Go Behind the Scenes of the Shawn Hatosy-Directed ‘Animal Kingdom’ Episode (PHOTOS)

Shawn Hatosy, aka Andrew “Pope” Cody, made his directorial debut with the August 7 episode of his TNT series Animal Kingdom, and it was quite the outing.

He was also on double-duty, as he acted and then jumped behind the camera, but Hatosy was more than ready for the challenge — he’s been wanting to direct his whole career.

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Hatosy told TV Insider previously that to prepare for this big step, he “shadowed” Southland [executive producers] John Wells & Chris Chulack “quite a bit” and considers them his mentors.

TV Guide Magazine got access to all the behind the scenes action, so check out some of the insider photos below:

This was the first scene that Hatosy shot.

The very first scene we rolled on for 311. You can’t see it but I’m waaaay nervous in this photo. . . . #instagramtakeover #shawnhatosy #animalkingdom

A post shared by TV Guide Magazine (@tvguidemagazine) on Aug 7, 2018 at 1:01pm PDT

On the set with Ben Robson, who plays Craig Cody.

I’m telling Ben that the only way to make this scene better is if he takes off his shirt. He refuses. Actors. . . . #instagtamtakeover #shawnhatosy #animalkingdom

A post shared by TV Guide Magazine (@tvguidemagazine) on Aug 7, 2018 at 1:31pm PDT

Hatosy gets focused.

For sure thinking about what’s for lunch in this pic… . . #instagramtakeover #shawnhatosy #animalkingdom

A post shared by TV Guide Magazine (@tvguidemagazine) on Aug 7, 2018 at 2:00pm PDT

A little green screen action.

After my toughest day and you can see in my face that I’m exhausted. This is a day I’ll never forget. . . . #instagramtakeover #shawnhatosy #animalkingdom

A post shared by TV Guide Magazine (@tvguidemagazine) on Aug 7, 2018 at 2:31pm PDT

Hatosy gives direction in a scene.

Sometimes I don’t have great notes so I’ll just start pointing at stuff to look like a director. . . . #animalkingdom #shawnhatosy #instagramtakeover

A post shared by TV Guide Magazine (@tvguidemagazine) on Aug 7, 2018 at 2:54pm PDT

“Want to thank the cast and crew for the overwhelming support. Most importantly want to thank the fans for inspiring me,” he wrote.

In all seriousness, directing #AnimalKIngdom has been such a wonderful privilege. Want to thank the cast and crew for the overwhelming support. Most importantly want to thank the fans for inspiring me. Hope you enjoy tonight’s show. . . #instagramtakeover #shawnhatosy #animalkingdom

A post shared by TV Guide Magazine (@tvguidemagazine) on Aug 7, 2018 at 3:40pm PDT

Animal Kingdom, Tuesdays, 9/8c, TNT