First Person

Why Writing a Role For Yourself Is a Collaborative Process

I couldn’t have offered anyone a project worth believing in – or characters worth caring about – had I not written something unique to my own fixations.

What Working With Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton Taught Me

When people ask me what it was like working with some of the most famous actors of our generation – Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, Susan Sarandon, Robin Williams – my answer is: It was amazing. It was like winning the lottery.

'Southern Discomfort' Creator Elisabeth Gray Says 'Give Yourself the Greenlight'

"Southern Discomfort" evolved out of my desire to explore a humorous, tragic, and honest vision of the South I grew up in and the fascinating people who inhabit it.

A Director's Dos and Don'ts For Working in Television

Director Bethany Rooney shares her dos and don'ts for actors working in television.

Farshad Farahat Shares His 'Argo' Experience

Hello, Backstage! My name is Farshad Farahat, and I want to share my experience in "Argo" as Azizi, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard interrogating the seven escaping Americans in the climactic airport scene.

My Journey With the Indie Film 'Tunnel Vision'

I just resurfaced from directing and producing the feature length suspense thriller, “Tunnel Vision,” starring Cristos, Ion Overman, Scott Haze, Courtney Geigle, and Leslie Mills.

What Is the Role of Disabled Actors?

Nearly 20 percent of the American population lives with a disability. As an amputee, I am in this minority. Yet it’s estimated that less than 2 percent of roles on TV exhibit any disability, and the actors playing those roles may not even be disabled themselves.

Making Theatrical Revivals Feel Fresh and New

My play “The Christmas Present” was first performed in the UK 11 Christmases ago. I am currently directing it for the sixth time. I don’t think I will ever get tired of it.

Working With Judd Apatow on Improv and 'This is 40'

Working with Judd Apatow on both “Knocked Up” and his current film, “This Is 40,” was thrilling. People often ask me if it was all improvised. Here’s a look at how Judd works.

How Making a Movie Is Like Making Theater

Shira Piven discusses how directing her first feature film "Fully Loaded" is just like directing for the theater.