Lee Daniels Reflects on Empire Experience

Lee Daniels has candidly described his experience working on the hit Fox series 'Empire' as 'horrible' and 'the worst experience' of his career, despite the show's massive success and financial rewards. Speaking to The Film Stage, Daniels explained that he took on the project out of curiosity about the studio system, having spent years in independent filmmaking. He acknowledged that the income from the series helped support his children's education, but he found the creative restrictions and pressures of working for a major studio stifling. Although 'Empire' garnered high ratings and acclaim, Daniels expressed frustration with the limitations imposed by executives, highlighting a culture that he felt hampered his artistic expression. Daniels continues to work in film and television, recently directing the Netflix horror film 'The Deliverance', but remains committed to independent projects that offer him more creative freedom. Ultimately, his reflections on 'Empire' underscore the complexities faced by creators in navigating the studio landscape while balancing artistic integrity and financial success.