Don't Ever Fuck With Old Actors

I have a friend who just made a movie with a very well known actor. He's been around forever. He will never work with him again. He was labeled a tough actor to deal with. As young-ish folk, we laugh at the immobile oak. As filmmakers you MUST respect their experience.

Don't EVER fuck with older actors. They've done this forever and know if you're a joke. Chances are, unless your name is Scorsese, they think you're a newbie. The best thing to do in this situation is to listen. You DON'T direct them. That's rule numero uno. Don't ever change the script. That's rule number two.

I'm not completely sure the reasoning of this, other than the older actors prepare what they know. When you change things, the dynamics for them change and they have to re-prepare. Who wants to do something twice. The issue is that it also seems so loosey goosey. That means you're not serious. I would never attempt to "get the meaning" of a script to someone like Gene Hackman. He's GENE FUCKING HACKMAN. So, there is the respect aspect as well. The minute you talk to an older actor you are working backwards. I cannot stress this enough. Think of them as old women at a convalescent home. Coddle, cater, let them move at their will, clean up after them.

You are at their mercy. But also bask in their respect. It's good to remember this, as difficult as they may be.