Not if you’re a director of an action movie.
I’m sure we’ve all heard the common arguments against “directors” being the chief producers—a big part of that argument is that movie screenwriters have become increasingly isolated to “the movie studio,” and as such no one can tell them what movies to write. But it’s true that directors aren’t as important as other actors. They’re very, very important—and that’s true of any actor, especially in the indie film world.
Here are a few more things you may never have considered that are often overlooked, yet can be invaluable, just to make sure you’re working on the right track.
1. Actors Are Not Just Producers
Some people may think it is unfair for a director to be a producer, because it creates an inequity between producer and actor, but think about it this way. If you’re making a movie, you’re still the director; it’s the actor who makes the story, and he or she is essentially running the show. If a filmmaker is not working with an actor, then it’s pretty clear that the director isn’t working with the actor. If the director is the only producer and an actor doesn’t have a producer, then it’s more clear that the director doesn’t know the story that he/she is writing.
A lot of people believe that screenwriters are somehow inferior to filmmakers, because they’re working with actors (or at the very least actors who are able to deliver a monologue) and having their words heard. But the truth of the matter is that directors are just like everyone else—they need to communicate as much as actors need to communicate. They, too, want to feel like creators. They want to get all of the information they need on what’s happening on set to communicate and create the right emotions and moments.
Don’t make up the rules and regulations of the screen, or expect to be an artist. You only have one life, and you’ll have to move on, sooner or later, if you ever want to be fully in control of your career. So, as actors, please don’t make up rules and regulations just to be told what to do. Instead, make use of your director’s experience and knowledge by being open to learning from his/her words and ideas and suggestions.
2. Actors Are Not Just Passengers
Let’s just get this out of the way: If you’re a director and