Key Moments
Morgan Fallon — 10 Years on the Road with Anthony Bourdain, High Standards, and More
Tim FerrissKey Moments
Morgan Fallon discusses his decade with Anthony Bourdain, challenging work ethics, and profound life lessons.
Key Insights
Physical and mental resilience are forged through extreme challenges and embracing discomfort.
Authenticity and high standards are crucial for compelling storytelling and audience connection.
Anthony Bourdain fostered a 'family' among his crew, valuing their creative prowess and shared struggles.
Learning to 'relinquish control' and trust others is essential for growth in leadership roles.
Experiences in challenging environments, like West Virginia or Antarctica, offer profound perspective and opportunities for peace.
The process of filmmaking involves navigating complex relationships, high expectations, and the pursuit of genuine narrative.
THE PHYSICAL TOLL OF A 'PHYSICAL SHOOTER'
Morgan Fallon details the intense physical demands of his early career, often pushing his body to its limits while filming. This included running sprints with a camera on a football field, which led to a severe knee injury he regretted not immediately addressing. He emphasizes how injuries sustained in youth have amplified effects with age, illustrated by his own experiences with mountain biking crashes where recovery is significantly slower and more impactful than in his younger days.
EMERSON COLLEGE AND THE FOUNDATION OF HANDS-ON SKILLS
Fallon's journey into filmmaking began with a pivot from ceramics to film, inspired by his mother's use of film for teaching critical thinking and his love for movies like 'Jaws.' After a determined in-person appeal, he was accepted into Emerson College. While not providing extensive theoretical knowledge, Emerson's strength lay in its practical, hands-on approach, putting students directly onto sets. This emphasis on technical skill and adaptability proved invaluable for Fallon's future career, where knowing how to do 'everything' became a significant advantage.
MENTORSHIP UNDER MICHAEL MAN AND THE POWER OF VISION
His early career included a formative three-year stint with director Michael Mann. Fallon highlights Mann's status as one of the last truly powerful directors, capable of driving massive productions with a singular vision. Mann commanded immense respect, leveraging trust from top actors and possessing the discipline and fortitude to manage large-scale projects like 'Ali.' This experience taught Fallon about the immense energy, drive, and focus required to lead complex creative endeavors, even if it meant being a difficult figure.
TRANSITIONING TO TELEVISION AND THE ANTHONY BOURDAIN CONNECTION
Fallon's entry into television was serendipitous, starting with a temporary office assistant role for Michael Mann that evolved into a production assistant position. His technical skills with emerging video cameras, developed at Emerson, became a key asset. After a period of personal struggles and rebuilding his career from the ground up, he connected with producers Chris Collins and Lydia Tenaglia at ZPZ. This led to his involvement with Anthony Bourdain's shows, beginning with 'Diary of a Foodie' and eventually on 'No Reservations' and 'Parts Unknown.'
THE ANTHONY BOURDAIN DIFFERENCE: HIGH STANDARDS AND HUMANITY
Working with Bourdain was transformative. Fallon recounts his terrifying but pivotal first experience filming with Bourdain in Egypt, which earned him Bourdain's respect and a lasting connection. He describes Bourdain's exceptionally high standards, learned from his kitchen management experience, which translated to demanding but ultimately constructive feedback, especially in post-production. Unlike more detached directors like Mann or Cameron, Bourdain, despite his demanding nature, fostered a sense of family among his crew, showing genuine care and connection.
EXPLORING THE WORLD AND FACING INTERNAL LANDSCAPES
Fallon reflects on key episodes like the Ethiopia trip with Marcus Samuelsson, where he transitioned to directing, and the deeply personal West Virginia episode. The latter was a profound journey of confronting childhood pain and challenging stereotypes about Appalachia, ultimately becoming an Emmy-winning show. He also details his work with Steve Rinella on 'MeatEater,' emphasizing the physical challenges, the importance of authenticity, and the deep connection to the natural world it fostered, which he found to be incredibly grounding and a healthy counterbalance to his own struggles with anxiety and bipolar disorder.
THE ART OF GEOMETRY IN DOCUMENTARY FILMING
Fallon explains the intricate 'geometry' of documentary filmmaking, where maintaining coverage with multiple cameras in real-time requires constant spatial awareness and anticipation. He discusses the 180-degree rule and how efficient camera teams intuitively move and adapt without explicit direction. This skill was honed through experience, particularly on fast-paced shows like Bourdain's, where adaptability and quick thinking were paramount, exemplified by the memorable chess scene with Maurice Ashley in Washington Square Park.
LEADERSHIP, STRATEGIC LOSS, AND PARTNERSHIP
Transitioning from a hands-on cinematographer to roles with managerial responsibilities, Fallon learned the importance of relinquishing control and trusting his team. He advocates for 'strategic loss' in relationships and collaborations, emphasizing honesty and the willingness to 'lose' minor battles to maintain harmony and trust. He shares how this philosophy has been crucial in working alongside his wife and production partner, Jielen, balancing individual careers with a shared life and family responsibilities.
THE IMPACT OF ANTHONY BOURDAIN AND THE LEGACY OF 'PARTS UNKNOWN'
Fallon views his time traveling the world with Bourdain as a unique and unrepeatable experience, a 'dream ride' that offered unparalleled access and perspective. He cherishes the tangible mementos from those journeys, seeing them as proof of a singular chapter in his life. He emphasizes that the success of 'Parts Unknown' stemmed from its authenticity, high production value despite limited resources, and Bourdain's magnetic personality, which drew immense talent and fostered a deep connection with audiences. He expresses frustration with attempts to replicate Bourdain's magic, stressing his irreplaceability.
PERSONAL GROWTH THROUGH PHYSICALITY AND INTROSPECTION
Fallon highlights activities like surfing and mountain biking as crucial for his mental well-being, providing a meditative and centering effect. He also discusses his journey of quitting alcohol after Bourdain's death, recognizing its dangerous underestimation in culture and its inseparable link to his own grief. He stresses the importance of embracing discomfort and pain, as it allows for a deeper understanding of the world and oneself, a perspective that was critical in creating the authentic and nuanced narratives of Bourdain's shows.
LOOKING INWARD WITH 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'
His work on 'United States of America' with W. Kamau Bell marks a shift towards exploring domestic issues. Fallon expresses immense respect for Bell's ability to navigate sensitive cultural topics with humor and insight, particularly within the context of American identity. He acknowledges the difficulty of truly understanding the Black experience in America but finds his work with Bell has provided invaluable, unseeable perspectives, underscoring the urgent need for honest dialogue in a divided country.
THE ANTARCTICA EXPERIENCE: A CAREER APEX AND HUMILITY
Fallon describes filming in Antarctica as a career pinnacle, an inaccessible and extraordinary experience that redefined his perspective. The journey involved remarkable access, unique environments like the dry valleys, and profound moments of connection, like sharing drinks made of 50,000-year-old ice. The sheer scale of Antarctica instilled a sense of humility, reminding him of humanity's smallness in the face of nature's vastness. He emphasizes that such experiences, captured organically, aim to show people what lies beyond their daily context, fostering a greater appreciation for the world and each other.
Mentioned in This Episode
●Products
●Companies
●Organizations
●Books
●People Referenced
Common Questions
Fallon got his start with Bourdain through a last-minute replacement on the Egypt show. He earned Bourdain's respect by demonstrating his physical dedication during a harrowing rooftop car ride, leading to Bourdain knowing his name and inviting him back for more projects.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
A film referenced as an example of the work of a powerful, 'juggernaut director' like Sam Peckinpah.
A beautiful PBS show Fallon worked on for 0.0 Productions, which was his first project with them.
A film series that Anthony Bourdain frequently discussed during interviews, sometimes at inappropriate moments, leading Fallon to intentionally avoid watching the movies.
An episode of Anthony Bourdain's show where they needed a scene of Bourdain typing, leading to a memorable freestyle text.
A film used by Morgan Fallon's mother, a writing teacher, to teach writing and critical thinking to high school students.
A theatrically distributed documentary produced by Anthony Bourdain, on which Fallon worked.
A movie Fallon loved so much as a kid that he broke his VHS tape watching it repeatedly, inspiring his love for filmmaking.
A documentary about Anthony Bourdain, directed by Morgan Neville, which Fallon discusses, noting its strengths and areas he wished it covered more deeply.
A film mentioned by Fallon as an example of a high-caliber project that requires a director to be an 'asshole' to achieve its magnitude.
A film shot by Darius Khondji, who Fallon admired as one of his idols in film school.
A self-financed endeavor launched by Steve Rinella after 'Wild Within' was canceled, which has grown into a large company producing high-quality, authentic hunting and outdoor content.
A film by Terrence Malick, lauded for its articulate and visually poetic filmmaking style.
A Michael Mann film whose final sequence is considered by Fallon to be a "masterpiece of filmmaking" and technically perfect, creatively deviating from its book source.
A show that Fallon worked on, mentioned in the context of camera weight and physical demands of shooting.
A film used by Fallon's mother to teach writing and critical thinking, noted for its intense and heavy themes.
A Martin Scorsese film that Fallon believes is "probably the greatest American film ever made," and was reportedly a favorite of Anthony Bourdain.
An early hunting show featuring Steve Rinella, filmed by Fallon, which was seen as a unique attempt to combine hunting with storytelling but was canceled after its first season.
An Emmy-winning episodic series produced by Anthony Bourdain, which Fallon shot, directed, and produced.
A Michael Mann film mentioned by Fallon as one of his favorites, contributing to his desire to work for Mann.
A film used by Fallon's mother, a writing teacher, to teach writing and critical thinking to high school students.
A Michael Mann film praised by Fallon for its quality and Russell Crowe's performance, which was among the reasons Fallon wanted to work with Mann.
One of the "bottom-tier" shows Fallon worked on to rebuild his career after his setback, involving shooting lavish homes.
An Emmy-winning series for which Fallon is currently a director and executive producer, focusing on identity and cultural issues in the US from a comedic lens.
Anthony Bourdain's series which Fallon ultimately aimed to work on after hearing about it through Zach Zamboni.
A film that featured Bill Murray at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, a location where Fallon also spent time with Anthony Bourdain.
A character or reference from a film that Bourdain typed out during a scene in the Tanger episode.
The director of the documentary 'Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain,' recognized by Fallon as one of the great documentary filmmakers.
Morgan Fallon's longtime friend who collaborated on a documentary about a football team and later helped Fallon find gigs after a career setback.
The former President of South Africa, whom Fallon met at his house in Mozambique while working on 'Ali' with Michael Mann and Will Smith.
Fallon mentions listening to a lot of techno as a metronome for his head, but not Hans Zimmer, but that might a phonetic transcription error from Hans as in Zimmer. So I assume it the name is rather a 'metronome for his head'.
Muhammad Ali's trainer, described as one of the great boxing trainers of all time, used as an example of effective, positive leadership and feedback.
An actor mentioned alongside Russell Crowe and Tom Cruise as a talent with whom Michael Mann had trust, giving Mann significant power in Hollywood. Fallon worked on 'Ali' with Smith and Mann.
An actor who famously stayed at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, a location mentioned by Fallon in connection to listening to Bourdain's story about Sicily.
A powerful Hollywood director for whom Morgan Fallon worked for three years as a mentor. Mann is described as a 'juggernaut director' with exceptionally high standards, known for films like 'The Insider' and 'Heat'.
Morgan Fallon's wife and production partner, with whom he co-directed and co-produced a 'Parts Unknown' episode in Florence shortly before Bourdain's death.
A director famous for having extremely high standards, mentioned in comparison to Michael Mann and Anthony Bourdain regarding their uncompromising commitment to project execution.
A gifted cinematographer and CDP on the Antarctica episode with Fallon.
A director mentioned by Fallon as one of his inspirations, recognized for directing 'Goodfellas,' which Fallon considers possibly the greatest American film.
A very famous cinematographer and one of Fallon's idols from film school. Khondji admitted to Fallon that he didn't know how to use a video camera during the production of 'Ali'.
A chess prodigy who was the basis for the character in 'Searching for Bobby Fischer,' mentioned in the context of the Washington Square Park chess scene.
A celebrity chef, author, and television personality, Fallon's long-term creative partner. Bourdain was known for his high standards, authenticity in his shows, and a complex personality.
An actor mentioned as an example of talent that Michael Mann had the trust of, empowering Mann's directorial influence.
A phenomenal and gifted Director of Photography who introduced Fallon to Chris Collins and Lydia Tenaglia at 0.0 Productions.
One of the gifted Directors of Photography on the Antarctica episode, working alongside Fred Mano.
A modern director cited as an example of a filmmaker who retains significant creative control over their projects, similar to older 'juggernaut directors.'
A conservationist, hunter, writer, and host of 'MeatEater,' with whom Fallon developed a profound and transformative working relationship, filming highly physical and authentic hunting shows.
A comedian from Oakland and host of the Emmy-winning series 'United States of America with W. Kamau Bell,' for which Fallon is currently a director and executive producer.
A director mentioned by Fallon as one of his inspirations alongside Michael Mann and Martin Scorsese, known for films that feel like visual poems.
A famous director referenced as an example of a powerful, 'juggernaut director' from the 70s, similar to Michael Mann.
Author of a book from which Michael Mann requested a quote, which Fallon had read and was able to quickly provide, further solidifying his position.
The musician (Queens of the Stone Age) who gave Fallon a lighter, now part of Fallon's collection of travel mementos.
The director of the Antarctica episode, credited by Fallon for securing the unique opportunity to film there.
An actor, described as brilliant, who worked with Michael Mann on 'The Insider,' a collaboration that illustrated Mann's ability to build trust with talent.
An absolute genius and fascinating person with whom Fallon filmed a season of 'Mind of a Chef' in Sweden. Nilsson created one of the world's best restaurants from a moose fondue place.
Marcus Samuelsson's wife, from a prominent tribe in Ethiopia, whose return to her home village was part of the 'Parts Unknown' episode Fallon directed.
An incredible director, described as an 'ass-kicking salty Brit,' who directed the Sicily episode of 'Parts Unknown' where a contrived octopus scene became iconic.
The legendary boxer, whose trainer Angelo Dundee is cited as an example of a great leader who provided positive, proactive feedback.
A film directed by Michael Mann, about which Fallon worked as an assistant, noting the massive production scale and Mann's demanding leadership.
A musician whose concert Michael Mann's assistant attended, leaving Fallon alone with Mann and creating an opportunity for Fallon's advancement.
A chef and television personality, born in Ethiopia and raised in Sweden, whose emotional return to his home country and search for his father was documented by Fallon for 'Parts Unknown'.
A skilled collaborator and fellow shooter on the Tim Ferriss Experiment, known for his ability to 'dance with geometry' during filming.
A chess grandmaster mentioned in reference to the book and movie 'Searching for Bobby Fischer,' which Josh Waitzkin was the basis for.
A late, great individual who used to play chess and beat the trash talker at the same table in Washington Square Park.
A chess Grandmaster who played a street hustler in an iconic scene filmed in Washington Square Park, praised for his charisma and skill.
The former US President, mentioned in the context of the West Virginia 'Parts Unknown' episode airing shortly after his election, highlighting Bourdain's ability to connect with people beyond politics.
The subject of a four-part documentary series on Showtime by W. Kamau Bell, recognized for breaking barriers as a black comedian but also for controversial personal actions.
The producer of the Antarctica episode, described as a great producer by Fallon.
A mountain range in Alaska where the host spent time filming an episode with Steve Rinella, experiencing wild encounters like charging grizzly bears.
A town in McDowell County, West Virginia, where Fallon's family lived during a tough period, and later the subject of an Emmy-winning 'Parts Unknown' episode he pitched and filmed.
The location of a 'huge show' for Fallon, described as the pinnacle of his career, providing unparalleled access and experiences.
The location for an episode featuring a chess match in Washington Square Park, highlighted for its complex shooting environment.
A county with the highest percentage of population loss in the US over the past 50 years, and one of the most impoverished, featured in a 'Parts Unknown' episode.
The destination in Antarctica Fallon and his crew flew to, having their own C-130 for the journey.
A location in Antarctica where there has been no precipitation for 10,000 years, offering a desert-like landscape amidst glaciers and rock, visited during the 'Parts Unknown' episode.
The hotel in Tokyo where Bourdain described the Sicily octopus incident to Fallon, a location famously featured in 'Lost in Translation'.
A country where the helicopter pilot in Antarctica previously flew Apaches and Cobras, highlighting his combat experience before flying in extreme polar conditions.
A city in Japan that Fallon and his wife Jillian had discussed as a potential location for their next 'Parts Unknown' episode before Bourdain's death.
A US Antarctic research station that served as a base for Fallon's Antarctica shoot, accessible by C-130 and from where human waste is shuttled.
The institution where Morgan Fallon studied film in Boston. The school is known for building technicians and providing hands-on experience.
A football team in South Carolina that Fallon and Todd Luben filmed a documentary about in 2003, which later became a D2 champion program.
The network that aired 'Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown' and was the source of an article quoting Fallon about Bourdain's high standards. Also the network for W. Kamau Bell's show.
An Emmy, PGA, TCA, and ACE award-winning series that Morgan Fallon shot, directed, and produced throughout its 103-episode run, featuring Anthony Bourdain.
A book mentioned as being possibly in Fallon's random collection of items.
A film used by Fallon's mother, a writing teacher, to teach writing and critical thinking to high school students.
The city where an episode involving heads-up poker and evasive driving tactics was filmed, used as an example for explaining complex camera geometry.
A military transport aircraft used by Fallon and his crew to travel to McMurdo and the South Pole in Antarctica, highlighting the unique access they had.
A small aircraft used to drop people off in the middle of nowhere during filming with Steve Rinella, highlighting the remote nature of their shoots.
A reality TV show where Fallon worked as a shooter for three years, gaining extensive experience in grinding out daily filming with a camera on his shoulder.
A borough of New York City, used as a reference for the immense scale of valleys in Antarctica, suggesting an entire city could fit within them.
A New York-based production company founded by Chris Collins and Lydia Tenaglia, where Fallon primarily worked with Anthony Bourdain on several series and documentaries.
An independent operation in West Virginia that manufactures muzzle brakes and trains laid-off coal miners as machinists, admired for their high-quality work and community support.
A television network from which Fallon recorded 'Jaws' on VHS tape and for which a documentary on the making of 'Ali' was produced.
The network that aired a four-part documentary series on Bill Cosby, worked on by W. Kamau Bell.
A rock band whose member, Josh Homme, gave Fallon a lighter during a show, now a cherished travel memento.
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