Why Tom Cruise Urges Actors to Understand Production — and 5 Easy Ways to Start

As an actor, it may seem like your sole focus should be on performance and how you translate the words on the page to the screen, but being an actor is so much more than that. Tom Cruise is one of the most successful actors in the industry with a career spanning decades. 

Recently, at a British Film Institute event, Cruise called out film schools for not properly educating young actors about the behind-the-scenes workings of a set, including camera lenses, lighting and editing, stating:

“You’ve got to know lenses. You’ve got to know editing. You’ve got to know lighting. You’ve got to know all the things that go into making a film.”

When you think about it, he is right. The best actors don’t just know their lines, they understand how a scene is crafted. They’re aware of the tools, people and timing that shape every frame. It’s not about doing someone else’s job, but about appreciating what those jobs are and how they influence your own performance. 

Insights: Tips for Learning Below-the-Line Skills

• Tom Cruise emphasizes that actors should understand technical aspects of filmmaking—like lighting, lenses and editing—to truly master their craft.
• Learning from crew members and observing other departments fosters collaboration, respect, and better on-set performance.
• Actors who embrace humility and curiosity about behind-the-scenes work become more versatile, appreciated and successful team players.

Cruise isn’t the only actor who has spoken on this. Keanu Reeves is another who has spoken about his desire to learn what goes on behind the camera,

“I have definitely been curious and involved in the process, even as a young actor. I was always looking at where the camera was, what story it was telling. And as my experience grew, I wanted to know even more.”

As an actor, whether you’re union or nonunion, background or lead, learning the rhythm of a set and the roles people play will make you easier to work with, more respected and ultimately more skilled at your craft. On many sets, actors and crew are often kept separate, so it can be hard to figure out how or when a good time to learn these behind-the-set skills. However, if you are truly passionate about your craft, there are a few ways you can go about it.

1. Talk to the Crew Between Takes

If you’re on a shoot, utilize the time between takes or scenes you’re not in to chat with crew members. Many crew members are passionate and live to share their craft with those interested. Ask the 1st AC about their focus pulling work, or the gaffer about how they lit the scene and why. Showing respect is inherent and it’s also a great learning experience. 

These conversations can help you understand how the technical aspects affect your performance, like where to hit your mark for the best light, or how camera movement changes blocking. Hanging around the crafty table is a good place to start because when people are on break, they are more likely to engage in conversation and share their thoughts.

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2. Network With Below-the-Line Professionals

Networking isn’t just for casting directors or producers. Get to know the below-the-line folks — the grips, electricians, art department, sound mixers and even PAs. You’re not trying to break into their departments; you’re simply showing an interest in how the entire team works.

“Where I think the most work needs to be done is behind the camera, not in front of it.”- Denzel Washington

Actors who understand the work of others are often seen as team players. And trust me, crew members always remember the actors who take time to learn everyone’s names and show appreciation for their craft. PAs have their hand in almost every department on set, so if you don’t know where to start, try reaching out to the PAs. They will guide you in the right direction.

3. Watch Behind-the-Scenes Content

If you don’t have access to a set or feel you’d be in the way, you can still learn a lot by watching behind-the-scenes videos. YouTube is full of free videos from productions big and small that show how scenes come together.

You’ll start to recognize roles like the 1st AD, the DIT (Digital Imaging Technician), or the dolly grip people, whose jobs are crucial but often invisible to actors. Look up BTS from your favorite movies and pay attention to how the actors interact with the crew. Give yourself a mini film school and learn techniques like the rule of thirds, the different shot types and the 180 rule. Knowing these types of things will put you leagues above your fellow actors.

4. Spend Time in Other Departments

If you get the chance, hang out with another department for a day. Maybe you shadow a wardrobe assistant or observe the script supervisor. Even if you’re not allowed to touch anything, just watching the rhythm and structure of their work can open your eyes to how much detail goes into every department.

Actors who understand how wardrobe choices are made or how the continuity system works can adapt faster on set and avoid common rookie mistakes.

5. Stay Humble

Humility goes a long way. When you approach a set with the intention to learn and not just to show off or climb the ladder, people notice. You’ll work more, and you’ll work better.

Never assume you know more or are better than anyone else on set. Being humble and recognizing that everyone on set has an important job, and taking the time to learn what they do and why, will benefit your career more than any amount of acting coaches or agents.

You don’t have to be a producer or director to understand production. But as Tom Cruise and others have made clear, actors who do understand it tend to thrive. They respect the craft, adapt quickly and contribute meaningfully to the process. So the next time you step onto a set, look around.

Acting isn’t a solo activity and movies take a team effort. The more you understand your teammates, the stronger your performance will be.

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