When it comes to inspiring creativity in others, few people can match the iconic status of George Clooney. The Hollywood star is famous for his tireless support of film and theatre artists, and for encouraging people to follow their dreams no matter the obstacle. And it seems he continues to do this even now that he is a devoted father-of-three and an established businessman.
One of the most recent examples of this was the announcement that Clooney would be producing a stage version of his award-winning 2000 film, “Osmosis,” alongside Doug Wright and David L. Fishwick. The play, which was commissioned by the Ambassadors Theatre Group and opens in March 2021, will see the renowned actor-producer reunite with his “Osmosis” stars John Malkovich and Michael Caine, as well as Wright and Fishwick. It is also expected that the new production of “Osmosis” will help to further inspire creativity in the minds of audiences and theatre artists alike.
So how does the legendary Hollywood figure continue to keep his eyes open for new productions, while also staying focused on his existing projects? We spoke to Jason Solomont, Director of Brand Marketing and Communications at CAA, about the strategies that Clooney has put in place to ensure that he never misses a creative production, and how these can be applied to other industries.
The Importance Of The Ambassadors Theatre Group
One of the ways that Clooney ensures that he remains involved in the world of art is by funding and supporting the work of important theatre artists. The most recent example is the newly founded Ambassadors Theatre Group, led by artistic director Anna Fleischer. The group will launch the new stage adaptation of “Osmosis” in March 2021, and Fleischer is excited about the opportunity to work with such a talented group of people.
“We are honoured to be supported by George Clooney in this way, and we can’t wait to work with such a distinguished creative collective,” she said. “The play’s unique blend of comedy and poignancy speak to our audience, and we can’t wait to put it on stage for them.”
It seems that Clooney is also keen to support new artistic directors and managers in the industry and is happy to provide them with the necessary funding and advisory support to make the most of their resources. In January 2021, it was revealed that Clooney had invested an undisclosed sum in the production company of Richard Jones, the new artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse. The investment is thought to be a major boost for the young company, which has staged acclaimed successes like “War Horse” and “One Woman, One Night.” Jones is particularly excited about the opportunity to work with the legendary George Clooney, and about the unique challenge that his new position at the Donmar presents.
How Does George Clooney Stay In The Loop About New Projects?
Clooney’s support for the arts extends not only to funding new artistic productions, but also to keeping an ear to the ground for new projects and opportunities. One of the keys to the actor-producer’s continued success is his tendency to be in the know about what is happening in the world of art and design, and to make early strategic investments that can bear fruit in the future.
With so much happening in the world of art and design, from pop culture to current affairs, it is essential that creators and industry figures stay ahead of the game and continue to evolve and inspire. And it is clear that Clooney does this through personal connections and meticulous research, as there is no one-stop-shop for entertainment news these days. Film and theatre creatives can keep their finger on the creative pulse by following or connecting with actors, directors, and producers through social media.
What Is The Creative Process Like For George Clooney?
Like many creative professionals, artists and designers need time to think, plan, and then to execute their ideas. For Clooney, the process starts with research, followed by discussions with his team, which may include actors, directors, or producers. Once a project has been chosen, the creative team must work through the various drafts of the script, discussing it throughout the process until it is ready to be shot.
One of the significant challenges that Clooney faces as a creative professional is that he is often pulled in so many different directions by the demands of his many projects. While he may be finishing one film or show, he is often starting another. So it is essential that he finds the time to be creative and to engage with his team and collaborators on a regular basis. The solution may be to set aside a specific day or week to work on his “creative endeavors,” whether this is writing, painting, or acting. If this sounds like a luxury to you, maybe it’s time to consider what kind of work-life balance you really need to be happy and comfortable in your role as a creative professional.