Ridley Scott Reveals Directing Secrets to Fellow Helmer Jimmy Chin: "Don't Listen to Anybody

Ridley Scott described the quiet discipline behind big filmmaking to fellow director Jimmy Chin, following an awkward early exchange at an awards-campaign luncheon in New York. Chin, promoting the climbing documentary Meru in early 2016, said he was seated with Matt Damon and across from Scott, with publicists choreographing meetings meant to win Oscar attention. He recalled first seeing Scott’s work through Alien in the early 1980s and later connecting Scott to Blade Runner while at Carleton. Chin said the experience highlighted Scott’s ability to keep creative integrity across decades and many titles, from Thelma & Louise to Gladiator. The conversation focused on how directors stay involved in constant daily decisions, from framing to costume choices.