NCIS' Michael Weatherly Set to Make His Directorial Debut
Michael Weatherly, NCIS
NCIS star Michael Weatherly will pull double duty later this season as he makes his directorial debut.
"I like cameras and I like sets and the surgical nature of make believe that happens — the whole process," Weatherly tells TVGuide.com. "I love all aspects of production, and I have a great deal of respect for the whole craft. I'm really excited about directing; it's an extension of my curiosity about film and TV."
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Weatherly expects to go behind the camera for an episode filming in January. He says the crew may also document his directorial experience for a special feature on the forthcoming Season 8 DVD.
Weatherly, who has made known his desire to direct for some time, says his curiosity about filmmaking began when he was a cast member on the ABC soap opera Loving. "I think that was always fascinating to me," he says. "When I was on the soap opera, I'd sit in the editing booths when they'd tighten up the show to see how they did that and what the technical process was. I probably should've started getting into the technical side of it earlier."
In Focus: NCIS' Michael Weatherly is happy being the second banana
Although a CBS rep confirms that Weatherly will helm an upcoming episode, no other details about the episode were immediately available. But Weatherly — whose character, agent Tony DiNozzo, is known for his trademark sense of humor — promises the episode will stand out.
"I've got a lot of ideas about my version of NCIS," he says. "I can promise that it will be a little bit different. It's daunting to imagine that I am going to be running around in charge."
And Weatherly, who likes to cut up as much as his character, says his co-stars are in for a ride. "Everyone is terrified," he jokes. "Sean Murray [McGee] is probably most terrified because I have got a lot of acting notes for him."
Michael Weatherly signs new contract on NCIS
Weatherly, 42, has starred on the hit CBS procedural for all eight seasons. He signed a multi-year contract extension earlier this year. NCIS airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on CBS.
Are you excited to see Weatherly's directorial debut?