Kelli Prenny got an unfortunate surprise when she arrived at her 10-year college reunion inInsecures Season 5 premiere.
Believing she was dead, her former classmates had included her in an In Memoriam video.
she asked her friends, staring out a car window.
Youve described having trepidation about directing for the first time.
What was holding you back?
I didnt approach directing with the confidence of a mediocre white man.
I dont have that luxury.
So I really wanted to do my homework, and Issa knew that as well.
How did Issa support your foray into directing?
She didnt even have to tell me what she was talking about.
I read that you alsoreached out to Patty Jenkinsfor directing advice.
Why was she the person you called?
Im definitely guilty of wearing my sweatpants with one leg up, and she does too.
I remember walking into rehearsal and we both just looked at each other and were like, Girl!
Hers was an opinion that mattered to me.
What did she tell you?
My biggest fear was not knowing the technical lingo, and she disabused me of that notion immediately.
She was like, It does not matter!
She just really gave me the confidence in myself to make mistakes.
I think thats also part of my personality.
Im super grateful for her.
Did you get to speak to Kerry Washington, who directed the episode before yours?
I am a student of behavior, so I tried to watch as many of Kerrys takes as possible.
I did the same thing when Regina King directed in previous seasons.
So I wore a flight suit every day I directed.
It was like going to war.
I feel so lucky to have the blueprint for what Im looking to do right in front of me.
How did your close relationships with the cast affect the directing process?
It must have been a unique experience to direct your boss in a sex scene.
In the moment, I think what really benefited me was that Im an actor.
But I knew that I had Issas trust from the moment she said youre ready and even before then.
I just felt so comfortable behind the camera.
How will that play out heading into the final episodes?
In my very biased opinion, Kelli is one of the most together friends of their friend group.
Shes got it pretty figured out.
Well see that introspection.
Youll definitely see her perspective shift.
Fans are alreadycampaigning for a Kelli spinoff.
Whats your reaction to that?
Would you be game?
I mean, of course!
I dont think its in the cards, but never say never.
Ive loved living in her body for the last five seasons, and Im a better person for it.
Insecurehas undoubtedly been a life-changing experience for you.
What will you remember the most from the past five seasons?
In no uncertain terms, this show has changed my life.
Its hard to say one thing, and its particularly difficult because Im still in denial.
Im trying to live up toKellis growth GIF.
The growth Ive gotten from the show is allowing the career Im having right now to be.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
This article was originally published onNovember 29, 2021
