" You are treated like a cog in a machine. The director might be obsessing so much with the stunts that he doesn’t notice your performance, and the producer may just be an insane money man, but I have no snobbery about the movies. "
- Steven Berkoff

In everyday film production, actors often feel like they are just a small part of a larger machine or system, where their individual contributions may go unnoticed by those focused on other aspects of filmmaking. For example, directors might be so engrossed in the technical challenges of filming stunts that they fail to appreciate an actor's performance, while producers could be solely concerned with financial matters rather than the artistic value of a scene.

The quote delves into the broader context of professional environments where individual efforts can easily get overshadowed by larger systemic concerns. This observation reflects not only on the film industry but also on various work settings where individuals might feel their personal achievements and contributions are secondary to overarching goals or challenges faced by management. The speaker’s statement suggests a pragmatic acceptance of this reality, acknowledging that while it may be disappointing for artists to encounter such dynamics, it does not detract from the value they place on their craft and the final product.

Steven Berkoff is an acclaimed British actor, director, playwright, and novelist known for his distinctive voice and intense performances. His work spans several decades, and he has contributed significantly to theater and film with a body of work that includes both classical and contemporary pieces. Berkoff’s insights into the industry are drawn from extensive experience navigating different roles within the arts, making his observations particularly insightful and relatable for those in similar fields.