Omar Miller, known for his roles in iconic films like 8 Mile and Get Rich or Die Tryin’, recently shared his candid thoughts on the shifting landscape of Hollywood, particularly regarding the decline of ‘perks’ for actors.
In a revealing conversation with The Daily Mail, the actor spoke openly about the major transformations he’s witnessed in the industry over the years, shedding light on the challenges and shifts that are now part of the Hollywood experience.
The Changing Nature of Hollywood Movies
Miller, who has worked with highly respected directors like Spike Lee and Ryan Coogler, began his career in the 90s.
Reflecting on his journey, he explained how the movie industry has evolved, especially in terms of budgets and perks. “Movies were a big huge deal when I got involved.
They were expensive. And there was perks,” the 46-year-old actor recalled. But now, he says, the business is much more consolidated, with fewer extras or luxuries for actors as everything gets “skinnier” due to changing financial dynamics in the film industry.
The Upside of Faster Productions
While he acknowledges the downsides of this shift, Miller also sees the benefits.
One positive change is the speed at which movies are now made.
“Things move faster because we’re shooting most of the time on digital and not film,” he pointed out.
Despite this, Miller shared a nostalgic appreciation for working with film on his most recent project, Sinners.
He described the experience as a “throwback” that brought excitement, noting that every take felt more precious when shooting on film. “Each take is more precious when you’re shooting on film.
And I like that because it raises the stakes,” he said. The actor enjoys the heightened pressure that comes with working with film, where every moment counts more.
Sinners and Collaborating with Ryan Coogler
Miller’s latest film, Sinners, is a supernatural horror set in the 1930s.
Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film was shot on IMAX and features a star-studded cast, including Michael B. Jordan and Hailee Steinfeld.
The film follows twin brothers who return to their hometown, only to face an even greater evil than they left behind.
Miller plays a character named Cornbread, and the film is set for release on April 18.
Miller had high praise for Coogler, who he described as “one of the more powerful directors working in the world today.”
He spoke about Coogler’s unique approach to directing, explaining that the filmmaker works collaboratively with actors, rather than imposing rigid ideas. “Ryan is working with you.
He didn’t speak in absolutes or say something that completely reframed things,” Miller reflected.
Reflecting on the Legacy of 8 Mile and Spike Lee’s Advice
One of the highlights of Miller’s career was his role in the 2002 film 8 Mile, where he starred alongside Eminem, Brittany Murphy, and Anthony Mackie.
He fondly recalled the experience, describing it as “unmatched” and an unforgettable part of his journey.
He also expressed how meaningful it is to see how many of the film’s cast members, including himself, went on to have successful careers in Hollywood.
Miller reflected on his own growth in the industry, joking, “It’s been great because I get to mix it up. Everything is different.
I’ve gotten a tour of the world on the studio’s dime.”
When asked about advice from legendary director Spike Lee, Miller shared a valuable piece of wisdom.
Lee once told him, “It’s about the canon of work.”
This advice, Miller explained, emphasized that a career in film is about building a body of work over time, not necessarily about the immediate success of a particular project.
“Some films have a hard time finding their audience in the immediate sense but it’s about the canon of your body of work,” Miller added.
Looking Forward to the Future
As Miller continues to navigate his career in Hollywood, he remains focused on the long-term.
He described his work as diverse, spanning across genres from cartoons to horror films, comedies, and dramas.
This variety has kept his career exciting and fresh, and he remains optimistic about the future.
With a career that spans decades, Miller has had the privilege of working with some of the best in the business.
As he looks to what’s next, he’s excited about continuing to collaborate with talented filmmakers and exploring new opportunities in an ever-evolving industry.