When did you know you wanted to be a director?When I was 13, I was asked to direct the play in an after school theater class. I figured if I could wrangle a group of hormone-crazy, unfocused, smelly, insecure peers into a cohesive theatrical experience, and actually enjoy the process, this was probably the career path for me.
When did you know you were in love with cupcakes?
Probably when I was 5 at some brat’s birthday party. Funfetti, bitches!
Why direct comedy?
I think we can all get a little too wrapped up in our own life dramas, and comedy reminds us to let loose a little and not take the world so seriously. Comedy can hold a mirror up to society like no other genre can. But talking too intellectually about comedy makes you sound like an asshole, so I’ll stop.
How is it different from directing other genres of film?
You still have to do the same work when directing comedy. And I resent the phrase “just comedy” as an excuse to be lazy. If you think of directing comedy like that, you’re going to get “just crap.”
If Chuck Norris were to corner you in an alley and challenge you to a duel, what would be your weapon of choice?
Flattery and boobs. Do you have a comedy director you look up to? Why?
There’s a special place in my heart for John Hughes. Bueller? Bueller? And I still watch Home Alone every time I’m sick. Classic.
What’s the no. 1 lesson you’ve learned so far about directing? Finding the right creative collaborators is essential. When you do, it’s like swimming through a pool of cotton candy on the back of a giant white rabbit while leprechauns massage your feet. As a woman, do you note any differences in how you work with your cast and crew versus how a male director does?
I try and work with people where this is a non-issue and, for the most part, I haven’t run into any problems. I think men do get away with more bad behavior on set than women, and as leaders in general. But I feel as long as you’re prepared and warmly authoritative, most men will respect and trust your leadership. On the set of “Guy Time,” I was the only woman on set for most of the days, and my only problem was not having anyone to complain to about my period.
In a dream gig, which comedy actress/comedienne would you love to direct?
So, this is stereotypical, but I’d love to work with Tina Fey. Partially ’cause she’s a genius and stuff, and partially because we look kind of the same. (That’s right, I finally admit it.) It would be like directing an older, wiser version of myself, and that would be pretty surreal. #dali
Which character do you most resemble from “The Divas“?
2 parts Shirley, 1 part Katharine, and a dash of Frida bitters.
When you’re not directing comedy, you’re…
Painting, drinking scotch, and jumping on my trampoline.
What’s your favorite comedy movie or T.V. show of all time?
I will always have a special place in my heart for Airplane and Naked Gun. I think I watched those films too much when I was young and extremely impressionable, and they did something fucked up to my brain.
Title of your autobiography?
Baby Bossypants*
*They made me put that…
Emily McGregor is the V.P. of Production at Comediva.
Emily was that token girl in a vast sea of pimply-faced techno-geeks in her high school AV club. Now, she develops content for the interwebs and directs webisodes and stuff (psst, she directed “The Divas” and “Guy Time“). She also made that thing you just read; that thing right above this thing you’re reading now. She hopes you liked it. If not, don’t leave a comment. If you did, send her flowers and whiskey.
