‘Rizzoli & Isles’: Behind the Scenes as Sasha Alexander Makes Her Directorial Debut
As TNT’s Rizzoli & Isles heads into its final episodes, star Sasha Alexander is checking an item off her to-do list: She directed the August 15 installment of the crime drama. But while this is her first time helming an episode of TV, Alexander is no novice: “I graduated from film school at USC, in the directing program,” she says. “I have directed some short films; I’ve produced two features.”
In this episode, her character, Maura, and detective partner Jane (Angie Harmon) investigate the death of a forensic accountant and discover an elaborate Ponzi scheme. Here, Alexander shares photos from her big debut.
Rizzoli & Isles, Mondays, 9/8c, TNT, @RizzoliIslesTNT
“I learned on the first day that I’m one of those directors who like to sit next to the camera on set instead of behind the monitor,” says Alexander, seen here with the crew. “I can explain to the cameraman what feeling I’m trying to get.” And happily, she had the support of the crew. “It was fun to see everybody doing what they loved to do and being part of that other side.”
After acting opposite Harmon for seven seasons, “the dynamic was different” when it came to directing her costar, Alexander says. (Harmon made her own directorial debut with the show’s 100th episode in July.) “That said, Angie did a phenomenal job, and I’m so proud of this episode. It was truly the most amazing experience.”
Alexander met guest star Kristoffer Polaha years ago, but this was the first time they worked together. “He is terrific,” she praises. “Not only is he obviously good-looking, but he’s smart and skilled.” JoBeth Williams also appears in the hour, much to the delight of Alexander. “Both of my guest stars were absolute dreams.”
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