Film sets often serve as domains where creative vision and meticulous artistry converge, producing moments that define careers. Collaborating with a director of rare distinction elevates this experience even more, blending inspiration with rigorous discipline. Seth Rogen and Ben Stiller recently reflected on their time under one such guidance as the duo recounted their respective experiences with Steven Spielberg. Remarkably, both comedians used the same two words to encapsulate the extraordinary nature of working alongside the celebrated Hollywood director.

The same two words captured Seth Rogen and Ben Stiller’s Steven Spielberg experience. Ironically, the words could not be more in contrast with each other.

Seth Rogen and Ben Stiller recently joined Josh Horowitz for a very special Happy Sad Confused podcast episode where the pair discussed working with Steven Spielberg. While Stiller described the experience as “intimidating” yet “incredible,” a striking irony that captures the complex nature of collaborating with the revered director, Rogen nodded in agreement. Stiller, for the record, worked with Spielberg on Empire of the Sun, and Rogen starred in The Fabelmans. Their reflections underscore how Spielberg's sets can be both daunting and exhilarating, leaving a lasting impression on actors.

Ahead in the conversation with Josh Horowitz, Ben Stiller went on to describe how the intimidation regarding Steven Spielberg is mostly in the actor's head, given the filmmaker's stature in show business. Describing him as “an open guy” on set, Stiller divulged that once the actors get comfortable with Spielberg and start asking questions, the latter makes sure to give all the fun answers that the person opposite him wishes for. Martin Scorsese, another acclaimed director, also found his way into the conversation Horowitz, Stiller, and Rogen were having, with the latter recalling the time he had to direct the Oscar Award-winning icon.

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In a career twist, Seth Rogen once directed Martin Scorsese, and he recalled the unlikely moment with disbelief and sharp comedic details, naturally.

As Josh Horowitz asked Seth Rogen, who not long ago revealed feeling like he was turning into Nicole Kidman, if he would now be able to direct anyone after guiding Martin Scorsese, Rogen agreed, admitting the authority over such a legend was among the most “scary” things to do. He recalled losing sleep the night before he was supposed to direct Scorsese and calling his mother on the drive to set, who reacted with, “Oh my god, that must be terrible,” wondering what if Scorsese disliked her son's prompts. The director, for those unversed, worked under Rogen in The Studio for Apple TV+.

In the end, what Seth Rogen and Ben Stiller’s stories remind the masses is that even the most seasoned performers can still be humbled by the giants of cinema. To stand across from Steven Spielberg or give direction to Martin Scorsese is not just about the work, it is about the weight of history, the thrill of creativity, and the nerves that come with it. Their reflections show that awe and intimidation often walk hand in hand when true artistry is in the room.

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What do you think about Seth Rogen and Ben Stiller’s experience of working with Steven Spielberg? Let us know in the comments.