There is a huge difference between directing a movie and producing. You guys know movies. You know what I’m talking about. And yet I’m sure there was one point where even you were confused by who directed thanks to its marketing. When you have a film that says “X Presents,” it’s hard not to at least imagine a world where the producer had a direct impact on the film.

Usually, though, their influence is in finding the young directing talent and enabling them to produce their vision. In some cases, however, producers have actually flexed their muscles to create a stronger product. This seems to be the case with Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, which Guillermo del Toro produced.

RELATED – New Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark Trailer Is Fittingly Terrifying

Speaking with Variety, director Andre Øvredal first stated that del Toro impressed on him that he needs to make the movie his own.

“Obviously [del Toro] worked on this script to direct it himself, so he comes into it with a vision of his own. But the wonderful part was that the moment they hired me to direct, the first thing he told me was, ‘Now this is your film. Do not make a Guillermo del Toro movie, make your movie.’”

But what influence did del Toro actually have?

“He was a master at focusing a movie in the editing,” Øvredal said. “I did my director’s cut and I showed it to him, and he said, ‘That’s great, now let’s sit down and I’ll show you how to cut 20 minutes off.’ And he did! He sat down with the editor and myself for two days and I just let him snip off stuff. He took out a couple scenes that I was actually in love with, but when I saw it at the end, every choice was correct.”

So, there you go. It sounds as though del Toro was crucial as a seasoned eye to help the director find places to cut, which is something many filmmakers don’t get.

Don’t forget to share this post on your Facebook wall and with your Twitter followers! Just hit the buttons on the top of this page.

—–

Have you checked out LRM Online‘s official podcast feed yet The LRM Online Podcast Network, which includes our flagship podcast Los Fanboys, our premiere podcast Breaking Geek Radio: The Podcast, and our morning show LRMornings? Check it out by listening below. It’s also available on all your favorite podcast apps!

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts |  Spotify  |  SoundCloud | Stitcher | Google Play

SOURCE: Variety