Director's Nightly Film Screenings Unite Crew Amid Epic "One Battle After Another" Shoot

In November 2025, acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film, "One Battle After Another," is generating significant buzz in the industry. The epic production, which took the director and his crew all around California and parts of Texas, presented unique challenges due to the sprawling nature of the shoot.

According to cinematographer Michael Bauman, who previously collaborated with Anderson on "Licorice Pizza," the director's dedication to watching dailies on film every night helped unify the crew despite the logistical hurdles. Bauman recalls that the production team would set up a mobile projection system, complete with Super 35 and VistaVision projectors, at the various hotels where they were staying. This nightly ritual allowed the crew to take a break, reflect on the day's work, and get an early sense of the film's visual style.

Adding to the experience, composer Jonny Greenwood would often provide musical accompaniment, playing score ideas and experimenting with needle drops as the footage was screened. Bauman describes it as a "live DJ session," with Anderson actively engaging with the music and visuals to shape the film's overall tone and feel.

Despite the challenges of working across multiple states, the director's commitment to this collaborative process helped foster a sense of unity and creative energy among the production team. As "One Battle After Another" nears its highly anticipated release, the behind-the-scenes insights into Anderson's filmmaking process have only heightened the anticipation for this epic cinematic experience.