Though the trend of actors stepping behind the camera to direct is not a new idea — think Charlie Chaplin, Laurence Olivier, and Orson Welles — it seems that a new crowd of actors are yelling "action." Former "Friends" star David Schwimmer has a film out this month and so does George Clooney. Here is a sampling of more actors who have taken a seat in the director's chair. From left, David Schwimmer, Zach Braff, Sarah Polley, George Clooney, and Clint Eastwood.

—Nicole Cammorata, Boston.com Staff