Tim Blake Nelson, a versatile talent known for his roles in 'Lincoln' and 'The Ballad of Buster Scruggs', shares his journey from Oklahoma to Hollywood. He discusses his classical education, revealing how it shaped his artistic choices. Tim reflects on directing versus writing plays, and shares insights on the struggles of independent film funding. The conversation touches on his son's debut film and his novel 'City of Blows', inspired by his experiences in the entertainment industry. A fascinating exploration of creativity and storytelling unfolds!
Tim Blake Nelson's journey from self-doubt in theater to embracing his roots showcases the transformative power of perseverance and education in the arts.
He emphasizes the importance of having an agent in securing acting roles, revealing how industry navigation can significantly impact a budding actor's career.
Nelson discusses the challenges of independent film financing today, highlighting a shift in investor interest while still believing in the enduring appeal of strong storytelling.
Deep dives
Tim Blake Nelson's Journey in the Arts
Tim Blake Nelson initially pursued a career in the classics, contemplating teaching or archaeology, but eventually shifted to the arts despite self-doubt. Growing up in Oklahoma, he felt the world of theater was inaccessible, especially after facing rejections during his college auditions. However, his perseverance led him to graduate school, where he began to embrace his aspirations as an actor. Nelson discovered that his background actually provided him unique advantages, particularly in understanding dialects and relating to roles reflecting the Southwest.
The Importance of an Agent
Nelson emphasized the critical role of having an agent in securing acting opportunities, especially during the earlier stages of his career. While he managed to find some roles in street theater without representation, he acknowledged that most mainstream auditions were only accessible through agencies. This realization instilled confidence in him as he navigated the challenging industry landscape. The agent's belief in his potential ultimately bolstered Nelson's resolve to pursue acting further.
The Transition to Writing
Starting his writing journey at Juilliard, Nelson sought to fulfill his academic curiosity while balancing the rigorous demands of acting training. He missed the intellectual stimulation from his undergraduate studies and began assigning himself challenges to write plays throughout his four years. By the time he completed his studies, he had crafted various works, including a full-length play that garnered attention from theater professionals and led to further opportunities. This experience fueled his desire to write more and integrate those narratives into his acting career.
Directing and Collaborating with Actors
Nelson shared his insights on directing, highlighting the balance between sticking to script details and being open to actors' interpretations. He preferred minimal direction in scripts to allow actors the freedom to contribute creatively, embracing surprises that could enhance performances. His approach evolved over time, especially in how he prepares for roles, emphasizing thorough understanding and internalization of his character without needing to stay in character constantly. This strategic preparation, coupled with a strong collaborative spirit, allows him to foster rich, dynamic relationships with the actors he directs.
Challenges in Independent Film Financing
Discussing the evolving landscape of independent film financing, Nelson lamented the difficulties faced by filmmakers in securing funding for art films today. He noted a shift in investor appetite, primarily due to market changes influenced by streaming services and unforeseen events like COVID-19. His collaboration with his son on the film 'A Sleep in My Palm' showcases a refreshingly independent spirit amidst these challenges. Despite the uphill battle in financing, Nelson believes that compelling storytelling with strong performances will continue to find an audience, suggesting the potential for a resurgence in independent films.
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 108 - TIM BLAKE NELSON - ACTOR / WRITER / DIRECTOR
On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with actor, writer, and director Tim Blake Nelson (LEAVES OF GRASS, THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS, LINCOLN) about a wide range of topics. We had the pleasure of working with him on O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU?, and we had a wonderful time catching up with him. We learn all about his journey from Oklahoma to his first breaks as an actor, and we discuss the artistic and academic foundation that informs his choices as a filmmaker. James and Tim both studied the classics in college, and they compare their Latin and Greek syllabi and reflect on how they still draw from what they learned during their education. Picking the subject back up later in the episode, we also learn the truth behind the apocryphal myth as to whether anyone actually read Homer's Odyssey before shooting O BROTHER. Tim later reflects on his parallel career as a playwright, and we learn why he doesn’t direct his own plays as he muses on the different demands of conceptualizing a story for the stage versus one for the screen. Later, we discuss his career as a director, and Tim shares his increasingly difficult experiences funding his independent films. Towards the end, we discuss his recent role as the star of his son’s feature debut, ASLEEP IN MY PALM, and we ask Tim about his recent novel, CITY OF BLOWS, and learn how the story was inspired by Tim’s real experiences in Hollywood during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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This episode is sponsored by Aputure
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