I try not to think of actors as I'm writing because I think you do them a disservice by writing for things they've already done.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I really think that as good of a job as you do as a writer, you're absolutely indebted to the actors that have to deliver that material.
No I don't really write thinking about specific actors because it can get in the way a little bit.
Actors want to act. I think a lot of times what happens is that they're expected to bring it all. Probably because I'm a writer, I'm not telling them what to do. I just provide them with as much as I can.
When people give you a writing assignment, they're asking what you think. That's the very opposite of being an actor. When you're an actor, no one wants to hear what you think.
I don't want actors to be writers. I think it's too much responsibility.
Sometimes the writing can be so good that the actor doesn't really have to do anything.
It's often wrong to write for specific actors because one ends up using what is least interesting about them, their mannerisms and habits. I prefer not to write for specific people.
You can have good writing, but a great actor will make it feel and sound like great writing. You can have great writing, and mediocre actors will make it feel mediocre. Without the actors, you have nothing.
As a writer, all you want to do is write for great actors. That's all.
I care about actors, and I understand them in a very personal way. I'm not saying every writer has to do that, but in my case, it's been helpful. I can put myself into the scene and think, 'What would it be like to act this?' Any writer who's really good probably does that to some extent.