David Zucker, the filmmaker behind AIRPLANE!, The Naked Gun, Top Secret! and a whole catalog of comedy classics — breaks down something every director eventually faces: what to say to your actors the moment the camera stops.
Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12idCrIVG-k
Zucker’s answer is funny (of course), but the conversation goes deeper. He talks through:
• Why most directing happens in the writing, long before you hit the set
• How to give actors clear, specific adjustments instead of vague notes
• When to improvise, when to stay locked to the script, and how to handle suggestions
• Why confidence — or perceived confidence — is essential for actors who need to feel the director knows what they want
• The danger of over-directing and how easily it can kill a performance
• His take on pacing, comedic timing, and why pauses can ruin a joke
• Why the “first take” is often the best one
• How he handles frustration, and why transparency can sometimes backfire
The video becomes a thoughtful look at directing actors with clarity, trust, and intention, using decades of experience across some of the most iconic comedies ever made.
Filmmakers and directors, what’s your go-to approach after calling “cut”? Do you jump in with notes, give actors room to breathe, or reset and go again?
