Can a Movie Star Film Two Movies at the Same Time?
Yes, it is indeed possible for a movie star to film two movies at the same time. This practice has been employed by some actors for various reasons, including saving on costs and making the most of their time at the filming location.
Historical Precedents
One notable example is Christopher Reeve, who, to the best of my knowledge, simultaneously filmed 'Superman the Movie' and its sequel, 'Superman II', back-to-back. Another early instance is Richard Burton and Roddy McDowell, who filmed 'The Longest Day' in 1962 and 'Cleopatra' in 1963 simultaneously. According to the 2001 documentary 'Cleopatra: The Film That Changed Hollywood', Burton and McDowell, after several weeks of boredom, decided to call the producer for some entertainment.
Plan Sequels Simultaneously
Multifaceted projects, like films with planned sequels, can sometimes be filmed in tandem. Using the same sets, costumes, and even cast, the primary actors can film scenes from one film today and another from the sequel tomorrow. This can significantly reduce the total production time and cost.
Simultaneous Filmmaking with Multiple Roles
Beyond just filming sequels, some actors have starred, produced, and even written multiple movies at the same time. A famous example is Monte Hellman and Jack Nicholson, who, along with producer Roger Corman, filmed 'Back Door to Hell' and 'Flight to Fury' in 1964. Subsequently, Corman suggested they film two Westerns, 'Ride the Whirlwind' and 'The Shooting,' by filming them in a similar back-to-back manner.
The advantage of filming in this manner was that the main and second crew were already at the filming site, making it a substantial cost-saving measure. Additionally, the close proximity of both sets could help in weaving the narratives of the two movies more seamlessly together.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the potential benefits, there are significant challenges in filming two movies simultaneously. High-profile actors are often contractually bound and restricted during certain periods of post-production. Moreover, the logistics of transportation and managing multiple shooting schedules are complex and costly.
For instance, Michael J. Fox starred in 'Back to the Future' series, and parts of these films were indeed filmed simultaneously. However, his roles were for the same production company and studio, ensuring that his time was efficiently utilized. Similarly, Christopher Lloyd filmed parts of 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' while filming 'Back to the Future 3', where his role was a supporting one, which would not interfere much with his primary role.
Frankly, it would be too much work for the average actor to star in two films simultaneously. Shooting schedules are tight, and it is rare for both films to be filmed in nearby locations. Shuttling between two or more sets would be expensive and logistically challenging. Most likely, the actor themselves would not agree to multiple films at once due to the strain on their personal and family life.
In conclusion, while filming two movies at the same time is possible, it is more the exception than the rule. Various factors, including production logistics, actor availability, and financial considerations, influence whether such a practice is feasible.