You have to examine a scene on the page first. Then you get into the basics of acting: Who are you? Who are you talking to? How do you feel about that person?

Quote by Debbie Allen

Topics: Debbie Allen Quotes

The clothes back in those days were made so much better than clothes are today....

The clothes back in those days were made so much better than clothes are today....

It's kind of dangerous to cut in the camera, but that's the only way I...

It's kind of dangerous to cut in the camera, but that's the only way I...

Even when you have a big budget, you can't just shoot everything.

Even when you have a big budget, you can't just shoot everything.

There are some scenes that work beautifully in a moving, sweeping master, which is how...

There are some scenes that work beautifully in a moving, sweeping master, which is how...

In scoring we have a lot that was not evident in the shooting. The radio...

In scoring we have a lot that was not evident in the shooting. The radio...

The riot isn't seen in the movie, but it is alluded to. He has this...

The riot isn't seen in the movie, but it is alluded to. He has this...

But it was not possible to do this movie, in this matter of time, without...

But it was not possible to do this movie, in this matter of time, without...

I use something that is a real staple in the directing world. It's called a...

I use something that is a real staple in the directing world. It's called a...

The radio for these women is like television is for us today, which is really...

The radio for these women is like television is for us today, which is really...

I design my shots. I walk the rehearsal as the camera and say 'this is...

I design my shots. I walk the rehearsal as the camera and say 'this is...

Everything has to be well thought out - what do you really need, when can...

Everything has to be well thought out - what do you really need, when can...

It goes back to a style of moviemaking I remember seeing as a child, in...

It goes back to a style of moviemaking I remember seeing as a child, in...

I didn't need the insurance. I do it again if my DP tells me it...

I didn't need the insurance. I do it again if my DP tells me it...

Michael Ralph brilliantly plays the street prophet, a West Indian who foreshadows the Harlem riot.

Michael Ralph brilliantly plays the street prophet, a West Indian who foreshadows the Harlem riot.

Time management is a big part of the director's job.

Time management is a big part of the director's job.

The production team's first meeting took place at my house. I had ideas and a...

The production team's first meeting took place at my house. I had ideas and a...

As far as pacing the shoot is concerned, I know when I've got it. I...

As far as pacing the shoot is concerned, I know when I've got it. I...

But out of limitations comes creativity.

But out of limitations comes creativity.

A director just pushes them a little this way or that way.

A director just pushes them a little this way or that way.

I'm always moving forward.

I'm always moving forward.