Tom Cruise Urges Young Actors to Learn Filmmaking Tech, Which Is ‘Not Taught in Film Schools’: ‘Brando Understood Lighting. All the Greats Did’

by

Tom Cruise, during his acceptance of the British Film Institute Fellowship (as reported by The Times of London), emphasized to upcoming actors the significance of understanding the art of filmmaking. Lamenting over current film schools, he pointed out their lack of teaching production tools and technology relevant to filmmaking. According to him, a skilled actor in films goes beyond just acting skills; they should also be knowledgeable about aspects like lighting, camera placement, and so forth.

Cruise emphasized the significance of familiarizing oneself with the equipment at hand. He likened this knowledge to an actor’s comprehension of a stage setup, but for many artists, this aspect isn’t typically covered in film school. This includes grasping the capabilities of the camera lens and why it moves, as well as recognizing the impact of such movements.”

or even simpler:

“Cruise stressed the importance of learning about the tools you work with, just like an actor needs to understand a stage setup. But unlike what’s often taught in film school, many artists should learn how cameras and lenses function and why they move as they do.

Tom Cruise often advises actors to:

1. Spend time in the editing suite, creating their own films,
2. Study classic movies,
3. Recognize the impact of composition,
4. Learn about different lenses and their effects,
5. Master the use of lighting for maximum benefit,
6. And fully comprehend the art form to a profound level.

Brando was exceptional at understanding lighting, as were all the greats in the industry.

Tom Cruise is incredibly passionate about actors mastering filmmaking skills, so he created a six-hour video series as a personal film school for up-and-coming talents. Last year, Glen Powell, one of Cruise’s co-stars from “Top Gun: Maverick,” shared that he was given the opportunity to watch the entire six-hour video in a movie theater by himself.

Powell stated, “He explained, ‘This is intended only for my companions.'” In the video, Cruise appears to say, “Shall we all concur that a camera is this? The distinction between a film camera and a digital one…”, and the most amusing part is when he seems to have organized an entire flight school. So, he would effectively explain, “This is what an airplane is. Here’s how things fly. Here’s how air pressure works.

Powell mentioned that Cruise also shared his viewpoint that for a film to become a worldwide success, it needs to express universal feelings and tap into concerns that everyone can understand or identify with.

The upcoming major production by Cruise for his studio is the final “Mission: Impossible” film, titled “The Final Reckoning,” which will be released in American cinemas on May 23, distributed by Paramount Pictures.

Read More

2025-05-13 13:35