The Importance of Collaboration
The Importance of Collaboration
An Actor's Perspective and Reflections on Open Dialogue and Artistic Partnership
“Trial of George Jacobs, Sr. for Witchcraft” by Tompkins Harrison Matteson 1855. Oil on canvas.
Yesterday, Jessica Reed Kraus, also known as House Inhabit, bravely took to her Substack and Instagram accounts to thoughtfully explore the events surrounding J.K. Rowling's journey into being essentially 'canceled writ large.' Additionally, she discussed the podcast 'The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling,' which not only delves deep into the issue but also provides the first opportunity for listeners to hear directly from Rowling herself on the reasoning behind her perspective and why she has stood her ground on women's rights and the topic of gender identity, particularly when it comes to single-sex spaces.
I'm honored to share that Jessica gave me the opportunity to offer my perspective on the topic and a review of the podcast for her piece. Prior to this, I collaborated with artists in various capacities on screenplays, short films, feature films, and television. However, I've never been asked to collaborate in such a transparent medium before. In my previous collaborations, I've hidden behind the framework of imagination, though always with a firm commitment to Truth.
It has been nothing short of exhilarating to step into this new landscape where my perspective is valued - both through this platform and through collaborations such as this one with Jessica. For me, writing my piece for Jessica is a collaboration that holds no less value than the collaborations I have been a part of as an actor and screenplay writer.
The truth is, collaboration is the reason I am an actor. (If I’m being honest I see myself more as a collaborator than anything else.) I am not particularly drawn to the solitary experience of creating art, which is probably why I am not a painter and why I often find writing to be somewhat torturous. Instead, I have always been attracted to the experience gained through ensemble work. I actively seek opportunities to explore material with people who have the same or vastly different perspectives from my own, and who can bring their own understanding to the table, transforming simple words on a page into something enlightening and powerful. While I'm not afraid to debate ideas, I always seek to prioritize serving the story, script, and ultimate vision we hope to achieve for the benefit of the audience we're hoping to inspire and entertain.
And yes, I am not a "successful" actor by Hollywood standards (or my own, just yet). That much is clear - I'm still waiting tables (thank you to my paid subscribers!). However, I realized long ago that even if my situation were to change, I would still be a server, as every experience I have, no matter how mundane or enriching, will ultimately serve my current and future collaborations.
Regardless of your opinions regarding J.K. Rowling and 'The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling,' my hope is that we can begin to have open, uncomfortable discussions about issues that affect so many people, without fear of being silenced, censored, or demonized in the process.
In the end, I believe silencing, censorship, and an unwillingness to embrace differing viewpoints stand in direct opposition to collaboration. I also firmly believe the key to addressing and finding lasting solutions to these divisive and contentious issues, will take a significant amount of dedication to open dialogue and true collaboration.
With all of this in mind, I wanted to share with you some of my personal favorite collaborative partnerships in television and film. I hope you find them as inspiring as I do and I can't wait to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Martin Scorsese and his longtime editor Thelma Schoonmaker
Martin Scorsese and Thelma Schoonmaker have been a collaborative force in the film industry for over 50 years, with Schoonmaker editing all of Scorsese's feature films since 1980's "Raging Bull". Their partnership has produced some of the most iconic films in cinema history, including "Goodfellas", "The Departed", and "The Wolf of Wall Street".
Their collaboration is built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and a deep understanding of each other's creative process. Schoonmaker's mastery of editing has brought Scorsese's vision to life on the screen, while Scorsese's guidance and support have allowed Schoonmaker to push the boundaries of traditional film editing techniques. Together, they have created a unique style of storytelling that has become synonymous with Scorsese's films, and their partnership continues to be a driving force in the world of cinema.
“He fights to the teeth for the film that he and the studio can accept. Marty is not stubborn, he will listen. But if he feels they’re wrong, he’ll stand his ground. It’s wonderful to work with someone like that.” - Thelma Schoonmaker
Steven Spielberg and composer John Williams
John Williams and Steven Spielberg have had one of the most prolific and successful artistic collaborations in the history of cinema. Williams, the renowned composer and conductor, has scored nearly all of Spielberg's films since "The Sugarland Express" in 1974, and the two have worked together on some of the most iconic movies of all time, including "Jaws," "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," "Jurassic Park," and the "Indiana Jones" series.
Their collaboration began when Spielberg was looking for a composer for his first feature film, "The Sugarland Express." He heard Williams' score for "The Reivers" and was immediately struck by its quality. Williams' score for "Jaws" was a critical and commercial success and helped to launch his career as one of the most successful composers in film history.
"Without John Williams, bikes don't fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes. There is no Force. Dinosaurs do not walk the earth. We do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not believe.” - Steven Spielberg
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler
Photo by Steven Pan
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are two of the most iconic comedians of our time, and their collaborative partnership spans back over two decades. The pair first met in the Chicago improv scene in the early 1990s, where they both performed at the famous improv troupe, Second City. They became fast friends and went on to create and star in their own sketch comedy show, "The Upright Citizens Brigade," which ran for three seasons on Comedy Central.
Their partnership has continued to thrive over the years, culminating in their hosting of the Golden Globe Awards together on three separate occasions. (I personally wish they would host The Oscars with Maya Rudolph.) They have also starred in several movies together, including "Baby Mama" and "Sisters." Fey and Poehler's comedic timing and ability to play off each other have made them a beloved duo among audiences and a force to be reckoned with in the world of comedy.
“What I have discovered is this: You can’t do it alone. … As you navigate through the rest of your life, be open to collaboration. Other people and other people’s ideas are often better than your own. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life. No one is here today because they did it on their own … You’re all here today because someone gave you strength. Helped you. Held you in the palm of their hand. God, Allah, Buddha, Gaga—whomever you pray to.” - Amy Poehler
Jane Campion and Holly Hunter
Jane Campion and Holly Hunter's collaboration started with the film "The Piano" in 1993, which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and several Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Hunter. The two continued their partnership with the film "In the Cut" in 2003, where Hunter played the lead role and Campion directed. Hunter has since described Campion as a "soulmate" and credited her for helping her break away from typecasting, while Campion has praised Hunter's natural talent and ability to bring depth and nuance to her characters.
Their partnership is notable for the way they collaborate and push each other creatively. Campion has described Hunter as her muse and said that she often writes characters specifically for her. Hunter, in turn, has credited Campion for giving her the opportunity to play complex and challenging roles that are often difficult for women to find in Hollywood. Together, they have created some of the most iconic and memorable female characters in cinema history.
“It’s an indescribable thing to work with Jane to begin with. She’s such an utterly silly persona, and she brings that silliness to the set, and she has wisdom that I think is hard won in her life… her sense of humor is equal to her wisdom.” - Holly Hunter
The Coen Brothers and cinematographer Roger Deakins
The Coen Brothers have been collaborating with cinematographer Roger Deakins for over three decades, resulting in some of the most visually stunning and iconic films of modern cinema. The trio first worked together on the 1991 film "Barton Fink," which earned Deakins his first Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography. Since then, they have collaborated on films such as "Fargo," "The Big Lebowski," "No Country for Old Men," and "True Grit," which all earned Deakins additional Oscar nominations.
The partnership between the Coen Brothers and Deakins is a testament to their shared vision and dedication to their craft. The brothers' unique storytelling style, combined with Deakins' exceptional eye for detail and lighting, has resulted in films that are both visually striking and thematically rich.
“If I bring anything to the Coen Brothers' films, it's my ability to change tack and create a different mood from film to film.” - Roger Deakins
Meryl Streep and director/writer Nora Ephron
Photograph by Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair
Meryl Streep and Nora Ephron formed a strong collaboration that spanned over two decades, resulting in some of the most beloved films in cinematic history. Their partnership began with the 1983 film "Silkwood," in which Streep played the lead role of Karen Silkwood, a worker at a nuclear facility who becomes an activist after being exposed to dangerous levels of radiation. Ephron wrote the screenplay, and her sharp and witty dialogue was a perfect match for Streep's nuanced performance. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning Streep her fourth Oscar nomination and solidifying Ephron's reputation as a top screenwriter.
Their partnership continued with the 1986 film "Heartburn," which Ephron wrote and directed, and Streep starred in alongside Jack Nicholson. The film was based on Ephron's semi-autobiographical novel of the same name, and once again showcased her talent for witty and relatable storytelling. Streep's performance as a pregnant woman dealing with infidelity and a failing marriage was both heart-wrenching and hilarious. (My favorite combination.) The film marked the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration between the two, culminating in their final film together, the 2009 romantic comedy "Julie & Julia".
Penelope Cruz and writer/director Pedro Almodóvar
Photo by Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times
Pedro Almodóvar and Penelope Cruz's creative partnership has spanned over two decades and resulted in some of the most critically acclaimed and beloved films of recent times. Their collaboration began in 1997 with "Live Flesh," and has continued through films such as "All About My Mother," "Volver," and "Broken Embraces."
Their partnership has been characterized by deep mutual respect and trust, allowing them to bring out the best in each other's work. Almodóvar has described Cruz as his "muse," while Cruz has said that Almodóvar is "the best director I've ever worked with." This level of trust has allowed Cruz to push herself as an actress, often taking on challenging and complex roles in Almodóvar's films. In turn, Almodóvar has been able to fully realize his vision, with Cruz often embodying the heart and soul of his films.
Their partnership has also been marked by a deep exploration of themes such as motherhood, family, and the complexities of female relationships. Cruz's performances have often been praised for their emotional depth and complexity, which is no doubt a testament to her close collaboration with Almodóvar. With each film, their partnership has grown stronger, resulting in some of the most powerful and memorable films of all time.
"When you work with someone who you get along with and who you understand so well, the natural thing for me is to just keep working with them. The actors that I've collaborated with the most and the best, they become part of my artistic family and they also give me a very big sense of security. Despite the fact that making a movie is so uncertain... when you're working with people who you have so much faith in, you already have certain assurances of what it's going to look like." - Pedro Almodóvar
"He gave me and the other women a lot of freedom and trust. He pointed the camera at me and just said, 'Have a baby'." - Penelope Cruz