"What Tim does is, he calls me and sends me the script. And then he sends me a drawing, an illustration of his image of me as the character. It's so great"

Danny DeVito is describing an especially personal and collaborative creative process he experiences when working with Tim Burton. He highlights how, before even stepping onto a film set, Tim involves him directly, making him feel included and valued from the very start. The process begins simply, with a call, a direct communication that signals the beginning of something new. Tim then sends the script, giving DeVito the essential story, but what stands out most is the additional step Tim takes: sending a drawing or illustration that represents his own visual conception of the character DeVito will play.

This act of sharing a custom illustration is rare in the film industry, where actors often receive only written scripts or, at best, mood boards for the overall atmosphere. By creating and sharing personal sketches, Tim offers a visual roadmap tailored specifically to DeVito, bridging the gap between director and actor. It demonstrates trust and nurturing, a willingness to share his vision not just through words, but with tangible, creative artifacts. DeVito is not just given text to interpret; he receives a direct insight into Tim’s imagination, a glimpse of what the director sees when he envisions DeVito inhabiting this new role.

This reveals why Danny DeVito found the collaboration so "great". It’s affirming and inspiring for an actor when a director equips them with such a vivid sense of purpose and identity for the character. The drawing makes the character more real even before shooting begins, helping DeVito to shape and embody the role more deeply. Tim’s approach acknowledges DeVito’s artistry, encourages co-creation, and makes the filmmaking process more intimate and invigorating. This method fosters mutual respect and a deeper, almost playful, artistic partnership, infusing the project with a shared enthusiasm and sense of discovery even before the cameras roll.