Dakota Johnson is set to direct her first feature film based on a script by an autistic actress she has acted with in a film. The project, which will be produced through Johnson’s TeaTime Pictures, aims to tell a female-centric story that sparks emotional and visual responses.
Johnson expressed her desire to move beyond acting and producing into directing, citing the need for more positive work environments on sets. “I think I will direct a feature, a very small one, hopefully soon,” she said. “And it’s really close to my heart and very close to TeaTime.”
The film will be co-produced with Vanessa Burghardt, who played Johnson’s daughter in Cha Cha Real Smooth. Burghardt is an autistic actress, and her involvement in the project was a major factor in Johnson’s decision to direct.
Johnson also emphasized the importance of measuring success in terms of viewer impact rather than box office numbers. “The barometer for that is shifting right now,” she said. “It’s hard to measure success based on box office numbers now, because it’s so all over the place.”
As a director, Johnson has already made several short films and music videos, including the Coldplay music video “Cry Cry Cry” and the short film Loser Baby.
Johnson expressed her enthusiasm for telling stories that showcase complex female characters and provoke emotional responses. “Usually, it’s something that is either visually or emotionally provocative,” she said. “And I don’t mean that in a sexual way. I mean it in [the sense] that it provokes something that is different than what you see on TV right now or on streaming platforms.”
The project will be part of Johnson’s ongoing efforts to create positive and inclusive work environments through her TeaTime Pictures banner. “I can’t waste time on toxic sets anymore,” she said. “With producing, that’s one of the perks.”
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/dakota-johnson-direct-film-toxic-sets-play-psychopath-qa-1236306650