Actor, producer and industry powerhouse Kevin Hart dropped some serious truth bombs about the coveted top spot on a Hollywood project at the NY premiere of Number One On the Call Sheet.
The powerful documentary, directed by Reginald Hudlin and Shola Lynch, highlights Hollywood’s top Black stars on being at the top of their game. For Hart, it’s about power, responsibility and the art of the deal. Though he did admit, he believed it was just a letter thing at first.
“The first time? I thought it was alphabetical,” he chuckled, recalling his early days. “But you quickly realize you don’t know the business yet,” he told EBONY.
It wasn’t until his second project, 2004’s Soul Plane, that the weight of being the star truly hit him.
“It means they’re banking on you, betting on you,” he explained. “There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with that–not just doing the movie but marketing it afterward.”
For this industry veteran, it’s about understanding the business from all angles. “It’s not a one-sided business; it should never be a one-sided business,” he emphasized. “As talent, at this place in my career, it’s in my best interest to understand my partner’s business as well. When you know both sides of the coin, you’re protected both ways, as are they.”
In essence, being number one on the call sheet is about more than just being the star. For Hart, it’s about wielding influence, driving returns and ensuring longevity. “It means understanding how to bring a return and how to prioritize the project so that we all see a return,” he stated.
Getting more people of color into those coveted top spots is all about education and patience. “Our curiosity has to grow as a culture, wanting information first,” Hart said. “Prioritize the work, prioritize understanding it. It’s a patient game. It’s not one with immediate wins. It’s not one with immediate return.”
Another part of Hart’s success has been keeping his mental and physical well-being in check in such a high-pressure role. “I don’t mind being busy. Being busy actually is a stress reliever for me,” he revealed. “My biggest energy attached to the business of calm is making sure that I have the balance between home and work. And as long as I swing that pendulum correctly, I’m reenergized.”
Alfre Woodard, who appears in Part II of the documentary, agreed with Hart’s words and took it one step further. “It’s about responsibility for everyone else on that call sheet,” when your name is on top, she declared to EBONY during the after-party at Crosby St. Hotel. That means making sure other actors, production crew, makeup and hair stylists, costume designers and more can have a voice through your leadership.
Their messages are clear: being number one on the call sheet is a privilege and a responsibility. It’s about understanding the business, prioritizing the work and ensuring everyone wins. For those looking to rise in the industry, the advice is simple: learn, be patient and understand the power of being first.
Number One On the Call Sheet—a two-part documentary—premieres on March 28 on Apple TV+.
