Dakota Johnson Reveals the Dark Side of Being a Producer: 'Financiers Can Be Questionable'

Dakota Johnson, the star of "Materialists" and founder of the production company Tea Time Pictures in 2019, shared her complex feelings about her career in film during an interview at the Red Sea Film Festival. She described her experience as a mix of passion and frustration, revealing the emotional toll of working behind the scenes.

I have a love-hate relationship with my work in every sense, Johnson explained. Producing exposes you to the behind-the-scenes realities, and sometimes its really unpleasant. Its painful to see how shady financiers can be. As a producer, its heartbreaking. As an actress, its heartbreaking. But its also rewarding, and Im grateful to experience both sides.

Reflecting on her career trajectory, from her breakout role in 50 Shades of Grey to recent films like Materialists and Splitsville, Johnson emphasized her ongoing journey of self-discovery and artistic growth. Ive definitely accepted projects in the past that, looking back, werent right for me. But every experience has taught me something. Now, I focus on exploring who I am and how I can push my boundaries as an actress.

Johnson also spoke fondly of her collaboration with director Luca Guadagnino, who directed her in Suspiria and A Bigger Splash. She described him as a director who deeply understands and sees her as an actor. Working with Luca has been transformative. Even when I was young, he helped me discover emotional depths I didnt know I had.

Recalling her casting for A Bigger Splash, Johnson admitted feeling nervous at first. I was 24, on a tour bus with a friends husband who was a drummer, and I got the call that Luca wanted me for the role. I was terrified. But meeting actors like Ralph Fiennes and Tilda Swinton helped ease my fears. Tilda reassured me, saying, Youre here for a reason. You can do this.

Looking ahead, Johnson is focused on developing projects under Tea Time Pictures, including her directorial debut A Tree Is Blue, featuring Charli XCX, Jessica Alba, and Vanessa Burghardt. She explained that she is particularly drawn to producing films that are centered on women and human experiences. I want to create stories about people undergoing transformation. We seek bold filmmakers and honest, daring writers who push boundaries in emotion, creativity, and entertainment.

Author: Chloe Ramirez