A revered actor, Tom Hanks, known for his roles in classic American films like “Forrest Gump,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Apollo 13,” and “Toy Story,” is taking a plunge into the world of literature. He recently penned a novel, “The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece,” offering a behind-the-scenes look at the film industry.
His book journeys through the intricate process of bringing a movie to life, from inception to debut. It is enriched by Hanks’ experiences and insights from his illustrious career in cinema. He even shared his habit of revisiting his old films on television to reflect on and critique his past performances.
During a “CBS Mornings” conversation, Hanks underscored each crew member’s crucial role in producing a film. He spoke of the immense pressure to attain perfection on set, as even minor errors could lead to delays and expensive re-filming.
“When a single gear in the machine is unprepared or makes a mistake, that’s the moment you dread,” Hanks explained. “The pressure can be overwhelming. It could be an actor failing to prepare fully, a director freezing up, or a missing lens that should be in the camera.”
He continued, “The crew bears the brunt of it all.”
The film and television industry was jolted when writers went on strike following unsuccessful negotiations for a new contract with film studios. The previous Writers Guild of America strike in 2007-2008 had significant repercussions on Hollywood, including Hanks’ film “Charlie Wilson’s War,” which was in production then.
Hanks remembered the strike as challenging for everyone in the industry, as halted productions and idle writers prevailed. He recollected its profound impact on his crew, who had no work during the strike.
“It was the gloomiest period I’ve ever experienced on a set,” Hanks said. “Everyone was just in a state of limbo, awaiting some form of resolution, which seemed elusive.”
That strike, which lasted 100 days, allegedly cost the industry $2.5 billion. Numerous actors and filmmakers, including Hanks, supported the striking writers, and Hanks continues to stand in solidarity with them.
“The whole industry is at a turning point, and it’s common knowledge,” Hanks stated. “The financial engine must undergo a major overhaul” in a way that would favour the creators of entertainment content.
“The writers are the starting point. Without them, we have no scripts,” Hanks stressed. “There’s no cinema without directors, and the actors are essential too. We must come to the negotiation table and work towards the collective good of the arts, science, and the business of entertainment — a mutual understanding and a win-win situation is possible and necessary.”
Hanks, a two-time Oscar winner, expressed his concerns about the film industry’s future. He emphasized that the change must come from within, starting with a renewed respect for the writers, without whom, he stressed, there would be no stories to tell.
“In this age of streaming services and digital content, the industry dynamics have changed drastically,” he said. “But the essence of filmmaking remains the same – to tell captivating stories. And that begins with the writers. We need to ensure they are adequately valued and compensated.”
Despite the tumultuous times, Hanks remained hopeful about the industry’s future. He suggested that this crossroads could be an opportunity to bring about change to create a more equitable and sustainable industry for all involved.
He also touched upon the theme of his new novel, which he said aimed to shed light on the realities of filmmaking – the long hours, the stress, the teamwork, and the magic that comes when it all comes together.
“I wanted to capture the essence of what it means to be part of a film crew,” Hanks said. “It’s a unique experience – filled with pressures, challenges, and immense satisfaction when you see the final product on the big screen.”
In conclusion, Hanks left viewers with a poignant message about the importance of unity and collaboration in the face of adversity. He stressed that, in the end, everyone in the film industry shares a common goal – to create meaningful and entertaining content.
“We’re all in this together,” he said. “From the writers to the directors, from the actors to the crew – we all play a vital role in bringing stories to life. If we remember that, we can navigate this crossroads and become stronger on the other side.”
As the film industry continues to navigate these tumultuous times, Hanks’ words remind everyone of the importance of unity, respect, and fair compensation for all who contribute to the storytelling process. His new novel, “The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece,” aims to highlight these aspects, offering a raw and honest insight into filmmaking. Amid the challenges, Hanks remains hopeful that the industry is on the precipice of significant change, poised to create a more equitable and sustainable future for everyone involved in bringing stories to life.
