Stills belong in the lobby, not on the screen.
Meaning of the quote
The quote means that images or pictures (called "stills") should be used to promote a movie, not actually shown as part of the movie itself. The director is saying that stills, like those you might see in the lobby or entrance of a movie theater, are not meant to be part of the actual film that people watch on the screen.
About William Wyler
William Wyler was a renowned German-American film director and producer who won numerous awards, including three Academy Awards for Best Director. He is known for his perfectionistic approach, ability to turn theatrical spaces into cinematic ones, and for propelling actors to stardom.
More quotes from William Wyler
I made over forty Westerns. I used to lie awake nights trying to think up new ways of getting on and off a horse.
Swiss-German-American director and producer (1902-1981)
It’s eighty percent script and twenty percent you get great actors. There’s nothing else to it.
Swiss-German-American director and producer (1902-1981)
Stills belong in the lobby, not on the screen.
Swiss-German-American director and producer (1902-1981)
It’s a miserable life in Hollywood. You’re up at five or six o’clock in the morning to be ready to start shooting at nine.
Swiss-German-American director and producer (1902-1981)
If anybody doubts my loyalty to my country, I’ll punch him in the nose, and I don’t care how old he is.
Swiss-German-American director and producer (1902-1981)