Paul Rudd discusses smartphone addiction and phone-free film sets

During the world premiere of the film ‘A Statement’ at the New York Film Festival, actor Paul Rudd discussed his decision to stop bringing smartphones to film sets. Rudd described himself as being ‘addicted like everybody else’ and suggested that mobile devices are ‘facilitating our own destruction.’

Directed by Tom McCarthy, the film is set in 1980 at a Florida resort and follows a group of experts attempting to draft a statement to Congress regarding carbon dioxide emissions. To foster a more collaborative and focused environment, McCarthy enforced a strict no-phone policy during production.

Rudd noted that the absence of technology allowed the ensemble cast—which includes Paul Giamatti, Tatiana Maslany, and John Turturro—to engage in more genuine, face-to-face interactions. Cast member Amy Ryan also supported the practice, stating that the lack of digital distractions made the filmmaking experience much richer.