GIA COPPOLA — on making ‘The Last Showgirl’ and on the inspiration she pulls from her filmmaking family

Summary

Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson: Episode Featuring Gia Coppola

Episode Overview In this compelling episode of Dinner’s on Me, host Jesse Tyler Ferguson sits down with acclaimed filmmaker Gia Coppola to delve into her latest work, “The Last Showgirl”, and explore the profound influences of her illustrious family legacy. Recorded at Squirrel in East Hollywood, the conversation navigates Gia's creative journey, personal struggles, and the intersections of family and artistry.

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1. Introduction to Gia Coppola and “The Last Showgirl”

[02:10]
Jesse Tyler Ferguson introduces Gia Coppola, highlighting her role as the director of “The Last Showgirl”, a film starring Pamela Anderson as an aging showgirl in Las Vegas. Gia’s performance garnered significant acclaim, earning Pamela a Golden Globe and SAG Award nomination.

“Born into one of the most iconic families in film history, Gia Coppola carries the weight of a cinematic dynasty while striving to forge her own unique path in the creative world.”
– Jesse Tyler Ferguson [02:21]

Gia’s upbringing among legendary storytellers like her grandfather, Francis Ford Coppola, and aunt, Sofia Coppola, has deeply influenced her storytelling style, which favors intimate narratives over grand epics.

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2. Collaborating with Family on “The Last Showgirl”

[05:30]
Gia discusses the collaborative nature of her latest project, emphasizing the involvement of her family members in various roles. Her cousin, Kate Gersten, wrote the screenplay based on her play, and other family members contributed to costumes, production, and script supervision.

“I thought about Kate's play and that sort of structure of, you know, not a lot of locations, not a lot of cast made sense to sort of make a small independent film.”
– Gia Coppola [09:54]

She also shares insights into securing authentic showgirl costumes from the original Jubilee show, with assistance from Dita Von Teese, ensuring historical accuracy and aesthetic integrity.

“Pamela said that some of the names were still written on the back of the costume.”
– Gia Coppola [11:05]

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3. Overcoming Personal Challenges and Academic Struggles

[29:00]
Gia opens up about her difficult school years, where she struggled academically and faced significant insecurity.

“I lost a lot of my self confidence, and it took a lot for me to regain that.”
– Gia Coppola [29:24]

She reflects on how negative experiences with education influenced her self-perception and fueled her creative endeavors.

“So how did you overcome that?”
– Jesse Tyler Ferguson [29:21]

Gia credits her transformation to supportive mentors and family members who encouraged her artistic pursuits, ultimately leading her to study photography and, later, filmmaking.

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4. Influences and Inspirations in Filmmaking

[21:12]
The conversation shifts to the films that have shaped Gia’s perspective as a filmmaker. Although she acknowledges the iconic status of “The Godfather” and “Gone with the Wind”, Gia admits she hadn't seen them until later in life due to familial pressures and personal apprehensions.

“I had a lot of pressure and intimidation and... no one really wanted to rewatch that with me.”
– Gia Coppola [22:03]

She expresses admiration for directors like David Fincher and films such as “Social Network” and “Jaws”, highlighting their tight narratives and creative ingenuity on limited budgets.

“I love that movie. Social Network's a huge one for me.”
– Gia Coppola [23:20]

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5. The Role of Parenthood in Creative Expression

[37:19]
Gia discusses how becoming a mother profoundly impacted her approach to storytelling, particularly in “The Last Showgirl”.

“I couldn't have told this story had I not become a mother.”
– Gia Coppola [38:32]

She explains that parenthood unlocked deeper emotional layers, enabling her to portray complex characters with authenticity and vulnerability.

“Parenthood... opens up a part of you that is. You can do anything, like, because you have to.”
– Gia Coppola [38:32]

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6. Learning About Her Absent Father

[34:55]
Gia shares her emotional journey of learning about her father, Giancarlo Coppola, who passed away before her birth. She reflects on the partial understanding of his life through stories shared by relatives.

“I always, you know, will have this missing part in my heart for not knowing what that was like.”
– Gia Coppola [35:04]

Her family’s embrace and support have been pivotal in shaping her identity and creative spirit, bridging the gap left by her father’s absence.

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7. Meeting Her Husband During the Pandemic

[43:00]
The episode touches on Gia’s personal life, detailing how she met her husband, Honor Titus, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their relationship blossomed from a blind date facilitated by mutual friends, leading to a deep and supportive partnership.

“We kind of knew what each other looked like, but not, like, much about each other.”
– Gia Coppola [43:33]

She humorously recounts their first date, which involved playing a card game to ease the nerves, ultimately leading to a strong and loving relationship.

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8. Defining Success and Artistic Fulfillment

[41:22]
Gia delves into her personal definition of success, emphasizing internal fulfillment over external accolades.

“Success for me, I think, is that I get to be Creative. And, you know, my family is happy and healthy, like, and I have a beautiful son that's so.”
– Gia Coppola [42:57]

She highlights the importance of creativity, family well-being, and personal happiness as her markers of success, resisting societal pressures and external validations.

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9. Reflecting on Creative Heritage and Collaboration

[40:15]
Gia reminisces about summers in Napa, spending time with her grandparents and participating in family-run one-act plays. These experiences fostered a collaborative and playful approach to creativity, deeply influencing her filmmaking style.

“They took one act plays and then either locals from Napa were in them or the family members were in them.”
– Gia Coppola [39:33]

This heritage of creativity and collaboration is evident in her projects, where familial support and teamwork are paramount.

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Conclusion and Future Outlook

The episode wraps up with Gia expressing gratitude for the supportive environment cultivated by her family and friends, which has been instrumental in her artistic achievements. Jesse hints at future episodes, including an upcoming conversation with comedian Chelsea Handler, promising more engaging and candid discussions.

“It's beautiful. I think if you can kind of keep that alive within yourself, then there's so much gratitude.”
– Gia Coppola [42:57]

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “I couldn't have told this story had I not become a mother.” – Gia Coppola [38:32]

• “Success for me, I think, is that I get to be Creative. And, you know, my family is happy and healthy, like, and I have a beautiful son that's so.” – Gia Coppola [42:57]

• “I lost a lot of my self confidence, and it took a lot for me to regain that.” – Gia Coppola [29:24]

• “Pamela said that some of the names were still written on the back of the costume.” – Gia Coppola [11:05]

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Final Thoughts This episode of Dinner’s on Me offers an intimate glimpse into Gia Coppola's life, blending her professional achievements with her personal growth. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of how family legacy, personal challenges, and motherhood intertwine to shape her unique voice in the filmmaking landscape.

For more insightful conversations and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to Dinner’s on Me and join Jesse Tyler Ferguson as he continues to explore the lives and minds of creative visionaries.

Transcript

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

The other day I was making lemonade.

[Gia Coppola]

With my sons, Beckett and Sully, and Beckett is a little bit of a perfectionist.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I'm not sure where he gets that from.

[Gia Coppola]

It's me. It's definitely me.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

But he was getting really upset about the seeds falling into the juice and it was turning into a bit of high drama.

[Gia Coppola]

Now listen, there's an easier way to do this.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

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[Gia Coppola]

Frankly, that's just a hazard.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

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[Gia Coppola]

So picture this.

[Indeed Representative]

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[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Like yesterday.

[Indeed Representative]

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[Gia Coppola]

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[Indeed Representative]

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[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Don'T know, go to cooking school.

[Indeed Representative]

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[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Hi, it's Jessie today on the show. You know her as the director of Pamela Anderson's recent film, the Last Showgirl. It's Gia Coppola.

[Gia Coppola]

Well, I hadn't seen Godfather until much later in my life because all my family had sort of been a part of it and seen it, so no one really wanted to rewatch this is.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Dinner's on me and I'm your host, Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Born into one of the most iconic families in film history, Gia Coppola carries the weight of a cinematic dynasty while striving to forge her own unique path in the creative world. She made a huge impact with her most recent film that she directed, the Last Showgirl, which starred the iconic Pamela Anderson as an aging showgirl in Las Vegas. Pam Anderson's performance was nominated for a Golden Globe and a SAG Award. As the granddaughter of Francis Ford Coppola and niece of Sofia Coppola, Gia grew up amongst legendary storytellers whose work has defined eras of filmmaking. Her journey as an artist is a compelling blend of honoring her lineage and collaborating with her family, but also establishing her own identity. Gia's work reflects a deeply personal perspective. By focusing on small, intimate stories rather than grand, epic narratives, Gia demonstrates a commitment to authenticity and exemplifies the delicate dance of an artist shaped by her lineage, but defined by her own distinct voice.

[Gia Coppola]

How are you?

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I brought Gia Coppola to Squirrel in East Hollywood. Founded by chef and owner Jessica Koslo In 2011, the restaurant started as a small jam company before evolving into a full fledged culinary destination. That's so la. Am I right? Koslow's background in fine dining and her meticulous approach to flavor help shape Squirrel's signature dishes, like the gorgeous ricotta toast with a rainbow row of house made jams or the sorrel pesto rice bowl, which blend comforting, familiar ingredients with bold, unexpected twists. Now don't be surprised to see a line out the door at lunchtime. The restaurant, straddling the neighborhoods of Los Feliz and Silver Lake has long attracted a creative food savvy crowd, from artists and writers to filmmaker musicians, all drawn to its playful menu and effortlessly cool vibes. I thought it would be the perfect spot to bring the effortlessly cool Giacopola. Okay, let's get to the conversation.

[Gia Coppola]

Were you guys okay with the Encino fire?

We were, yeah. It came creeping over the hill toward us, but we did actually have to evacuate. Yeah, but we also self evacuated a little earlier because I have two young kids and dogs.

Yeah. Yes. Super stressful.

Yeah, we were okay. How were you?

Yeah, we were fine. We evacuated too. I have a one and a half year old, so we were like trying to get out. We all, at one point, the first night, all my whole family and I went to my aunt's house and we all slept on the floor. So in a way, it was kind of a fun Sleepover. But it.

Given the circumstances, my kids, we went to my. My in laws and they were just, like, excited to hang out at Grammy and grandpa's house. Like, it was an adventure for them.

Yeah.

At one point, we actually really did have to evacuate because the fire was truly coming before it was like self evacuation and there was like cumulus clouds coming over the ridge.

Oh, that's so scary.

My son was just, like, so fearless about it, though. He was like, oh, that fire is actually very close.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, we're leaving.

[Gia Coppola]

But, yeah, and I know that, you know, you were meant to do a lot of press with Last Showgirl during.

Yeah, our premiere actually canceled. It was like the same week that was going on, so, I mean, it was crazy.

That's insane.

Yeah.

I'm a. I'm a SAG voter, so I watched a screener of it quite a few weeks ago. I loved it so much.

Oh, thank you.

It's a beautiful film.

Thank you.

That car, actually, hopefully it's driving to, like, an auto shop.

Yeah, there's something dragging under there.

We had Kieran and Shipka on our. On the podcast a few months ago, and there was just such buzz around it, and so I felt really, so excited to finally see it. It's such a special film.

Yeah, we had a lot of love going into it.

[Jessica Koslow]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Gia Coppola]

So this was. I know Kate Gersten from years ago.

Oh, amazing.

She performed my good friend Kevin Cahoon in a production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. She was the understudy. He played Hedwig, and she played Yitzhak opposite of him. And they became really good friends. And I know that she'd gone on to be a really great writer and like, Mozart in the Jungle is one of my, you know, favorite TV shows that she was a creator on. And to see her name attached to this, I thought it was. So I just. I had no idea that she was part of this. And so proud of her. My God.

Yeah. Yeah.

How Now I know there's family relations and I should just say Kate Gersten's the one who wrote the screenplay for the Last Showgirl, but it was based off of a play that she wrote. Can you tell me about, like, how it was adapted and how you two hooked up?

Yeah, I mean, well, she's married to my cousin, Matt Shire, so we were quarantined, quarantining together during COVID And my cousin Matt knows that I love Las Vegas, and he's like, you know, my family's like, oh, you're so strange. Like, why do you like Las Vegas? And I mean, I've always, like, you know, during college, I was a photo major and I would, like, drive cross country to move my car back and forth at Bard College is where I went. And I'd always stop in Vegas and I'd love to take photos and just kind of wonder what life is like there and what is it like to live there. And I guess I was talking about that during COVID and Matt was like, you know, who else loves Vegas as much as you do is Kate. And she wrote this play when she was at Juilliard. And I guess she was doing, she says, the patter between songs for a show that was sort of overtaking the Jubilee Showgirl show.

Okay, so, yeah, Jubilee, I mean, you and I know, but so Jubilee, it was a show that was in Vegas that was like, iconic, I guess, really, truly is like probably the longest running showgirl show. And it just closed recently, right?

It closed like 2014. 16. Yeah. So not too long ago.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Not too long ago.

[Gia Coppola]

But yeah. So she was sort of observing how it was getting petered out. And it was this big, lavish, you know, 80 women dancing on stage and a lot of stagehands, but like 10 people in the audience. And. And she was thinking how fascinating it was. And so she wrote this play really fast 10 years ago. And I, at the time was sort of craving to make just like an intimate movie. I was sort of frustrated with the waiting game of the industry. And when I was a kid, my family, my grandpa would always sort of have us do one actual plays.

Friends for copa.

So, like, working with my family and being creative was always just sort of instilled in us. And so it made sense. Like, why not like, make a movie together? And I thought about Kate's play and that sort of structure of, you know, not a lot of locations, not a lot of cast made sense to sort of to make a small independent film. And in doing that, I can keep my creative autonomy. It's, you know, no one's telling me who I have to cast. And yeah, so my mom did the costumes. My cousin Robert, Matt's brother, was the producer. Kate, my cousin, was the writer. One of my aunts was the script supervisor. All my friends from high school were heads of department, pretty much.

I love that.

So it was really fun. But. And yeah, we made it in like 18 days. Really fast.

So fast. Yeah, that's so fast. Wait, I have some questions about the costumes, actually, because they're very. Especially the showgirl costumes are incredible. Were many of those, like, actual showgirl costumes, I assume.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, so it's funny, like, going into, like, wanting to just make this small independent movie, but then it's like, oh, wait, these costumes are really populous. Yeah. Extravagant. And my mom was like, you can't make this movie unless you have these costumes. You can't make them. You can't. Yeah. And we were fortunate enough that Dita Von Teese was doing her show. That was her.

I love her so much.

Yeah.

She's our modern day. I mean, what would you categorize?

So it's a bit different. And the showgirls and, like, that whole world are very adamant that they're distinct or very different art forms. But. And Dita knows that and was aware of it, so she really guided us of, like, how to make sure that we didn't, like, cross any.

Cross into those areas.

[Jessica Koslow]

Yeah.

[Gia Coppola]

But she was able to help us sort of access those costumes. So they were the original costumes from the Jubilee.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Oh, no way.

[Gia Coppola]

Yeah.

Oh, that's incredible.

Yeah. So, I mean, they were like museum pieces. They hadn't left the building in 30 years. And, like, Pamela said that, like, some of the names were still written on the back of the costume.

This is Pamela Anderson. Who was she?

Pamela Anderson? Yeah.

That's incredible. Yeah. I mean, Pamela Anderson was so incredible in the film. Nominated for a SAG Award for Best actress, so. But how. What was it like securing Pam in that role? I mean, that must have been such. The whole DNA of the film must have changed. I mean, having someone like Pamela Anderson who's such an icon. I mean, I was listening to an older podcast of hers, and they were sort of dissecting how, you know, when she was doing Baywatch, she was arguably the most famous person in pop culture at that moment. I mean, everyone knew her name. Everyone knew what she looked like. I mean, she was so famous and still is so famous. And, you know, and then obviously with this documentary that she did recently about her life and rehearsing for Chicago, which I didn't see her in, but I heard she was incredible in, and I can only imagine she was, because seeing what she did with the Last Showgirl, I saw versatility in her that she probably has never gotten the opportunity to show. First of all, I was thinking what a gift it was probably for her to. To play a role like Shelley in the Last Showgirl. But also, I mean, truly, what. Just the history of who she is as a person bringing that. There's so much unspoken subtext and nuance that she brings to the movie and the role. I mean, what was that like for you to know that she was gonna be the one taking over the role of Shelley and bringing it to life?

Well, I was sort of thinking about who could play the role of Shelly. And on the page, she's like a very deceptive, distinct character. You can really hear her, but, like, no one was really coming to mind. Like, you can kind of fantasize, like, about a Marilyn, and. Cause I think the character is so nostalgic herself. Like, you kind of bring yourself to that sort of era of actors. And so Matt was like, I know who your Shelley is. Watch Pamela Anderson's documentary. But it did feel kind of kismet because I saw a picture of her circulating from press for the documentary, and I was sort of wondering what about her. She'd be so interesting, given this kind of history. And I was such a kid, kind of during that heyday, that she's sort of just this icon. But it wasn't really. I never watched the show or. But I think watching the documentary, I just saw someone I really liked as a human. Like, she's so soft and sensitive, but there's so much quiet strength to that sort of vulnerability. And, yes, like, I could see a lot of similarities with the character of Shelley and Pamela herself. Like, women sort of defined by their exterior beauty, but feeling, like, so much more and undervalued for kind of who they really are. And Marilyn was similar in that way. And I related so much to what Pamela's taste was. She is such a wealth of admiring classical cinema and reading her book. And she loves to cook and she loves philosophy and Carl Jung and a lot of things that I. That I like, and French New Wave. And so I just felt like I was gonna bond with her.

[Jessica Koslow]

Yeah.

[Gia Coppola]

And I really just didn't want to take no for an answer. And I. And I. And I think also seeing, like, because she wasn't. You know, she was undervalued as an artist and craving to express herself that way. There was a desire to really want to, like, hand her that opportunity. Cause I knew she would run with it.

[Jessica Koslow]

Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Now for a quick break, but don't go away. When we come back, Gia reveals the films that have impacted her, including the iconic film Showgirls. And we bond over not doing well in school. Okay, be right back. New Year, new you. Wellness is especially top of mind for.

[Gia Coppola]

Me this holiday season.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

After weeks of indulgent meals and late.

[Gia Coppola]

Nights, I realized my body was begging for a reset.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

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[Gia Coppola]

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[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

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[Gia Coppola]

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[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

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[Gia Coppola]

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[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

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[Gia Coppola]

Did we ever wait? Ardrono?

No, this is my first day. You know how I do.

[Squirrel Staff]

Okay, what can I get you?

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Hey doll, you come here often?

[Gia Coppola]

Okay, Joanna's gonna take her order to go to the Counter. I'm gonna do the pesto rice bowl with salmon.

Good choice.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And then I think G and I.

[Gia Coppola]

Should share the ricotta toast.

The famed one.

[Jessica Koslow]

Yeah.

[Squirrel Staff]

Do you want anything to drink?

[Gia Coppola]

Yeah, I want an almond milk latte, iced. No, I want it hot.

Hot. I'm cold.

[Squirrel Staff]

Great.

[Gia Coppola]

And what can I get for you? Thank you. Can I have the sorrel pesto rice bowl, the biggie with the chicken, sausage and kale avocado. And what can I get to drink? May I have an almond milk matcha latte, please? I'll do that. Hot as well.

Are you nervous to leave us? What if we go off the rails?

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Make sure it stays red. Were you a fan of Showgirls?

[Gia Coppola]

The movie Showgirls?

Yeah.

Okay.

That actually might have been the genesis of what, My conversation with Matt, because I sort of, like, way back during that time, I was, like, trying to investigate, could you remake the Pete vanderhoeven Showgirls?

Right.

Because. And I think everyone thought I was crazy, but now it's, like, super trendy.

[Jessica Koslow]

Yeah.

[Gia Coppola]

But then with Kate's play, I was actually really struck with getting to know the real etiquette of the showgirl industry. And, like, that. That symbol is, like, so much a part of Las Vegas, but the real show doesn't exist anymore. And so I was really inspired to kind of learn more about the actual craft versus the Pete Vanderhoven version. But I do love that version, and I love Gina Gershon and so good.

I mean, I just revisited that film over the pandemic. My husband had never seen it.

Oh, my God.

And it's one of those movies that when people say they haven't seen it. Oh, by the way, I haven't. I have an admission to make to you in a moment. But when people say they haven't seen Showgirls, I'm like, are you insane?

Yeah.

That, for me, is required viewing. I just find it to be such a. I mean, obviously it has a camp quality, and it's a cult classic. I just love it so much. And we had Kyle MacLachlan on the. On this podcast, and I was like, kyle, I'm not trying to, like, make you feel like. Cause he has mixed feelings about being a part of it. And it's like, I truly. I'm not just saying it to be funny. Like, I really love the film. Like, I enjoy it, and I enjoy it on many levels. Like, I enjoy that it's campy, and it kind of is over the top. Like, it all makes sense to me.

It's actually a really smart movie and there's some great think pieces on it. Obviously it's All About Eve, which I love, and then it's the sort of metaphor for the grotesqueness of Hollywood and that sort of over the top camp.

But when you're talking about films that people haven't seen, I'm nervous to tell you this, but I mean, I've never seen the Godfather.

Oh.

And you know, it's one of those films that people say like, that's one that people cannot believe I've never seen. But I was. I mean, I know you're such a film buff. Are there. And you obviously must be incredibly influenced by both your Aunt Sophia and your grandfather's filmmaking. But what other filmmakers are you inspired by that aren't your family members? But also, are there things that you're ashamed to admit that you haven't seen yet that are considered classics?

Well, I hadn't seen Godfather until much later in my life because I was. There was like a lot of pressure and intimidation and. But also all my family had sort of been a part of it and seen it. So no one really wanted to rewatch that with me.

I understand.

So it wasn't until like my mid late twenties when I saw like a friend, like sat me down, I was like, I'm going to watch this with you and can I ask what you thought? Oh, I mean, it's amazing. I mean, I hear so much about like his process of it. Like those stories I've heard over and over and over again. But to just see. Yeah. I mean, it's an epic. It's like, it feels like a novel, all the nuances. And you know, I like when things have this sort of undercurrent of America and our hunger for that American dream and what that means. I mean, I was thinking about what are some of my favorite movies. Like I always say Jaws is one of my favorites. Just because that's just like really tight and like never felt the same about water ever again.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

That's right.

[Gia Coppola]

Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And also a lesson on how to.

[Gia Coppola]

Shoot things on a budget. And still there's such restraint in that film that I found, you know, I didn't think about those things when I watched it for the first time. I was just scared shitless. But now as an adult and someone who's made films, I'm like, oh, wow. The restraint, like the creativity that they had to.

Yeah.

You had to figure out that movie. It's really incredible.

Yeah. And how those accidents actually like happen so often and you have to just sort of have creative thinking and how that served the project. Yeah. And performance and shots and like. Yeah. So I love that movie. Social Network's a huge one for me.

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Jessica Koslow]

Yeah.

[Gia Coppola]

I feel like David Fincher, like, seeing his movies were like, oh, that makes me want to make movies.

Yeah, he's incredible.

But I don't know. Like, I've never seen Gone with the Wind either.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Me either.

[Gia Coppola]

That's the other one. Those are the two. The Godfather and Gone with the one with the two that I'm like. I feel like people look at me like I have three heads when I tell them I haven't seen those. Yeah, the one that. I have several friends who've told me they've never seen Sound of Music.

Oh, yeah. Okay.

Have you seen that one?

I saw that when I was, like, a kid. Yeah. Yeah.

See, for me, it was one of those I would watch every year, and so much so that I actually didn't realize because it was on live television and my parents would let me stay up late and watch it. Same with wizard of Oz. But there was a point of the film where there was a commercial break. And with Sound of Music, it was right before basically, the Nazis were introduced. And you realize that was a whole subplot.

Oh, my God, I totally forgot. Yeah. It's been so long. It's been a while.

But my parents would always be like, oh, and that's the end. It was like, basically like Lonely Goat Herd. And then they'd like, that's the end of the movie. Even though there was, like, another hour. And so for the longest time, I thought, oh, that's the way the Sound of Music ended. And then I watched it all the way through, and I was like, oh, there's a whole. There's a whole other act here that I've been deprived of. Yeah, totally duped. But, yeah, that's why that people, when they say they haven't seen Sound of Music, like, that's a big one for me.

Yeah.

I'm always fascinated by. And I have several friends who do have family members who are successful in the entertainment industry and are entertainers.

House.

I mean, how has it been for you? Because you really do have a very distinct voice. I watched your very first film, Palo Alto, which I really loved. And I saw so much of that style carried over with the Last Showgirl. And I do want to talk also about the evolution of the 10 years between those two projects, but how has it been for you to, you know, acknowledge the legacy that you Come from. And then also carving out your own path within that.

Thank you. Wow, these are big. Thank you.

Oh, the opposite here. Yeah, no worries. That's beautiful.

Yeah. I think when I was a kid, like, I wasn't interested in filmmaking just because it felt like a lot of pressure and. But then I studied photography and I had a great teacher. Like, I feel like once you. I really struggled in school and like, once I had this professor, Stephen Schorr, who's an amazing photographer, and he really showed me to just like, love learning and art. And it was so not about like, anything technical, like, to this, like, I don't know how to set up any lights or any sort of digital photography. It's like I had a giant 8 by 10 camera that I had to lug around in the winter, the east coast winter. And, you know, you put your head under the fabric and take your picture. But it was so much about being thoughtful with what you wanted to capture and what is the sort of concept behind it and letting other things fuel your inspiration and reading and so forth. And from there I kind of just discovered that I wanted to challenge myself more and that storytelling in movies was an extension of photography, but it invites more people and can be collaborative. And it's all these things that I love, like music and costumes and set design and. And so I just kind of naturally would start gravitating to making, like, little films with my friends. And when I got the opportunity to make Palo Alto, it still felt really kind of intimate. None of the pressure of like, where was this gonna go? Or how is it gonna be seen? Was ever really in my mindset. So I think I was beautifully, kind of naive in a way.

You were 27 when you made that.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

26.

[Gia Coppola]

Seven. Yeah. Around then. Yeah. So I guess from there, because I wasn't thinking about the aftermath. And I think that's so important when you're making something, is making it for you, your community, something that you want to express.

Yeah. Something to be shared.

[Jessica Koslow]

Yeah.

[Gia Coppola]

Yeah. And that happened again with Showgirl. You know, I just wanted to make something. I didn't want to deal with the. The Waiting Game and oh, you can't have this because you need that. And like the algorithm of what gets seen or who brings value and bullshit. Bullshit. So why not just go and make a movie like how Cassavetes does Use the. My grandpa always says, use the weapons at hand. And so I'm so grateful that I have such a creative family that we could all come together and make something.

[Jessica Koslow]

Yeah.

[Gia Coppola]

I mean, your Family is famously. I love this about your family. Famously supportive of one another, very collaborative.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

A few things you said that just.

[Gia Coppola]

That really struck me. You talked about being not a great student, and I really relate to that. I definitely was someone who did not excel in academics. I wasn't a great test taker.

Yeah.

So much of when you're that age, when you're in your early teens and even before that, it's like your success is based on, like, the grades you get in school.

Yeah.

And that, you know, if you're. If you're an A student or a B student, you're like, that you're on the right track. And if you're struggling, it means there's something wrong with you. Yeah, I know. For me, I felt a lot of insecurity around that, and I lost a lot of my self confidence, and it took a lot for me to regain that. Yeah. So it's always impressive to me when I. When I hear from someone that they struggled in school and yet they're so successful doing something that they're so good at. What. I mean, how did you overcome that?

I feel like all of my trauma does sort of stem from, like, school and never feeling, like, good enough because I didn't get the grades. And I was really struggling because I remember. And it's a scene in Palo Alto where the college guidance counselor says, like, you're not going to go to college. You don't have good grades. You like. And so I think that bothered him. And so he came up with a system that it's way easier to get into college if you go in as a transfer student in the second year. So if you go to community college, get your associate's degree, then you can transfer to college. And I got to transfer into Bard College, which was a school I wanted to go to. And then I was able to have Stephen Shore, who was a photographer I admire, be my teacher, who then helped me.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Ooh, looks delicious. Do you want to try it?

Okay. Thank you.

Hi. Jessica Gia. Officially.

Beautiful. Oh, nice to meet you, Jessica. Yes. I love it here.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Here's Santiago.

[Gia Coppola]

Jessica.

This picks you up. This is delicious. I'm so thrilled to be back.

Yeah. I'm so happy.

I've never had the salmon. You were telling me that I should get it with salmon.

[Squirrel Staff]

It's pretty new.

[Gia Coppola]

She has never had the toast, so I was like, that's. That's.

[Squirrel Staff]

We gotta get it. It's, you know, squirrels. Healthyish. It's healthy, but right there.

[Gia Coppola]

Yeah, that's A good treat for a kid. I feel like they're getting.

I have some information I'm excited about. I learned Jessica's. You're opening up for dinner soon.

[Squirrel Staff]

We are opening.

[Gia Coppola]

Did you.

[Squirrel Staff]

Is this. You're hearing it first, right here.

[Gia Coppola]

Yeah. Right. Yeah.

[Squirrel Staff]

We're opening up for dinner in March. So, yeah, we're opening a bar at the end of the building in 2026. And then, you know, then it'll be the whole package.

[Gia Coppola]

I'm really proud of you.

[Squirrel Staff]

Resilience, true resilience. And. And continued resilience during this time, you know?

[Gia Coppola]

Yeah.

[Jessica Koslow]

Yeah.

[Gia Coppola]

And I'm excited.

[Squirrel Staff]

Thanks for being here.

[Gia Coppola]

Thanks, Jessica.

Thanks for having us.

[Jessica Koslow]

Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Now for a quick break, but don't go away. When we come back, Gia tells me about learning about her late father, Giancarlo Coppola, through his family. Napa summers with the Coppolas growing up and her pandemic era. Meet cute with her now husband, Honor Titus. Okay, be right back. February is here, which means some of you snowbirds are packing up and heading somewhere warmer. I've been traveling a lot myself. I'm actually scouting some spots for a very special upcoming episode of Dinners on Me. And let's just say Salt Lake City is looking very promising. All thanks to Airbnb. And if you're leaving town for the season, why not let your home do a little work while you're off enjoying the sunshine? With Airbnb's new local co hosting feature, you can have a trusted local take care of everything, guest messages, check ins, even keeping things stylish so you can relax knowing your home and your guests are in good hands. So go ahead, chase that warm weather and let your home do the work for you. Visit Airbnb.com host for more information. It's starting to get a little bit chilly in la, and I've realized a T shirt and jean jacket just isn't.

[Gia Coppola]

Going to cut it.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Lately, I've been going to Quint's to stock up on cold weather gear. Specifically cashmere. I mean, if I'm going to bundle up, I want it to feel luxurious. And Quince's Mongolian cashmere sweater is only $59.99. That's 50 to 80% less than similar brands. I mean, why not buy one in every color? I also gravitate toward the Flowknit Breeze performance tee. It's quick drying and keeps my odors at bay, which is really helpful when I'm sweating my butt off with Kathryn Hahn at Pilates. The breathable fabric regulates my body temperature and keeps me from turning red as a tomato during my plank to pike. And again, it's only $29.99, which is 60% less than similar brands. So you're probably wondering how Quince is able to make high quality garments for a fraction of the price. Quince partners directly with factories, cutting the middleman and shipping directly to you. They also only work with factories that have safe, ethical, responsible manufacturing practices. And I really love that indulge in affordable luxury. Go to Quince.com JTF for free shipping on your order and 300, 365 day returns. That's Q-U-I-N-C-E.com JTF to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com JTF and we're back with more dinners on me.

[Gia Coppola]

Do you mind if I talk about your dad for a little bit? Sure. I know you lost your dad before you were born, like seven months before you were born. Your grandfather's side of the family, it seems that they really embraced you and sort of filled that space of giving.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

You information about who your father was.

[Gia Coppola]

What is it like learning about your parents through the eyes of their other relatives?

I always, you know, will have this missing part in my heart for not knowing what that, that was like. And I can't imagine, like, what my family went through to lose someone like that at such a young age. And also there is so much beauty in what I have to do, is find the beauty of that. I'm so grateful that they've all embraced me so closely and I have such a tight bond with my family because of this sort of loss. And they all stepped in and, and helped raise me. My mom was only 20 when I was born.

Your, your mother was also new to the family, right?

Yeah. Yeah.

Right?

[Jessica Koslow]

Yeah.

[Gia Coppola]

So he, he was 22 when he passed, but he, he had this like, really full life. Like, I hear stories of like, he would have beer for breakfast and like, loved car. Like, he had a very distinct personality that I'm like, oh, at 22, that's so, so rare. And I'm so grateful that like, there's all this writing that my family have of that time and it's hard to read, but it's also like, what a privilege to kind of understand my father in this way and understand like my birth in this way. So I think, you know, there's something different in that, that not a lot of people get to kind of really experience in that way.

[Jessica Koslow]

Yeah.

[Gia Coppola]

How is it you're a new mom. I mean, I felt so changed after becoming a parent.

Is each kid like a new pancake where you're just trying to figure out.

You think you know the recipe, and they're like, oh, no, I'm actually a waffle.

Yeah, just throw it in the toaster.

But to be, you know, you and your husband are, you know, raising this child together. I mean, it's just. I just feel like becoming a parent, so much opens up and someone's just cracked open in you that you don't expect. Like, do you ever think about, like, these moments in your life, like, oh, this person who gave me life is missing out on such big moments.

Yeah. Yeah. I do feel that, that, that loss. But I also believe that it's amazing when you think about, like, oh, there's a piece of him in my child.

[Jessica Koslow]

Yeah.

[Gia Coppola]

And. And things that maybe are so just natural. Like, I, I. My family often says, like, oh, you have this expression that he used to do. Or, like, your mannerism was very much like that. And it's like, I never met him. How would I know to. To do those sort of things and those. That's sort of just the interesting part about genetics. And to see that. That there's a piece of him and my. My son, I think is really cool. And. But, man, parenthood, like, I can't believe almost everyone goes through this. And it's, like, so insane. Like, I mean, and that was so much of what this movie opened. Like, I couldn't have told this movie had I not become a parent. And I wasn't, you know, I wasn't pregnant when I first embarked on this journey. And then I had my son, and he was eight months when we were filming. And I was like, I couldn't have told this story had I not become a mother.

[Jessica Koslow]

Yeah.

[Gia Coppola]

Because it's, like, opens up a part of you that is. You can do anything, like, because you have to. And I'm like, oh, there's such a strength in that. Yeah. So I don't know how you have three. That's amazing.

Yeah.

[Jessica Koslow]

Yeah.

[Gia Coppola]

Two. Just two.

Two. Oh, okay.

Please don't give me another one. People ask us if we're gonna have another, and we're like, no, absolutely not.

Yeah. Yeah.

Will you tell me a little bit about these?

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

First of all, did you grow up.

[Gia Coppola]

In Napa or la?

I grew up in la, but I would go to Napa, like, every summer, every holiday. My mom. I was, like, 7 years old, and I'd put on the little, like, badge, and I'd Just fly by myself to the Oakland airport and.

[Jessica Koslow]

Right, yeah.

[Gia Coppola]

And yeah, I would just hang out with my grandparents and tell me about.

These one act plays that would be done each summer. Look.

I was young, so I would sort of just observe all the other family members kind of partake in. Was only really one summer, but I think we were constantly, always being creative together. And I think that was something my grandparents really instilled in all of us. They took one act plays and then either locals from Napa were in them or the family members were in them. And you had to direct them and they. And they really showed. They really performed them in front of like an audience and really had the town come in.

Oh my God.

And I think to add to that is like in children, like my grandparents father and is just always teaching us to be a child again. And like that, that and sort of like creativity should be playful and enjoy it and fun.

I mean, so much of being, I mean under the umbrella of artists, but like an actor or a director or a writer is about end product. And like, how successful is that end product? I mean, I've always struggled with like what the meaning of success is. Like, I'm interested in like hearing what the definition of success is for you, but also through the lens of like having family members who have done things in their and done things very well in their field. First of all, has there been intimidation? Was there ever intimidation for you to also follow in footsteps as you're forging your own path? But also what is success like for you?

I feel like success, you have to take the external out of it. And it's an interesting question that I'm always sort of trying to understand is like, is it still art if it isn't scene? And my grandma not to always just sort of revert back to like my family, but like my grandma would always do these sort of conceptual art films and kind of find art in all around us. I'm so grateful that I get to be creative that I get to make stuff. Like my grandma, I remember I'd bitch about like some job thing and she's like, you're so lucky that you get to work. Like, it wasn't that long ago that women didn't even. They had to just be housewives. And you can still sort of see the. And so much of what this last showgirl deals with is that kind of systemic lag for women and working mothers. And I found that interesting. But not to digress, but success for me, I think, is that I get to be Creative. And, you know, my family is happy and healthy, like, and I have a beautiful son that's so. Like, we go on a walk, and every little thing is exciting, and it's like. It's just a puddle, but it's amazing. And I think if you can kind of keep that alive within yourself, then there's so much gratitude.

[Jessica Koslow]

Yeah.

[Gia Coppola]

I mean, I definitely try and align myself with that as much as possible. I forget sometimes, and I get caught up in, like, exterior noise and what people think of, you know, what I'm putting out there.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

It's hard.

[Gia Coppola]

It's hard.

Well, you think of, like, Van Gogh. He never knew what his success was, so you just hope that your art gets to live beyond you. If the planet still exists.

[Jessica Koslow]

Yeah.

[Gia Coppola]

Your husband is an extremely talented painter. I'm a fan of his.

Oh, thanks.

But how did you two meet?

A blind date.

Oh, really?

Yeah. Yeah, my friends. Our mutual friends set us up. I mean, I think we. We kind of knew what each other looked like, but not, like, much about each other. And it was during COVID and he took me to a restaurant in Pasadena, or I met him at a restaurant in Pasadena, but it was because it was during COVID It was just in a parking lot, and he was really embarrassed that he thought we could go inside. But, yeah, he was. He was really sweet. He showed up holding flowers, and. Yeah, I feel like it just kind of kept progressing. Like, I. Like, nothing scares me more than, like, a date. I thought, like, okay, what makes me relaxed? Like, playing a game. Like, maybe we can play, like, a card game, because I love card games. It's like, if he won the card game that I'm super skilled at, then we could get another date, and he, of course, won. And so it just. Just, like, went on from there.

That's a tricky time. I mean, I was deep into marriage during COVID but I can only imagine that must have been a tricky time to also get to know someone.

Well, we always say that it was kind of like Chihuahua years, in a way. It just made time move really fast because you kind of get to know someone really fast. Yeah, you're right. So, you know, not too long after we have our son.

I'm happy for you.

Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Oh, my gosh.

[Gia Coppola]

Well, congratulations on the film. It's so fantastic. I'm so excited to meet you. I've been a fan for a while, and I just. I admire everything you've done, and. Thanks.

Oh, thank you for lunch.

Yeah.

This was so yummy.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

It's on me.

[Gia Coppola]

It's all on Me. Dinner's On Me.

Gotta speak to this.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Episode of Dinners On Me was recorded at Squirrel in East Hollywood. Next week on Dinners On Me. She's a comedian that's been on your TV since 2007 with a long running talk show on E Plus, a documentary and talk show on Netflix. It's Chelsea Handler. We'll get into her latest book, I'll have what she's having, a memoir that divulges moments truly only Chelsea could experience, like playing pickleball with the Bush Daughters to being called out by Jane Fonda for being difficult. And if you don't want to wait.

[Gia Coppola]

Until next week to listen, you can download that episode right now by subscribing to Dinners On Me.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Plus, as a subscriber, not only do.

[Gia Coppola]

You get access to new episodes one.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Week early, you'll also be able to listen completely ad free. Just click Try free at the top.

[Gia Coppola]

Of the Dinners on Me show page on Apple Podcasts to start your free trial today.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Dinner Is on Me is a production.

[Gia Coppola]

Of Sony Music Entertainment and a kid named Beckett Productions. It's hosted by me, Jesse Tyler Ferguson. It's executive produced by me and Jonathan Hirsch. Our showrunner is Joanna Clay. Our associate producer is Angela Vang. Sam Baer engineered this episode.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Hans Dale. She composed our theme music.

[Gia Coppola]

Our head of production is Sammy Allison. Special thanks to Tameka Balance Kolasny and Justin Makita.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I'm Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

[Gia Coppola]

Join me next week.