Filmmakers Known for Banning Chairs and Cell Phones During Production

The modern film set is often a place of high technology, but several prominent directors prefer to strip away digital distractions to maintain a focused atmosphere. These filmmakers implement strict rules regarding the use of cell phones and, in some cases, even the presence of chairs to ensure that the cast and crew remain fully engaged with the creative process. By removing these common conveniences, they aim to foster a sense of urgency and communal dedication to the project at hand. Such policies have become legendary in Hollywood, sparking debates about professional productivity versus on-set comfort.

Quentin Tarantino

This director has a strict “no cell phone” policy that applies to everyone from the leading stars to the background extras. Any device found on set is confiscated and placed in a designated “Movie Jail” until the end of the shooting day. Tarantino believes that cell phones disrupt the creative process and the sacred space of the set. This rule has been strictly enforced on his projects like ‘The Hateful Eight’ and ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. He argues that the absence of digital distractions helps the cast and crew remain focused on the specific era and mood of the film.

Christopher Nolan

The sets managed by this director are known for a lack of cell phones and a focused atmosphere to prevent leaks and maintain a professional environment. A rumor once circulated that he bans chairs from his sets, a claim sparked by comments from actors who worked on ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ and ‘Interstellar’. While his spokesperson clarified that the director only restricts certain types of seating near the monitors to avoid clutter, the idea of a “chairless” set has become part of his industry reputation. He believes that these measures help the crew remain mentally present throughout the production. By eliminating digital distractions, he ensures the focus remains entirely on the craft of filmmaking.

Bradley Cooper

While directing ‘Maestro’, this filmmaker implemented a strict no-chair policy to ensure the cast and crew remained focused on the work. He has stated in interviews that if a person is sitting down, their energy level naturally drops, which can affect the momentum of a scene. Cooper also limits the use of cell phones to prevent distractions and keep everyone engaged with the historical period of the film. These methods are intended to create an environment where the creative process is the sole priority. He believes that a standing set maintains a higher level of kinetic energy among the production team.

Zack Snyder

Known for his intense and visual filmmaking style, he often bans both chairs and cell phones from his sets to keep the crew active. During the production of ‘Army of the Dead’, he chose to act as his own cinematographer, which reinforced his preference for an active set where people do not sit down. He argues that the absence of chairs keeps the energy levels high and prevents the crew from becoming complacent during long hours. This approach aims to foster a more immersive and collaborative environment during the shooting of his high-octane films. Actors have noted that his sets feel more like an athletic endeavor due to these specific restrictions.

Darren Aronofsky

This director is known for implementing various restrictions to foster a disciplined set environment, including the banning of cell phones. During the filming of ‘Noah’, he also famously banned plastic water bottles to align with the production’s environmental goals. He believes that the presence of phones can detract from the psychological intensity required for his complex dramas. These rules are designed to push the crew toward a higher level of concentration and professional rigor. By controlling the environment so strictly, he aims to extract the most raw and authentic performances from his actors.

Greta Gerwig

For the production of ‘Barbie’, she established a “no cell phones” rule to help the actors stay in character and maintain the film’s aesthetic atmosphere. The cast was encouraged to engage with one another rather than scrolling through their devices between takes. Gerwig found that this policy helped build a sense of community and shared purpose among the massive ensemble. By removing digital interruptions, she created a space where the cast could focus entirely on the whimsical world being built on camera. This practice has been praised by her frequent collaborators for fostering a more creative and social workspace.

Paul Thomas Anderson

He maintains a very controlled environment on his film sets by restricting the use of electronic devices among the cast and crew. Actors working on projects like ‘Phantom Thread’ have noted that the absence of cell phones allows for a more intimate and focused acting experience. Anderson prefers that his cast remain observant of the physical space and the lighting rather than retreating into their screens. This policy helps maintain the specific mood and period accuracy required for his meticulously crafted cinematic works. The result is often described as a more quiet and respectful atmosphere that honors the theatrical nature of filmmaking.

Andrea Arnold

This director is known for her naturalistic style and often bans cell phones on set to help her actors stay present in the moment. During the filming of ‘American Honey’, she encouraged the cast to bond with one another and their surroundings rather than using technology. She believes that the distractions of the modern world can interfere with the raw, documentary-style performances she seeks. By eliminating phones, she creates a bubble of reality that translates into the authentic feel of her movies. This approach is central to her method of capturing spontaneous and emotionally resonant footage.

Please share your thoughts on whether these strict set rules lead to better movies in the comments.