One and done

Here’s a Friday Question that became an entire post.

Bob Uecker Is A National Treasure asked it.  (And by the way Bob Uecker IS a National Treasure.)

When I see the IMDB page of someone like yourself who is a TV director and something else (writer) or someone who is an actor/TV director, there will be shows where they only directed one episode. Is that a sign that the person wasn't a good fit for that show? It seems like when producers/showrunners really like a director for a certain show, they will use them over and over again.

In some cases, absolutely.   Only one episode assignment could mean the director didn’t work out.  

But there could be many other reasons a director only "megs" one episode.  The director may have hated the experience and has no desire to return.  

If you’re directing a first year show they may wind up only making ten or thirteen episodes.  So you’re never given a chance to direct more.

It could also be just a numbers game.  Most shows (especially now) try to use one or two primary directors.  So there may only be one or two openings a year.

Other times a show will give a break to a first-time director, usually someone who had been part of the show (Assistant Director, Editor, Actor, Writer).  They get their shot and then are expected to leave the nest and find assignments elsewhere.  

A one-time director could also be a favor to the star.  I remember a case where a studio head’s wife pressured him into giving her a directing assignment.  Needless to say, it was one and done.

If it’s a veteran director they may only do one episode of a show because they’re in demand.   I enjoyed a few years of this.  My agent would just fill in the calendar.  A show would call asking my availability.  I might only be free for one of their open assignments.  

Here’s the bottom line if you try to assess a director’s ability through credits:  Check him out on imdb.  If he has four credits and they’re all single episodes then it’s a good bet he wasn’t asked back on a few of them.  But if he also has shows where he’s done multiples of at least three, that’s a good sign.  If he has some shows where he’s directed ten or twenty just assume the shows where he’s only done one is not because he didn’t work out.  

It’s also worth noting that imdb is not always accurate.   Between LATELINE, ALMOST PERFECT, ENCORE ENCORE, ASK HARRIET, and CONRAD BLOOM, they’ve shortchanged me ten episodes.  But at least I get the huge royalties all of those shows provide. 

from By Ken Levine