Directing a brilliant episode is what stays in the minds of viewers. Bringing the best of the actor’s ability, focusing on perfect lighting and microscopic detailing are few aspects of putting together a good episode. Actors are well-versed with the entire process of film-making as they are involved in all aspects of creating the final product. When these multi-talented actors decide to put on the director’s hat, some miracles and WOW elements are ought to happen.
From classic shows like FRIENDS to comedy shows like How I Met Your Mother and Superstore, actors have created gorgeous and stand-out episodes. We bring you some noticeable actors who are brilliant as actors and directors.
David Schwimmer (FRIENDS)
We all have the truest and undying love for Ross! The potent mix of his excellent comic timing and sharp directorial skills has made him an all-rounder within the fraternity. During the filming of FRIENDS, Schwimmer has directed various episodes across seasons, and his attention to detail brings out the funniest moments beautifully. Watch FRIENDS on Comedy Central if you wish to revisit the episodes he directed – hint for you; don’t miss the episodes between season 6 and 10!
Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother)
This man makes acting seem like a cake walk, and his screen presence just puts a smile on our faces. When he decided to take the seat behind the camera, we were excited. Yes, we are talking about Neil Patrick Harris, the famous ‘Barney’ from the show How I Met Your Mother. He made his directorial debut with Season 5 episode ‘Jenkins’, and was a delight to watch! He dabbled in the 101st episode and described the experience as, “equal parts overwhelming, education and exhilaration”. Watch Barney play a role very unlike him on Star World India.
America Ferrera (Superstore)
Ferrera’s charming personality and successful career as producer and actor is a story in itself. When she decided to produce, little did she assume that she would want to direct. Her first stint as director was nerve-wracking, but second time around, she was more confident and aware. Kudos to Ferrera, she aces in all three departments; Production, Direction and Acting. To watch the multi-faceted side of Ferrera, watch Superstore Season 3 on Comedy Central from May 29th onward.
Bryan Cranston (Modern Family)
Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad fame hasn’t just directed episodes for his own shows but has also tried his hand at direction for the multi-starrer comedy Modern Family. Cranston jokes that he approached co-creator Stephen Levitan when he was clutching his globe in one hand and a bottle of champagne in the other. The episode follows Claire Dunphy as she scrambles for votes with the help of her extended family. He found working with such a large cast challenging but had a blast with them nonetheless. Heisenberg even had a NERF war with the kids on set! Modern Family airs on Star World in India, don’t miss this episode!
Patrick J Adams (Suits)
Eye candy for all SUITS fans, Adams has proven a streak par-excellence when it comes to acting. Moving on from this talent, he took his turn behind the camera in season 4 of SUITS, just four episodes after his co-star Gabriel Macht made his directorial debut. He also unveiled Behind the Lens: An Intimate Look at the World of Suits, an exhibit that showcased some of his perfect shots from the show. A flair to trial and test, Patrick has grown from being an actor to a complete package over the years. Watch all SUITS on Amazon Prime Video, and make sure you watch the 14th episode of Season and 4 and 5 to catch Patrick J Adams’ directorial skills.
Chad Michael Murray (One Tree Hill)
The story of kinship and rivalry between two half-brothers, Nathan and Lucas Scott both on the basketball court and in the hearts of their friends is what One Tree Hill is all about. While effortlessly playing the role of the boy next door Lucas Scott, Chad Michael Murray also donned the hat of a director for one episode in Season 6. Titled A Hand to take hold of the Scene, this episode focuses on the struggle between all the couples at Tree Hill, as everyone slowly learns of Peyton’s fatal condition. Watch the 14th episode of One Tree Hill Season 6 only on Amazon Prime Video!
Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley (The Vampire Diaries)
Ian Somerhalder, better known as heartbreaker Damon Salvatore of popular series The Vampire Diaries has also tried a shot behind the lens. The leading star successfully directed three episodes across the sixth, seventh and eighth season. One of the most interesting episodes, capturing Caroline’s downward spiral ever since she shuts of her humanity, is seamlessly captured and shot by Ian Somerhalder. His on-screen brother Paul Wesley, aka Stefan Salvatore has also directed 5 episodes since the fifth season of the show. All the episodes of The Vampire Diaries are available on Amazon Prime Video.
Gillian Anderson (The X-Files)
Gillian Anderson directed and wrote the script of All Things from Season 7. She approached the series creator Chris Carter and asked if she could pen an episode, which also led to her foray behind the camera. Anderson earned accolades from fans for the episode, who were excited to see the actress contributing as director to the cult show. The X-Files 2018 airs on Star World in India.
Jensen Ackles (Supernatural)
Jensen Ackles the showrunner of Supernatural not just acted but also directed certain episodes of the show and his abilities were appreciated worldwide. With a sharp eye for acting and his ability to keep audiences glued to the screen, Jensen directed various episodes from season 7, 8, 10, and 11. Catch all the episodes of Supernatural on Amazon Prime Video and don’t forget to watch the episodes the season mentioned above to catch the directorial skills of Jensen and go on a hunt of paranormal activities with him.