Scarlett Johansson discusses persistent hold-ups in her directorial debut's release
Title: Rollercoaster to Indie Filmmaking: Why Scarlett Johansson's 'Eleanor the Great' Took Years to Make
Scarlett Johansson shares the bumpy road to her directorial debut, 'Eleanor the Great'. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the actress vividly describes the numerous obstacles she encountered while making her indie drama, set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section.
The award-winning star compares the process of making 'Eleanor the Great' to creating a movie that would be a sequel to a mammoth blockbuster or a low-budget genre flick that falls short in artistic merit. "Filming this independent movie with original storytelling and a lead actress in her 90s was no walk in the park," Johansson candidly admits.
Money, as Johansson highlights, was the primary challenge. The competition for funds escalates significantly when funding indie films, especially those without the backing of a prior franchise or hackneyed genre trappings. "New York City alone fought tooth and nail to let us set foot on its famous soil," Johansson recounts, giving audiences a glimpse into the Herculean effort behind the scenes.
One potential funding source seemed to crumble just as the production was about to gain traction. Johansson explains, "We were in a dire predicament where losing our funding would have torn the entire plot device—the backbone of the film's narrative—out by the roots." Fortunately, Sony Pictures Classics' faith in 'Eleanor the Great' prevented this catastrophe, ensuring the film could meet its production start date.
Despite the myriad of setbacks, Johansson expresses gratitude for the support of Sony Pictures Classics and other companies that dare to gamble on original ideas and novice directors. "We need more pioneers in the film industry willing to take risks and promote new voices," Johansson believes, summarizing the arduous journey that led to the creation of her directorial debut.
This rollercoaster ride to produce 'Eleanor the Great' demonstrates the countless hurdles independent filmmakers must clear to secure funding and compete with established properties. Challenges such as market competition and costs, economic uncertainty, regulatory threats, and public perception often conspire against indie films, making their victories all the more impressive.
- "Money was a significant challenge in making 'Eleanor the Great,' as Johansson reveals, as the competition for funds escalates when funding indie films without the backing of a prior franchise or hackneyed genre trappings."
- "Johansson acknowledges the Herculean effort behind the scenes, stating that even New York City fought tooth and nail to let them set foot on its famous soil while filming 'Eleanor the Great.'"
- "Johansson asserts that there should be more pioneers in the film industry, like Sony Pictures Classics, who are willing to take risks and promote new voices in movies-and-tv entertainment, including independent filmmakers like herself."
