Michael Weatherly will be in charge on the 'NCIS' set later on this season when he makes his directorial debut on an episode of the procedural drama. And he says his co-stars are "terrified" at the prospect.

Although no details of the episode have yet been forthcoming, Weatherly told tvguide.com that he expects to be at the helm in January, and that the crew may document the experience for inclusion on the upcoming Season 8 DVD.

"I like cameras and I like sets and the surgical nature of make believe that happens -- the whole process," Weatherly said. "I love all aspects of production, and I have a great deal of respect for the whole craft. I'm really excited about directing; it's an extension of my curiosity about film and TV."

Weatherly, who signed a multi-year deal to stay with 'NCIS' back in June, has made no secret of his desire to direct. He said it stems from his time as a cast member on the ABC soap, 'Loving': "I'd sit in the editing booths ... to see what the technical process was. I probably should've started getting into the technical side of it earlier."

He also revealed that he's got "a lot of ideas about my version of 'NCIS' ... I can promise that it will be a little bit different. It's daunting to imagine that I am going to be running around in charge." And Weatherly -- who shares a prankster sense of humor with his character, Anthony DiNozzo -- joked that his co-stars are in for a ride. "Everyone is terrified. ... Sean Murray [McGee] is probably most terrified because I have got a lot of acting notes for him."

'NCIS' airs Tuesdays, 8PM ET on CBS.