Dakota Johnson shared her experiences and challenges in the entertainment industry during a talk at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia on December 8, 2023. The actress, now also a producer, described her career as a “love-hate relationship,” particularly highlighting the “shady” aspects of financing films.
During her participation in the “In Conversation With” series, Johnson opened up about her journey in Hollywood, reflecting on significant projects and her motivation to create through her production company, TeaTime Pictures. She expressed the emotional toll of navigating the industry. “Financiers are really shady sometimes. It is heartbreaking,” she said. “As a producer, it can be very heartbreaking. As an actress, it can be heartbreaking.”
Despite these challenges, Johnson emphasized the rewarding nature of both acting and producing. “Both [producing and acting] are so incredibly fulfilling, and I feel very grateful that I’m able to do both,” she noted. She explained that producing presents unique challenges, allowing her to see the complexities of filmmaking. “There’s something about acting where I feel I’m in a bubble, and with producing, you see behind the curtain, and it’s really ugly,” she added.
Johnson’s transition into production stemmed from her upbringing. “Watching my parents work and how they engaged with filmmakers and producers, I always wanted to be a larger part of the project,” she said. Her company focuses on “mostly female-driven, human experience projects,” with films like Splitsville (2025) and Daddio (2023) under its belt.
The actress expressed a desire to tell stories about women and their internal or external evolutions. TeaTime Pictures is also producing her feature directorial debut, A Tree Is Blue, which stars fellow actress and producer Jessica Alba.
Reflecting on her career highlights, Johnson cited her role in The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) as one of her most fulfilling experiences. “We were like a little family,” she recalled, speaking fondly of her connection with co-star Zack Gottsagen. “He just is such a performer and such a talented actor. I just feel like [working with him] was a total gift to my life.”
Johnson also discussed her collaborations with acclaimed director Luca Guadagnino on films such as A Bigger Splash (2015) and Suspiria (2018). She described working with Guadagnino as a uniquely fulfilling experience, stating, “He made me feel deeply seen.” Recalling her initial reaction to being cast in A Bigger Splash, she mentioned her doubts but ultimately found reassurance from co-star Tilda Swinton, who told her, “You’re here because you’re meant to be here.”
In her experience with Maggie Gyllenhaal on The Lost Daughter (2021), Johnson described Gyllenhaal as a “force” whose emotional intelligence profoundly influenced her performance. “Maggie’s way of directing was very quiet,” she said, highlighting Gyllenhaal’s subtle yet impactful approach.
The conversation also turned to the burgeoning film scene in Saudi Arabia, where Johnson expressed admiration for the festival’s focus on promoting female filmmakers from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. She remarked, “I’ve met some of the most incredible women,” and noted a renewed faith in cinema from her experiences at the festival.
As the festival continues through December 13, Johnson’s reflections on her career and the industry highlight the complexities of creativity and the pursuit of authentic storytelling in today’s entertainment landscape.
