Ever had to deal with an actor that wants to be a director?

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FilmBoy77

Veteran
anybody ever had to deal with an actor that secretly wants to be a director and constantly trying to direct the actors with *suggestions* in between takes and in rehearsals? if so how'd you handle it?
 
What is their personality like?

Nice, mean, hot headed, etc?

Do you have a strong feeling they secretly want to be the director, or could it be only by observation? I've been on sets where the actor makes suggestions to their fellow actors and even the crew, and not necessarily having the intention of controlling them or their performance. They are thespians, and they feel like they gotta stick together.

I'd handle the situation as peacefully as possible, and their type of personality helps to approach them without sounding offensive and them walking off the set, or simply not willing to work.
 
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it's odd, this person is cool as a fan off set, but on set turns into a different person force feeding actors directions in some instances that contradict what I want and i feel like i am *debating* with this person at times. this actor is quite talented but i think it's getting to their head. i know they have an interest in directing because they told me at one point a while ago.

and just as an FYI we havent started filming yet, i've worked with this person in the past and am in the casting phase for my next project and had this person in mind for a key role because i know they can pull it off.
 
I encourage my actors to come to me with ideas, however, they also know that I have the final say. Sometimes I use their ideas, sometimes I don't.
Just make sure to let them know in advance where you stand on the matter of suggestions.
 
Fire them...they will be worst on set...just wait. I had the same thing happened to me...I spoke to them - had two...then filming...it became worst...likely they were shooting for a week on set.

Never again. You are the director...they want to direct...make own film. Period. Its your film not theirs.
 
I don't think you have to outright fire them. Tell them "Look I appreciate your acting skill and your advice. I know I've got a great source of help if I need it but a film hierarchy is a delicate thing and I need you to let me give the direction on my movie to my actors. When I need I little help I hope you'll be willing to offer assistance but until then you need to quietly wait until your needed onset."
Give 'em a pat on the back and hopefully all is well. Be polite but very firm. If he does it again... ask him to step outside while you set up the scene and you can call him back in when its time to rehearse.
 
Zblock said:
I don't think you have to outright fire them. Tell them "Look I appreciate your acting skill and your advice. I know I've got a great source of help if I need it but a film hierarchy is a delicate thing and I need you to let me give the direction on my movie to my actors. When I need I little help I hope you'll be willing to offer assistance but until then you need to quietly wait until your needed onset."
Give 'em a pat on the back and hopefully all is well. Be polite but very firm. If he does it again... ask him to step outside while you set up the scene and you can call him back in when its time to rehearse.
Click to expand...

Yes, gentle way of putting things...I'm guessing it depends...I've dealt with semi-stars that have it nor nobodies that have it too...it all depends.

Most of time, if you talk to them before the shoot...if they are serious actor, they will understand. Some won't. I'm guessing I've been doing this quite a few times with features...and I don't put up with it. We are all professionals...if you don't understand that...you need to go somewhere else.
 
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