Ben Stiller Discusses How Noah Baumbach’s Directing Style Influenced Him on Set
Ben Stiller recently opened up about his experience working with director Noah Baumbach on the 2010 film “Greenberg” and how Baumbach’s unique directing style left a lasting impression on him. Stiller shared on Mike Birbiglia’s “Working It Out” podcast that one of the noticeable differences on Baumbach’s set was the absence of chairs.
Stiller recalled, “I think it was like 10 days into shooting, and I’m like, ‘Where’s the chairs? Oh my God, there’s no chairs here.’ And that’s his choice because he doesn’t want to have people sitting around.” Despite the lack of chairs, Stiller mentioned that people still found ways to sit down, but the overall effect was that it helped keep everyone focused and moving efficiently on set.
Inspired by Baumbach’s approach, Stiller implemented a similar “no chairs” policy when he directed the adventure comedy “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” a few years later. Stiller shared that working with auteur directors like Baumbach and Wes Anderson has allowed him to pick up on certain methods that he can incorporate into his own projects.
On his latest project, the Apple TV+ sci-fi series “Severance,” where Stiller serves as director and executive producer, he introduced a “no phones” rule on set. Stiller explained, “My least favorite thing is to see a dolly grip guy hunched down while an actor is acting their brains out, and he’s scrolling or whatever. It drives me crazy.” By enforcing the no phones policy, Stiller aims to create a focused and respectful environment for the actors.
Stiller emphasized the importance of protecting the vulnerable space that actors inhabit while performing in front of the camera. He acknowledged the challenge of balancing the needs of the crew while also maintaining a conducive environment for the actors. Stiller highlighted the director’s role in motivating and uniting the team, especially when crew members may not have the same level of familiarity with the project as the director.
During the podcast, Stiller also mentioned considering Mike Birbiglia for a role in “Severance,” ultimately casting Michael Chernus in the part of Ricken Hale. Stiller praised Birbiglia’s talent, expressing that he would have been a great fit for the role.
Overall, Stiller’s reflections on working with Baumbach and his own directing experiences shed light on the importance of creating a focused and supportive environment on set for both cast and crew. By drawing inspiration from seasoned directors and implementing his own innovative practices, Stiller continues to evolve as a director in the industry.
