The 2025 Sundance Film Festival marked the exciting premiere of Bulldozer, a pilot episode that showcases the creative collaboration of the Leeds siblings. Joanna Leeds, the visionary behind the show, draws inspiration from her own life experiences, tackling themes from infidelity to the mental burdens that everyday life imposes. Her character is portrayed as “undermedicated and chronically impassioned,” navigating crises largely of her own creation, making for a compelling narrative that resonates with many viewers.

While Joanna has made brief appearances in shows like NCIS and Superstore, Bulldozer offers a substantial platform for her talent, allowing her to shine in a pivotal role. Her brother, Andrew Leeds, takes on the crucial role of director, expertly translating Joanna’s vision to the screen, supported by an impressive cast that includes Mary Steenburgen, Nat Faxon, Harvey Guillén, comedian Chris ?CP? Powell, and Kate Burton.

This year, the Leeds siblings had a heartfelt conversation with Steve Weintraub in Collider’s media studio at the Rendezvous Cinema Center, where they discussed the challenges and triumphs surrounding the pilot’s premiere. They opened up about the difficulties of securing independent financing amidst COVID disruptions, dealing with police shutdowns, and navigating various on-set eccentricities, including stunts and unexpected interruptions. Andrew Leeds also shared insights on his past roles, explaining how he learned from different directing styles and built valuable connections that helped propel Bulldozer into reality. Tune in to explore the filmmaking hurdles they faced and their creative solutions in the video above, or read the full interview transcript below.

Discover the Story Behind ‘Bulldozer’s Pilot Episode

“Inspired by Real-Life Events: A Story of Resilience”

COLLIDER: Congratulations on the pilot! Since it hasn’t been seen yet, how have you been conveying the concept to those around you?

ANDREW LEEDS: Joanna will explain it.

JOANNA LEEDS: It’s me, but amplified by about 11%. [Laughs]

ANDREW LEEDS: Or maybe just 5% more.

JOANNA LEEDS: Ideally, I would say it’s 80% heightened, but in reality, it?s likely closer to 11%. The series is rooted in true events.

ANDREW LEEDS: While it starts from reality, it evolves into its own unique narrative, following an under-medicated, chronically passionate young woman who finds herself spiraling through crises largely of her own creation.

‘Bulldozer’ Offers a Universal Perspective on Mental Health Challenges

“A Reflection of the Universal Mental Health Crisis We All Face”

Reflecting on the Hollywood scene, there are many individuals striving for opportunities, often leading to creators writing roles for themselves to advance their careers. How much did this motivate you to create your own project?

JOANNA LEEDS: Interestingly, I didn?t specifically aim for that outcome. It was more of a necessity for me to write and create this project.

ANDREW LEEDS: Would you say part of your drive stemmed from the pain you experienced, where writing became a therapeutic outlet?

JOANNA LEEDS: Yes, with distance, some of those experiences can even become humorous.

ANDREW LEEDS: That?s a valid point.

In the pilot, your character navigates a breakup. How much of that reflects your real-life experiences?

JOANNA LEEDS: The great thing is, if any particular ex were to watch it, they would see a blend of experiences rather than a focus on one individual. Most of my past relationships have had elements of betrayal. I aimed to capture a broader mental health theme as well. Typically, mental health depictions in cinema focus on singular disorders. This series tackles the universal mental health crisis we are all facing, emphasizing that it doesn’t have to conform to specific labels, as we can all be triggered under unfortunate circumstances. This theme encapsulates the frustrations of daily life and the injustices we encounter while trying to push through them.

ANDREW LEEDS: Ultimately, the narrative centers on her quest for self-discovery and understanding what drives her behaviors, whether due to mental health challenges, physical illness, or simply being more emotionally expressive than others.

JOANNA LEEDS: It?s about recognizing the sheer difficulty of life and how exhausting it can be.

Andrew Leeds Highlights the Influence of His Past Collaborations

Learning from Icons: Insights from Bill Hader to Hugh Laurie

Andrew, your extensive experience includes numerous one-episode appearances across various shows. Which role stands out as particularly memorable or exciting for you?

ANDREW LEEDS: My time on Veep stands out as an exceptional experience, primarily due to the remarkable cast. The rehearsal process was thorough, allowing for improvisation and script adjustments. Working alongside talents like Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Steve Carell was enlightening; their authenticity made every interaction feel genuine.

The Patient offered a unique opportunity, particularly with its numerous scenes devoid of dialogue. Days would often involve filming simple actions, like walking or riding my bike, which added an intriguing layer to the storytelling. Additionally, working on Barry felt like participating in a true work of art, merging comedy with depth.

Moreover, the visibility gained from appearing in a show that resonates with the zeitgeist allows you to showcase your work to casting agents without needing a formal introduction, as they can see your performances directly.

ANDREW LEEDS: Yes, and acting alongside Henry Winkler was a dream. The Dropout was also a blast, with an engaging environment that allowed for creative freedom.

For both of you, aside from this pilot, what piece of work would you recommend to someone unfamiliar with your talents?

JOANNA LEEDS: Look for my phone voice in episode 305 of Person of Interest.

ANDREW LEEDS: [Laughs] I want everyone to watch her in Bulldozer.

I’ve seen your work, and you shine in this role.

JOANNA LEEDS: I’ve had guest appearances on NCIS and Superstore.

This role truly represents her talent.

JOANNA LEEDS: This is the type of acting I aspire to do.

I’m genuinely impressed by your performance, and I hope it reaches a wider audience. Andrew, you did a commendable job directing; the performances were well-preserved.

ANDREW LEEDS: Thank you! That was my primary goal.

Special thanks to our 2025 partners at Sundance, including presenting partner Rendezvous Capital and supporting partners Sommsation, The Wine Company, Hendrick?s Gin, nea? water, and Roxstar Entertainment.