King Ivory Stars Reveal How Indie Action Differs From Studio Movies (Like Hiring Actors Off the Street)

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This Friday, alongside big-budget action films, you can catch King Ivory, a new independent movie from Saban Films and Roadside Attractions. The film, starring James Badge Dale, Ben Foster, Michael Mando, and Melissa Leo, is a gritty crime story set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, exploring the impact of the modern drug trade. The cast members recently told ComicBook that working on an independent film feels very different from working on a studio production, and fans might be surprised to learn how.

Ben Foster, known for his roles in films like Hell or High Water and 3:10 to Yuma, enjoys making both big-budget studio films and smaller independent projects. He notes that independent filmmaking creates a strong sense of teamwork, where everyone supports each other. He explains that these films often require more preparation and a willingness to be creative, and praises writer/director John Swab for being well-prepared, collaborative, and focused on quality. Foster suggests that independent films allow for more spontaneity on set compared to larger productions where creative decisions might be more restricted, ultimately leading to a more authentic and unfiltered result.

James Badge Dale, known for his roles in Iron Man 3 and 13 Hours, explained that independent films often have tighter budgets and shorter schedules than big-studio movies. This fast pace, however, encourages a strong team spirit and close collaboration on set.

I was so impressed with the team they assembled! Dale kept talking about how amazing the stunt crew was, and they really had access to everyone in Tulsa thanks to this incredible guy, John Swab. He’s a true local – knows the city inside and out, from the gangsters to the police, everyone on the streets and in the fancy buildings. What really struck me was how easily he could connect with anyone and get them on board. He wasn’t afraid to ask for help, and it created this fantastic collaborative spirit. It was like, ‘Let’s just roll the cameras and make this happen!’

Michael Mando, known for his roles in Better Call Saul and Spider-Man: Homecoming (and the forthcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day), shared a story illustrating how unpredictable filming King Ivory could be. He explained that actors often began preparing for a scene without knowing who they would be acting with.

We literally grabbed people off the street to fill roles in a crucial early scene. It’s true – we didn’t have actors lined up, so we were making desperate calls and waiting for anyone to become available. One actress even suggested her mother would be better suited for the part, and her mother had never acted before! It was chaotic – we were signing people up from places like 7-Eleven and putting them right into the movie. I want other independent filmmakers to know that even when things seem impossible, there’s always a solution if you work together and stay committed to your vision.

King Ivory arrives in theaters on Friday, November 14th.

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2025-11-14 01:40