Actors/actresses signing on before getting the full script
 

What are your thoughts on this?

I don't know how often it happens now, but I heard it was very common back in the day.

Re: Actors/actresses signing on before getting the full script
 

I'm sure it happens w actors wanting to work w certain directors

Re: Actors/actresses signing on before getting the full script
 

Depp/Burton

If someone offered me $10 million, maybe I could live with a crappy screenplay.

Re: Actors/actresses signing on before getting the full script
 

It happens often with the sequels, or would-be sequels, to movies intended to be franchises. But that's a bit of a cheat because they generally will get to the see the script for the first film before signing.

Re: Actors/actresses signing on before getting the full script
 

Yes

I think all actors commit to a Woody Allen film before they see the script

Re: Actors/actresses signing on before getting the full script
 

Also Terrence Malick, Martin Scorcese, and directors of that ilk. Also applies to top secret projects like Star Wars

I remember seeing an interview with Laura Linney once, where she discussed her process of signing onto a project. The three key factors to her were the director, the script, and her co-stars. She said if 2 out of the 3 were solid, she would likely sign up too.

Re: Actors/actresses signing on before getting the full script
 

"We have a starting date...but we don't have a script. But what the hell, a lot of people have scripts that don't have a starting date." - DeForest Kelley paraphrasing Gene Roddenberry's comments about the upcoming STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE in the late 1970s.

I think Harrison Ford's THE FUGITIVE is an great example of a movie that shot while the script was still being written.

Re: Actors/actresses signing on before getting the full script
 

Didn't Brad Pitt mention the same thing about Devil's Own? Called it irresponsible filmaking? And Hollywood Homicide was supposed to be a serious drama until Suge Knight showed up on set an demanded the film was to be a comedy, hmmm... common element?

Re: Actors/actresses signing on before getting the full script
 

To the Wonder never had a completed script, period, but an actor would have to be a full-fledged fool to turn down working with Terrence Malick.


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Re: Actors/actresses signing on before getting the full script
 

Most comedies don't have scripts, they have what are called treatments. Many comedies improv and ad-lib on set, which is why it's often very hard coming up with a funny sequel to a hit.

Re: Actors/actresses signing on before getting the full script
 

After a certain point in his career, it seems that Brando never looked at the script...either prior to or during shooting.

Re: Actors/actresses signing on before getting the full script
 

Douglas Fairbanks Jr. wouldn't commit to PURPLE ROSE OF CAIRO without seeing a script first, so Allen gave the part to Van Johnson.

Christopher Plummer might argue that with you.
http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplayli...e-malick-again