The Life and Times of Alan Smithee

As devoted TV and movie fans know, "Alan Smithee" is the name that a director uses on a project when he or she doesn't like the final version of a film, because of editing, cutting, or some other process that destroys his vision of the film. Or maybe he just doesn't want his name associated with it for some reason. It's usually against Director's Guild rules, but the director can appeal and have their name replaced.

"Alan Smithee" has an impressive body of work. He directed two episodes of MacGyver, including the pilot. He has also directed episodes of Nero Wolfe, The Cosby Show, Red Shoe Diaries, Karen's Song, the 80s version Twilight Zone, Paper Dolls, and Mrs. Columbo, as well as Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" video and the TV movies The O.J. Simpson Story and The Birds II. His most recent credit was 2005's Living Better with Steve Spitz, whatever that is. There was an even a big screen movie named An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn, which was directed by...Alan Smithee! (In reality, Arthur Hiller.)

[via Jason Kottke]