensity and respect for the real people involved. The conversation touches on his approach to filmmaking, how he researches these stories, and what drives him to tell these particular narratives.

Berg opens up about the filmmaking process and how he prepares for directing complex action sequences. He talks about the meticulous planning required for movies like Lone Survivor and Deepwater Horizon, where authenticity and accuracy matter deeply to both the filmmakers and the audience. The discussion shifts to how he works with actors and what he's looking for in performances, particularly when dealing with heavy subject matter and emotionally demanding scenes.

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Painkiller, his Netflix limited series that examines the opioid crisis in America. Berg discusses why he felt compelled to tell this story and how a limited series format allowed him to explore the complexity of the crisis from multiple angles. He explains the responsibility that comes with adapting real events where real people were affected and sometimes harmed, and how that weight influences his creative decisions.

Berg also reflects on the evolution of his career and how he approaches different types of projects. The conversation naturally moves into the business side of filmmaking, including working with studios and networks, and how those relationships have changed in the streaming era. Throughout the interview, Berg demonstrates a thoughtful approach to his craft, emphasizing research, empathy, and the importance of telling stories that matter.