Exposing the High Cost of Fame in Michael Leoni’s Famous

Your actors are also asked to be placed in uncomfortable physical situations. By no means were lines ever crossed, but how do you work with your actors in these cases.
If you want an audience to experience truth, we have to get to the truth ourselves.

I let the actors know right at the start, in the audition process, that we would be going to some uncomfortable places. It’s important that they’re on board with the story’s message we’re telling right from the beginning. I also make sure they know that this is a safe environment, and I would never put them in a situation that makes them feel unsafe. And if for any reason, they do, to let me know right away, and we will always change the blocking or the moment. But, that’s never actually happened.

I believe deeply that a director and an actor’s relationship always has to start with trust. I think that the character chooses the actor and very often it’s something they need to learn about themselves. And like I said earlier, sometimes the truth is uncomfortable, and sometimes we need to break down our walls that might be stopping us from getting to the truth of the character. Because we’re going to uncomfortable places, I always create a bond between the cast members to feel safe going to those uncomfortable places together. I try to keep the set and rehearsals super light and fun to contrast what’s happening on the set or stage.

I always say to my actors, this is not about you, and it’s not about me, it’s about the story that we’re telling, and we’re here to tell the truth.

“…when it comes to the sexual abuse of young men, we have a long way to go.”

It’s been almost five years since #METOO began. Has much changed for the better since then, and how do you hope Famous further the discussion?
I think on the women’s side, it’s been a beautiful transition. To see women standing in their power and calling their abusers out has created major changes in the world. Do I still think it’s going on? Yes, I do. Do I think for some people they can talk about it right away and for others it takes more time? Yes, of course, and no one can dictate when a person is ready to come forward about their trauma and abuse.

I do think that when it comes to the sexual abuse of young men, we have a long way to go. 1 in 6 men is sexually assaulted in their lifetime, and almost none of them share their stories. There is so much shame surrounding male vulnerability. Society doesn’t teach men that it’s ok to be vulnerable. So as far as how much has changed on the men’s side, not enough, in my opinion. I don’t think we’re there yet, not even close. But I do know that Famous has created a space to help continue this conversation, and for that, I’m extremely grateful.

I think art has the capacity to change the world, and I encourage people and all artists to tell their stories because you never know who’s listening and who you may be helping by shining a light into someone else’s darkness.