Directing and Acting in the same film?

[Azmyth]

How do guys like Clint Eastwood and Quentin Tarantino direct and act in their own films? How does it work? Do they still give all the commands to the other actors, or does the AD take over when they are in the scenes?

[PatrickFaith]

How do guys like Clint Eastwood and Quentin Tarantino direct and act in their own films? How does it work? Do they still give all the commands to the other actors, or does the AD take over when they are in the scenes?

Their's a great video on Charlie Chaplin doing directing and acting, showing his actual process. Is called "Unkown Chaplin" ... for sure worth the time to watch. Woody Allen has also written/interviewed concerning self directing, couple of good books on that. Another one that you might not have though of is Jerry Lewis, he wrote a book on it ... but I that book is out of print.

[tired]

I have no freakin idea!

I've tried it once and find it difficult to be inside the character one minute and then have an omnipotent viewpoint the next - it's a tough call - I don't think I could do either justice trying both, but that's just me.

[jghenderson]

It seems such an absurd notion to me I don't understand how anyone could do it. But then there is a long history of great movies coming from such circumstances, so I guess there are those who are capable.

[kevin baggott]

im not saying im any good at it - but ive written, directed and played the lead in two indy features and am currently in pre-pro for a third right now that i will be performing the same roles. i have an acting background which helps - but it's doable and I find enjoyable - at times.... below is a trailer for one of those films.

http://vimeo.com/26183660

[Matthew B]

Go watch 'The Town' there's a really good bit in the special features, it shows how Affleck would direct everything then jump into character, then when the take was over jump back into directing. Seemed to work pretty well for him.

[Doc Bernard]

There is a common denominator, though. Those actors who have transitioned into directing and acting simultaneously, have been actors for a long time and have some serious juice behind their talents as an actor.

Just sayin'. I have been acting for a few years+, I would never even consider trying to combine both at this point. Unless I was a bit actor, and not crucial to the story line.

[gonzo_entertainment]

What I'd probably consider my "best" film I directed as well as playing the lead. it's pretty much mandatory to have a DP and a 1st AD that you trust because you can't review every shot. You have to communicate your vision to them and make sure they "get it". It's very, very, very hard unless you have a full supporting crew.