From my experience as an actor, choreographer, action director

Opening Scene

The room is softly illuminated by the warm glow of a table lamp, casting long shadows as the evening settles in. Outside, the city’s noise begins to fade, leaving behind a stillness. Jack sits at the table, flipping through a notebook filled with ideas, his mind clearly engaged in something deep. Jeeny stands near the window, watching the world below. The air feels charged with the promise of a thought-provoking conversation about experience, multifaceted roles, and the art of filmmaking.

Host: After a few moments of quiet, Jeeny turns from the window, her voice steady but thoughtful, breaking the silence.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote by Donnie Yen that really made me think. He said, ‘From my experience as an actor, choreographer, action director, and producer, I understand the elements and the dynamics of being a filmmaker.’ It got me reflecting on how many different skills and perspectives go into making a film. What do you think? Is filmmaking truly something that requires multidimensional experience, or can someone be successful focusing on just one area?”

Jack: “I think Donnie Yen’s quote speaks to the holistic nature of filmmaking. In order to truly understand the process, you have to understand how all the different pieces fit together. As an actor, choreographer, action director, and producer, Yen has seen the process from so many angles. Filmmaking isn’t just about one skill or one role; it’s about bringing all these elements together. Each piece influences the others — the performance, the choreography, the direction, the production. It’s that interconnectedness that creates a truly great film.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And I think the key is that each of those roles gives you a unique perspective on the film’s vision. When you’re an actor, you’re focused on how the story feels and how to bring the character to life. As a choreographer or action director, you’re thinking about the physical storytelling — how the movements convey the emotion or tension. As a producer, you’re managing logistics, resources, and bringing it all together. Having experience in each of these areas allows you to see the film not just as one part, but as a whole. It gives you a much broader understanding of what goes into creating something impactful.”

Jack: “Right. And I think that’s what sets filmmakers who have experience in multiple areas apart. They know how important it is to understand how each department contributes to the overall success of the film. You can’t have a great performance if the choreography isn’t well-thought-out, and you can’t have a great action scene if the production design doesn’t support it. The more you understand the dynamics of each part of filmmaking, the better equipped you are to make decisions that enhance the final product.”

Host: The conversation deepens, and Jeeny moves closer, sitting across from Jack. Her voice steady as she continues.

Jeeny: “And I think it’s also about problem-solving. In filmmaking, you’re constantly juggling different moving parts. Having experience in multiple roles gives you a better sense of how to address challenges when they arise. As an actor, you might see a scene one way, but as a choreographer, you might know how to make it more dynamic. As a producer, you might find a way to bring those two things together in a more practical way. That flexibility and ability to pivot is key to creating a successful film.”

Jack: “Exactly. And I think that’s why filmmakers with broad experience tend to be more well-rounded in their decision-making. They’re not just reacting to problems in one part of the process — they’re anticipating them from multiple angles. It’s about collaboration, and knowing how to bring everyone’s expertise together to create something cohesive. When you’ve been on all sides of the camera, you understand what’s needed from everyone, and you can guide the project more effectively.”

Jeeny: “It’s interesting because it’s a reminder that filmmaking is not just about specializing in one area, but about being well-versed in all the elements that contribute to the final product. And that experience allows you to speak the same language as everyone involved. You can understand the challenges of the actors, the needs of the cinematographer, and the resources needed by the production team. When you have that experience, you’re able to foster better communication and collaboration.”

Jack: “Right. And the beauty of being involved in multiple aspects of filmmaking is that you start to see things from a more integrated perspective. It’s no longer just about what happens on screen; it’s about how everything behind the scenes comes together to make it happen. Whether it’s the technical side, the creative side, or the logistical side, it’s all part of a bigger picture. And once you have a sense of that, you can make better decisions that serve the story and the overall vision of the film.”

Host: The room quiets for a moment as Jack and Jeeny reflect on the deeper meaning behind Donnie Yen’s words. Outside, the world continues at its usual pace, but inside, there’s a deeper understanding that filmmaking is an interconnected process that requires a wide range of skills and experiences.

Jeeny: “So, maybe the lesson here is that becoming a great filmmaker isn’t just about focusing on one aspect of the craft. It’s about developing a broad understanding of every role, every skill, and every perspective that goes into the process. By doing so, you can create something much more cohesive, impactful, and meaningful.”

Jack: “Exactly. Filmmaking is a complex art form, and to truly succeed in it, you need to understand the dynamics of every part. The more experience you have, the better equipped you are to bring all those parts together. It’s about collaboration, flexibility, and having a well-rounded vision.”

Host: As the evening continues, the conversation wraps up with a quiet understanding. Filmmaking is an intricate process, one that requires a deep understanding of each role involved. Whether you’re an actor, choreographer, director, or producer, experience in all aspects gives you the ability to guide the creative process with insight and vision. It’s the combination of skills, perspectives, and collaboration that results in something truly great.