"After all, the ordinary hero hiding in each of us is often the most powerful catalyst for change."
About Tate Taylor
Tate Taylor — Life and Legacy
Tate Taylor is a prominent American filmmaker recognized for his ability to weave complex narratives that delve into the human experience. His work, particularly in films like 'The Help', challenges societal norms by highlighting the stories of marginalized individuals. Taylor's core philosophy revolves around the idea that every person has a unique story that contributes to the broader tapestry of society. He once stated, 'We all have a story to tell,' emphasizing the importance of authenticity in storytelling. This perspective is evident in his films, where he often portrays the struggles and triumphs of characters facing adversity. By focusing on themes of identity and creativity, Taylor not only entertains but also provokes thought and empathy among audiences. His films continue to resonate today, reminding viewers of the power of narrative in shaping understanding and fostering connection.
Quote collection
Tate Taylor quotes
12 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"In the South, we tell stories. We tell stories if you're in a sales position, if you're in a retail position, you lure your customer by telling a story. You just do."
"I love going back in time, and the only time you can really do that is on a movie set."
"There's the movie you write, there's the movie you shoot and the movie you edit, and often, you find that you're getting the same information out of a scene that you already have and a scene that's actually more powerful, so you have to make the tough decision to take it out."
"As a writer, as much as I try, I can't stop writing female characters. They have so much more to offer; they have to wear so many different hats. There's so much wonderful gray matter in a female's life that it just makes for a stronger character."
"Everybody in the South loves the one closeted homosexual who's married. It's just too funny to not have in a movie about the South. It's an epidemic. You gotta represent!"
"I don't steer towards anything. I steer towards character and truth. If it's funny then so be it. If it's dramatic, so be it. I just steer towards characters."
"To write, you have to know how to act and know about directing. To act, you also need to know how to write and direct."
"I knew I had to write a good screenplay to be taken seriously, and I knew I needed to present Mississippi on visuals instead of just saying, 'Hey I wanted to film it in Mississippi.' It would seem like it was a hometown boy just wanting to be home."
"I met this woman who was a hundred, this housekeeper, a hundred years old. I interviewed her. She just told me about her whole life. She's like, 'I can't read, I can't write; I can tell you who I was working for, and I can tell you the year, but who was president?"
"It's easy to forget history or give it a cliff notes. The cliff notes of history. But mainly, so much of what happens in 'Eyes on the Prize' happened in Jackson, Mississippi. Jackson, Mississippi isn't really known for any other touchstone to the movement, other than Medgar Evers being killed. There were sit-ins and riots and atrocities."
"People return my phone calls now, which is really interesting. I'll tell you what I've learned that's kind of bittersweet. So many doors have opened up. I've met everybody in the business. I'm fortunate people want to work with me."