From Obsession to Innovation: Samantha MacAdam’s Journey Through the World of Film and TV

When I ask Samantha what she enjoys most about her craft, her answer is straightforward and heartfelt. “Like most filmmakers, I’ve been obsessed with TV and movies ever since I was a kid. Honestly, I wasn’t very popular growing up, so the characters felt like friends. Since I wasn’t exactly a scholar, I realised movies and storytelling were ways I could give back, providing an escape from other worries.”

“For me, film and TV served - and still serve - as an escape from my troubles. As Dawson Leery said, ‘All the answers to life’s questions can be found in a Spielberg film’.”

Samantha’s lifelong love for the craft of storytelling in all its facets and mediums - film, TV, commercials - is evident across her work. In each of her projects, special attention is paid to the vision, the concept, the casting, the chemistry and, of course, the script.

As both a writer and director, it was this penchant for writing which led to her big break. Her first notable accomplishment was writing the story for ’The Nut Job 3’, starring Hollywood favourites Will Arnett, Katherine Heigl, and Maya Rudolph. She followed this up with her directorial comedic short debut, ’Prom Night’, which she also wrote. This film premiered at Just for Laughs comedy festival, and made it into the top five - with Samantha being the only Canadian and solo female director finalist - in Kevin Hart's LOL EAT MY SHORTS Showcase. 

Exploring her creative canon so far, it’s easy to see the ways in which Samatha’s filmmaking is influenced by the nostalgic influences of her childhood. Her love for classic blockbuster movies like ‘Back to the Future’, ‘The Goonies’, and ‘The Karate Kid’ is evident in her work. 

But what one can also glean from Samantha’s films is her knack for timing and pacing, which she credits to her years of experience as an editor. “I’ve got a good sense for how long to hold a joke or a scare – I visualise it all in my head during production.” Her approach includes energetic pacing, quick cuts, and rapid dialogue. “Life is busy, and I tend to get most engaged by faster-moving stories,” she notes.

Samantha’s eye for unconventional framing and POV shots is a signature for the filmmaker, contributing an added layer of authenticity to her films. “Real life isn’t perfectly framed, so my shots are a bit different to make the perspective feel more authentic.”

 

Rather, for her, comedy works best when grounded in real-life situations. “I like to keep it grounded in real-life situations as a starting point. It helps me connect with the characters, and I hope it helps the audience connect too.”

One of the recent highlights of Samantha’s career is her short film, ‘Gourmade’, which humorously explores the trials of healthy eating and next-gen technology. Excited to discuss her latest brainchild, she tells me about the inspiration behind the film. “I have a brilliant writer friend, Geoff Anhorn. He came up with the concept of a dad getting into a fight with his kids' Easy-Bake Oven, and I immediately thought of my personal and embarrassing late-night battles with my microwave.”

“Sometimes I tell my hubby, ‘Oh man, I feel like Stepbrother-ing it,’ referring to when Will Ferrell piles a ton of cheese on his nachos at the beginning of ‘Step Brothers’! So I made this, really, because I want people to see themselves in the story, and have a good laugh.” 

As with much of Samantha’s work, the humour behind this idea is inspired by a wholly relatable struggle. “There is a deeper meaning. It taps into the very real battle most of us have with healthy eating,” she explains. “I remember hearing Kate Winslet say that after awards shows, she gets out of her dress, goes home, eats chips, and farts on her couch. When I heard this, it made me feel a bit better about those days when I don't hit my healthy eating goals. And I thought, "If beautiful Rose can take a break, then so can I – it doesn’t mean I suck or fail”.”

Of course, given the nature of the film, Samantha was mindful of tone when crafting ‘Gourmade’. “The number one thing I didn’t want was for it to be offensive or triggering, so satire felt like the right route to go,” she says. Intent on avoiding a wacky or slapstick tone - “I wanted people to still relate and understand it all” - influences like ‘Saturday Night Live’, ‘Bridesmaids’, and Adam McKay’s comedies shaped the look and feel of the film. “I kept the rules of the world a bit more grounded,” she notes. “A person may get super mad and hit their microwave, but in this world, the microwave won’t grow legs and run away.”

Samantha’s comedic sensibilities are influenced by a diverse range of talents. “I’m a big fan of Kristen Wiig, Annie Mumolo, Adam McKay, and Katie Dippold’s comedies,” she says. Having enjoyed series like ‘New Girl’ and ‘The Mindy Project’, she also praises shows like ‘Succession’ and ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ for their consistent brilliance. “The way that It’s Always Sunny was hilarious from day one and evolved with the comedic times is incredible.”

Future projects on the docket showcase Samantha’s versatility and creative flair. At the time of this conversation, she is currently in the midst of developing an ensemble cast comedy series for TV - “I just received funding to direct a proof-of-concept” - and working on a psychological thriller/horror feature, ‘The Horrible History of Harriet Jones’, which she plans to direct. Additionally, she is attached to direct a darkly comedic coming-of-age indie and a comedy/thriller, as well as a suspenseful TV movie.

Suffice to say she’s booked and busy – but Samantha’s drive to create extends beyond personal fulfilment. “I’ve always had this urge to write and direct; it’s like stories and ideas overflow in my brain, and I need a project for that creative outlet,” she tells me. “But above all else, I’m driven by my two girls, especially my oldest, who’s nine. She absolutely loves that mom’s a director, and that pushes me to reach new levels every year.”

Samantha MacAdam’s journey reflects her dedication to storytelling and her ability to infuse humour with heartfelt moments. As she continues to create engaging narratives and offer fresh perspectives, her work promises to captivate audiences and make a lasting impact. Whether through the comedic brilliance of ‘Gourmade’ or her upcoming ventures, Samantha’s unique voice and vision make her a filmmaker to keep both eyes on.