Dawson Concentrates On Directing

See Also: 'Dead Stop' Episode Guide

Roxann Dawson (B'Elanna Torres) says she's been focusing on her directing career in the year since Voyager ended, with three Enterprises episodes and an Any Day Now instalment in the bag already.

Asked about future acting roles during a chat at StarTrek.com, Dawson said, "I've got directing assignments lined up, because that's what I'm concentrating on at the moment." The actress, who got her start behind the camera during Voyager's run, acknowledged that there aren't very many female directors in Hollywood. "It's definitely a man's world, so yes, it's a bit tougher, I think. But I think the profession of directing is tough anyway, at least to make a name for yourself."

After helming 'The Andorian Incident' and 'Vox Sola' in season one, Dawson recently directed the Enterprise episode 'Dead Stop', currently scheduled to air October 9. "I was very pleased with the way it came out. I shoot another one in October, and then in January, I'll be directing an episode of Charmed." On the latter, the actress added, "I'm very much looking forward to the witchcraft side. Should be interesting!"

Dawson was also supposed to helm an episode of Buffy The Vampire Slayer spin-off Angel, but is now uncertain whether that will happen due to scheduling difficulties. "Angel is up in the air at the moment - my dates conflicted with Enterprise. I'm hoping we can resolve it sometime this season. I would love to direct the show!"

Even though Voyager ended over a year ago, her regular directing assignments on the Paramount lot means the actress feels as if she never left, and the hours haven't certainly eased off. "The days are about as long as the days on Voyager were - between 12 and 17 hours a day," she said. "Pretty exhausting when you're directing, though, because you don't get a break." Dawson also emphasised her fondness for the Enterprise cast. "I think they are finding their characters beautifully. I love the interaction. Scott [Bakula] is a wonderful captain. The rest of the crew is following in his footsteps."

Dawson said she has been most influenced by Academy Award-winner Irwin Winkler, who produced 'Rocky' and directed last year's 'Life As A House,' featuring Scott Bakula (Jonathan Archer). "I acted in his directorial debut in a role opposite Robert De Niro, and I will always treasure the experience. The movie was called 'Guilty by Suspicion.'"

The complete chat transcript can be found here at StarTrek.com.

Discuss this news item at Trek BBS!
 Add TrekToday RSS feed to your news reader or My Yahoo!
Also a CSI: Crime Scene Investigation fan? Then visit CSIFiles.com!