Jonathan Frakes is known to millions as Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation. To me he’s also the director of my movie debut in Thunderbirds. In this episode we dig into Jonathan’s story. How he got started, how he transitioned from being an actor into his role behind the camera and how he reacted when his career took an unexpected turn. In this frank and funny conversation Jonathan shares some of the tools that have helped him succeed and reveals his approach for creating high performing teams and what to do when the nerves strike. 

00:00 Intro. 

01:25 Auditioning for Riker. 

04:55 Do the audition as if you already have the job. 

09:30 Auditioning against Bruce Willis and John Travolta. 

11:30 Becoming an actor. 

17:30 Moving to LA. 

20:46 Acting is a craft, not a career. 

24:15 A story about Bill Paxton. 

30:09 Bridging the gap from actor to director. 

35:45 First day behind the camera. 

39:58 The difference between directing a film and directing on television. 

42:18 Going to movie jail 

46:01 Bouncing back from disappointment. 

48:40 How to pitch yourself. 

51:27 Final advice. 

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