Salli Richardson-Whitfield, an actress turned director and producer, shares her Chicago roots, pivot from acting to directing to producing, and discusses the new season of A Gilded Age. Topics covered include gentrification, early career in movies, capturing authentic moments with actors, directing actors, determining the success of a series, financial mindset in the entertainment industry, and maintaining sanity during a strike.
Salli Richardson-Whitfield started her directing career with Ava DuVernay's film, I Will Follow, and has since honed her skills through shadowing other directors and learning on set.
Salli Richardson's passion for period pieces and attention to detail make her a perfect fit for projects like The Gilded Age, where she brings her unique directing style characterized by energy-filled shots, long runners, and lower angles.
Salli Richardson's ability to communicate and understand what each actor needs helps her elicit powerful and authentic performances, drawing on personal connections and tailored approaches.
Salli Richardson's success as a director led to an overall deal with HBO, allowing her to develop her own projects and continue showcasing her unique directing talents.
Deep dives
Sally Richardson's Journey into Directing
Sally Richardson had always had a love for period pieces and a passion for directing. Through connections and convincing interviews, she began her directorial career with Ava DuVernay's film, I Will Follow. From there, she honed her skills, shadowing other directors and taking every opportunity to learn on set. Sally's attention to detail and ability to push actors to their best performances set her apart. She brings her unique style to each project, incorporating long runners, energy-filled shots, and lower angles. Her recent success on The Gilded Age led to an overall deal with HBO, allowing her to develop her own projects and showcase her directorial talents.
Sally Richardson's Acting Journey
Sally Richardson's acting career started in Chicago, where she took on various roles in films and television shows. She moved to Los Angeles in the mid-80s and continued to pursue both acting and singing. However, her focus gradually shifted towards directing. Sally's breakthrough role came in the film Posse, where she was hired to replace another actress at the last minute. This opportunity led to more acting roles, but she ultimately found her true calling as a director. Sally's love for period pieces and attention to detail made her a perfect fit for projects like The Gilded Age. She brings her passion and expertise to each role, pushing boundaries and challenging actors to deliver their best performances.
Sally Richardson's Directing Style
Sally Richardson's directing style is characterized by energy-filled shots, long runners, and lower angles. She pushes actors to deliver their best performances through personal connections and tailored approaches. Sally's ability to communicate and understand what each actor needs helps her elicit powerful and authentic performances. She draws inspiration from her love for period pieces and her attention to detail shines through in her work. Sally's success as a director led to an overall deal with HBO, allowing her to develop her own projects and continue to showcase her unique directing talents.
Summary of Sally Richardson's Acting and Directing Journey
Sally Richardson began her career in acting, taking on various roles in films and television shows. However, she found her true passion in directing and has since become a highly respected filmmaker. Sally's love for period pieces and attention to detail have influenced her directing style, which includes energy-filled shots, long runners, and lower angles. She pushes actors to deliver their best performances, drawing on personal connections and tailored approaches. Sally's success as a director led to an overall deal with HBO, solidifying her as a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
The importance of perseverance and not giving up
The speaker reflects on the numerous times she and other black actresses went after the same roles but didn't get them. She emphasizes that in such moments, it is essential to remember that even though they may not have been successful in the past, they should keep pushing forward and not lose hope.
The value of being adaptable in the entertainment industry
The speaker discusses her experiences with different types of auditions and screen tests, including chemistry tests and full-on screen tests with other actors on set. She highlights the importance of being versatile and adapting to different processes in the entertainment industry to increase chances of success.
Balancing financial security and pursuing passion
The speaker explains the financial challenges faced in the industry, where even lead roles may not always provide substantial income. She emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between taking on small roles to make a living and pursuing higher-profile projects. The speaker also talks about the need to be frugal and live within one's means to ensure financial stability.
Salli Richardson-Whitfield meets Questlove Supreme in Hollywood for an in-studio interview that covers her pivot from acting to directing to producing. Salli details her Chicago roots, recalls proving herself professionally, and discusses the new season of A Gilded Age.
