THE REASON WHY BEN STILLER BANS CHAIRS AND PHONES FROM FILM SETS
As a filmmaker, Ben Stiller has revealed what 'drives him crazy' on a set. Although he is best known for his roles in popular films like Night at the Museum and Zoolander, Ben Stiller has been directing more recently, most notably for an Apple TV+ series called "one of the best TV shows ever." Since then, Stiller has talked candidly about his prior interactions with directors and how their methods influenced his approach to the position.
During an intriguing interview on Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out podcast, Stiller said he "learns the most" when working on set with other directors. "Because it's really fascinating to watch you work with you, see how you do it, and what is your process," he added.
Since directing is subjective, each director's process is unique and subjective; therefore, it should reflect their own perspective. However, you can pick things up and say, "Wow, that's fantastic. There are no chairs on the set, like Noah Baumbach. No chairs. After ten days of filming Baumbach's Greenberg, Stiller discovered that there were "no chairs" anywhere on the set. "That's his choice because he doesn't want to have people sitting around," he explained. And it's a rule Stiller borrowed himself on the set of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
Stiller added that he has banned phones from the Apple TV+ series Severance and that this is not the only "good idea" he has taken and implemented on his own sets. The crew must occasionally use phones for communication, but Stiller stated, "I'm like, 'No phones anywhere near the eyeshot of the actors at all.'" "Seeing a dolly-grip guy stooped over while an actor is acting like a pro and he's just scrolling or something is my least favourite thing. Additionally, it's okay because he's showing respect, but it irritates me when I see it. The director noted what a 'vulnerable thing' it is to act on a set and how he wants to 'protect that environment for the actors'.
Stiller decided: "And since they haven't used the script you've been writing for five years, you need to figure out how to get them to want to be on the team. Therefore, it is your responsibility as a director to find a means of gaining everyone's support."