Director Max Winkler describes how financial pressure and the disrupted release of *Jungleland* changed his approach to filmmaking, leading him to embrace television work as a craftsman as well as an artist. His collaboration with Ryan Murphy has since given him a prominent role across Murphy’s television universe, while allowing him to bring the specificity and care of independent cinema to mainstream projects.

Winkler first directed episodes of *American Horror Stories* and *American Horror Story* in 2021, then worked across projects including the *Monster* franchise, *Love Story*, *The Shards* and *Feud: Capote vs. The Swans*. He says Murphy’s scripts, unexpected ideas and shared enthusiasm have created a creative partnership built on mutual challenge, with Winkler aiming to surprise and impress Murphy; he was particularly drawn to *Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story* because of its distinctive rhythm, humour, energy and emotional perspective.