Shiri Appleby pulled double duty in this weeksUnREAL.
I really want to create a second career for myself as a director, Appleby tells EW.
I would love to direct pilots.
Credit: Bettina Strauss/Lifetime
I would love to direct features.
I see episodic directing as a way to hone my craft.
The episode may have provided alotto juggle, but Appleby says she knew how to work withUnREALand its show-within-a-show.
Bettina Strauss/Lifetime
Below, she shares her memories of directing and acting in the latest installments biggest moments.
Appleby cut together a series of quick shots of Rachel peering at herself in the mirror.
She puts on the makeup with such fierceness, determination, and such focus.
Bettina Strauss/Lifetime
Rachel is very much a character where so much of it happens in her head.
She doesnt have a confidante where you hear her talk about her feelings.
It was interesting [to direct myself].
Appleby had to direct bothUnREALandEverlastingwhen the fictional reality dating show went south for Beth Anns hometown date.
In reality, the shoot took place just outside of Vancouver, whereUnREALfilms.
Everybody is on camera and constantly performing… Im there all day every day anyways, so I think I actually had an upper hand.
I wasnt being put into a situation where I was having to figure things out.
You hope you make them better actors as they go on their way.
Of course, Applebys co-star Constance Zimmer is no amateur.
Appleby directed the pro in a scene in which Zimmers Quinn grabs Jeremy, well, by the balls.
[Constance and I], were very good friends, so it was wonderful.
Is there something you think we didnt hit between the two of them?
The segment spins out of control as they end up insulting each other and Appleby encouraged ad-libbing brutal dialogue.
What was exciting about shooting that it was really an opportunity to show all of the contestants personalities.
Am I supposed to be doing that in this scene?
I was able to say no.
Like, we wanted to see the ugly versions of them.
She can be ugly and she can be nasty, you know?
I could really just focus on the directing.
Appleby chose to film the women in adjacent rooms to show the contrast between the two.
UnREALairs Mondays at 10 p.m.
