What should I do in case of a conflict with the director?

Conflicts between actors and directors also occur periodically. Recall, at least, the “wars” between David O. Russell and George Clooney, Faye Dunaway and Roman Polanski. It then came to physical assault. These are, of course, extreme cases, but lighter skirmishes on the set happen all the time. Creative people may disagree about the interpretation of the role, the rules of discipline, the filming process. And finally, they just might not like each other! Unmotivated antipathy has not been canceled either. However, the protracted conflict threatens not just the spoiled mood of its participants. It's much worse when it negatively affects the course of filming. This can lead to their delay, numerous problems, or even stop them altogether. So, for example, it happened in 1970, when director Pavel Arsenov was shooting the movie "The Deer King". In the main role of Queen Angela was the director's wife, actress Valentina Malyavina. The relationship between them was already very complicated at that time, creative differences were added in the process. And, as a result, the finale of the film remained unfinished, as Malyavina left the set ahead of time.

Sometimes it depends on such nuances what the audience will see on the screens! What should an actor do if a conflict between him and the director suddenly begins while working on a film, TV series, or performance? If you are not yet a world-class star, then you should very soberly assess your capabilities and status. The conflict is unprofitable for you. You risk not only losing your role in the project, but also gaining a certain kind of fame in creative circles. After that, the directors will be very reluctant to offer you new roles. As they say: is the game worth the candle?

Let's say it's worth it. You want to insist on your rightness — but the director wants the same! Try to mentally put yourself in his place. First of all, understand where the conflict is coming from. Perhaps this is an accident caused by malfunctions on the site, personal circumstances, just a bad mood? After all, during the working process, passions are boiling.

Or is the source of the conflict in the lack of understanding of the essence of the film? Answer yourself honestly: are you sure that your interpretation is correct? If yes, if this is your principled position, then defend your point of view calmly. State your position clearly, clearly and with respect to the interlocutor. It is likely that after that he will change his mind. Or he will find an alternative option. But even if not, at least you will do everything you could in this situation. Here's what happened, for example, on the set of the movie “Eternal” between actress Salma Hayek and director Chloe Zhao. Their creative dispute over the script of “Eternal” turned into a real skirmish. However, after a heated discussion, they both managed to find a middle ground, a compromise that satisfies all parties. Subsequently, Salma Hayek called it “the best creative discussion of my life.”

There are very unpleasant cases when the director is a real tyrant, humiliates and insults others for no reason. Here all the burden of a responsible decision lies on you. Are you ready to give up the role for the sake of preserving your self-esteem and self-esteem? Or is this price too high for you? Think carefully, do not make a decision on emotions. Both of these choices can turn your life around. Determine your priorities and act on the basis of what is more important to you.