Hollywood star Dakota Johnson is offering a candid look into the challenges of balancing acting and producing, revealing that her behind-the-scenes experience has been far more intense than many might expect.
Speaking during an in-depth conversation at the Red Sea Film Festival on December 5, the Fifty Shades of Grey actress reflected on the emotional and professional battles she faces while working in the entertainment industry.
Johnson, who grew up around film sets watching her actor parents navigate their careers, said she always envisioned herself contributing beyond acting alone. “I grew up in this industry… and I always wanted to be a larger part of the project,” she shared, explaining how that desire eventually led her to co-found TeaTime Pictures, through which she has taken on multiple producing roles.
Despite her passion, Johnson admitted she often finds herself in a constant internal struggle. She described her relationship with filmmaking as “love-hate,” adding that producing can be “exhausting” and, at times, deeply disillusioning.
The ‘Ugly’ Side of Producing
The Madame Web actress spoke openly about the harsh realities of the business side of Hollywood. “Producing—you see behind the curtain, and it’s really ugly. I don’t like it,” she said, noting that dealing with financiers can be particularly discouraging. “Financiers are really shady sometimes… it’s heartbreaking.”
Her dual roles as both actress and producer amplify the emotional weight of those experiences. “As a producer, it’s heartbreaking. As an actress, it’s heartbreaking. But it’s also fulfilling, and I’m grateful I get to do both,” said the 36-year-old star.
Learning and Moving Forward
Reflecting on her career, Johnson acknowledged that she has sometimes been persuaded into projects that were “not right” for her, but she sees these moments as part of her growth. With seven films produced over seven years, she said producing remains more challenging than acting, largely due to the constant exposure to industry politics and decision-making.
“There’s something about acting where I feel like I’m in a bubble,” she explained. “Producing—you see behind the curtain, and it’s really ugly.”
Despite the complexities, Johnson emphasized that she still feels fortunate: “I’m lucky I have a job,” she said, expressing gratitude for her evolving career while continuing to learn what truly aligns with her values.