Leadership in filmmaking

Filmmaking is incredibly complex, and that’s exactly what makes me so interested in leadership within the industry. It’s a unique blend of creativity, logistics, and economics, where everything has to come together under intense time pressure. Balancing an artistic vision with practical and financial constraints makes directing one of the most challenging forms of leadership.

I recently watched a clip featuring one of my favorite actors, Cillian Murphy. In it, he shared that what ultimately cooled his relationship with a director was when the director asked him whether he was a good director. It raises the question: is it really true that a director can never show insecurity or vulnerability? Management theory doesn’t set strict rules—that’s more of a pop management idea—but theories do suggest that those who master the social game often succeed as leaders.

But directing must be more nuanced than that. At the right moments, vulnerability can be part of the game itself. It can build trust, encourage collaboration, and strengthen leadership rather than weaken it. The question isn’t just whether a director should avoid insecurity—but when it’s right to show strength and when it’s right to lower their guard.