Jason Bateman, the multi-talented actor, director, and producer, has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry with his incredible versatility. This year, he has been nominated for a plethora of Emmy Awards, including lead limited series actor and limited series directing for Netflix’s ‘Black Rabbit,’ as well as supporting actor and executive producer for HBO Max’s ‘DTF St. Louis.’ In a recent interview with Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast, Bateman delved into his thoughts on being an actor versus a director, and his journey to becoming a multifaceted professional.

Bateman began acting at a young age, appearing in various television shows such as ‘Little House on the Prairie,’ ‘Silver Spoons,’ and ‘It’s Your Move.’ However, it was his experience in the early days of his career that sparked his interest in directing. ‘Acting at an early age became so comfortable for me that I was able to really observe all the incredible work going around me,’ Bateman explained. ‘All the technical work of the camera and sound and lighting and what might be happening with editing later. So I’ve always thought about all of that — what a team it takes.’

Throughout his career, Bateman has had the opportunity to work on various projects, including the hit Netflix series ‘Ozark’ and his podcast ‘SmartLess’ with Will Arnett and Sean Hayes. His most recent projects, ‘Black Rabbit’ and ‘DTF St. Louis,’ have garnered significant attention, with both shows receiving multiple Emmy nominations. When asked about his reaction to being nominated for four awards, Bateman expressed his gratitude and humility, stating, ‘Obviously you don’t do this work for the money or the accolades, but those things are really sort of exciting and helpful and practical.’

Bateman also touched on his approach to choosing projects and characters, citing his ability to relate to complex and flawed characters. ‘Vince is just a disaster, kind of a broken, self-destructive guy,’ Bateman said of his character in ‘Black Rabbit.’ ‘Clark’s main plot point for him is he wants to cheat on his wife. Yet they are both just heartbreakingly relatable, human and flawed, and they just don’t have the coping skills that most of the viewers have.’

When asked about his next project, Bateman revealed that he is set to direct the film ‘The Cackling of the Dodos’ for Netflix. The dark comedy follows two men who run a farm and discover a dead body in the grain bin, and their subsequent attempts to cover it up. Bateman expressed his excitement about the project, stating, ‘It’s a dark, dark comedy about these two guys who run a farm and they find a dead body in the grain bin and try to figure out how to get rid of it — and create a couple of more dead bodies doing it.’

Bateman’s journey in the entertainment industry has not been without its challenges. However, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt and evolve as a professional. In a world where the entertainment industry is constantly changing, Bateman’s multifaceted career serves as a testament to his dedication and passion for his craft.

As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for Jason Bateman. With his impressive body of work and continued dedication to his craft, it is clear that he will remain a prominent figure in the industry for years to come.