Actors Quote by Tony Gilroy
“Developing films with directors, developing films with actors, is a poor percentage play for a screenwriter.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Art of Screenwriting, Tony Gilroy, 2015
Screenwriters should focus on storytelling rather than managing directors or actors, as their primary role is crafting the narrative.
In simple terms: Screenwriters belong to writing, not directing or acting.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize script development over production politics.
Themes
writingwriting
collaboration
creative control
Mood
reflective
professional
Type
instructional
practical
When to use this quote
- script development
- film pitch meetings
- creative workshops
- production planning
Key Concepts
Narrative focus
authorial voice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a screenwriter maintain creative authority while collaborating?
- What boundaries help keep focus on storytelling?
A Different Perspective
Screenwriters may still need to negotiate with directors and actors for script changes.
![“[Making movies is] 80% script and 20% getting great actors. There's nothing else to it.” quote by William Wyler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6fb/william-wyler-23153_actors_making-movies-is-80-script-and-20-gettin_1696971.jpg)
![“What you need to know to direct a movie is [of] such great variety. I've worked with people who were maestros, who know everything. I've worked with people who were empty and lost, who had no clue what they were doing. You wouldn't hire them to paint your apartment. And then there's everything…” quote by Tony Gilroy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/207/tony-gilroy-16296_apartment_what-you-need-to-know-to-direct-a-movie_353572.jpg)
