Curry Barker's Hollywood Fears: Directing Stars

Curry Barker, the director behind the surprise hit "Obsession," discussed the trepidation he experienced when transitioning to directing a cast of established Hollywood actors for his next project, "Anything but Ghosts." He admitted to his father, screenwriter Jeff Barker, that he was initially afraid to provide direction to acclaimed performers such as Aaron Paul and Bryce Dallas Howard.

Barker found directing actors with extensive experience to be a distinct challenge compared to his debut, "Obsession," which featured a cast of relative newcomers. The film "Obsession" achieved remarkable financial success, generating over $150 million at the box office from a production budget below $1 million.

He shared that his father's advice, emphasizing the importance of staying true to his directorial vision and fulfilling the actors' expectations, helped him overcome his hesitation. Barker also noted that Bryce Dallas Howard, herself a director, collaborated effectively without imposing her own vision on the character.

This sentiment of directorial responsibility and vision was crucial for Barker as he navigated working with seasoned professionals on "Anything but Ghosts," a film he also co-wrote and stars in alongside Cooper Tomlinson.