Dakota Johnson Discusses the Harsh Realities of Producing: "You See Behind the Curtain & It's Ugly" - Red Sea

Dakota Johnson has been balancing her acting career with producing since launching TeaTime Pictures in 2019, a collaboration with former Netflix executive Ro Donnelly. Speaking at the Red Sea Film Festival on Friday, Johnson described producing as a natural evolution of her career.

I grew up in this industry, watching my parents work on set and observing their interactions with filmmakers and producers. Ive always wanted to be more involved in shaping projects, Johnson shared, referring to her parents Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith. As I progressed in my career, I aimed to create my own projects and explore artistic sides of myself that others might not notice. Im drawn to female-centered stories and narratives about people undergoing personal growth.

TeaTime Pictures currently has several projects in development, including the sci-fi action film Trudy Blue and Johnsons directorial debut A Tree Is Blue, written by and starring autistic actress Vanessa Burghardt, her co-star in the companys first production, Cha Cha Real Smooth. Johnson did not provide updates on these projects during the discussion.

On her acting choices, Johnson said she has become more selective. Im learning how to choose roles that truly fit me. Ive accepted roles in the past that, in hindsight, werent right, but thats part of the learning process, she explained. Now I focus on roles that allow me to grow, challenge myself, and express what I need to as an artist.

Reflecting on her experience as a producer, Johnson admitted it is more demanding than acting. Producing is definitely harder. As an actor, youre somewhat insulated, but producing exposes you to the behind-the-scenes realities, and it can be harsh. Seeing how some financiers operate is disheartening, she said.

With seven years in producing and seven completed projects, Johnson continues to navigate both worlds, seeking stories that resonate with her and offer opportunities for creative evolution.

Author: Gavin Porter