Directors Don’t Direct Actors: Why Preparation is Key

One of the most common misconceptions in acting is that directors will guide you through every scene. As Brian Cutler points out, “They hire you because you are right for the role. You look right for the role. It’s your job to know what to do when you get on the set.”

While some directors may provide guidance for intricate scenes, such as fight choreography or highly timed sequences, most expect actors to come fully prepared. “In seventy-two years of working, I’ve worked with thousands of directors. I’ve worked with five that actually directed people,” Brian shares. This underscores the reality: directors are there to oversee the bigger picture, not to provide acting lessons.

A good director trusts their actors to deliver performances independently, knowing they’ve been cast because they fit the role. This puts the responsibility squarely on the actor to develop the character, understand the script, and deliver a polished performance.

For actors, this means preparation is everything. Knowing your character, practicing your craft, and being ready to adapt on set are essential to thriving in the industry. Directors don’t direct actors—they hire professionals who know how to bring a role to life.