Alan Smithee

Also known as Allen Smithee.

A historical Directors Guild pseudonym used in approved circumstances when a director successfully sought removal of their name from a screen credit.

In practice

It was never a casual alias a filmmaker could simply choose. DGA procedures governed pseudonymous credit, and the well-known name has largely been retired because public recognition defeated its purpose.

Usage note

Historical credit terminology; do not imply that every disputed or disowned film qualifies for the pseudonym.

Explore related entries

Sources

To Serve and Protect: Gil Cates interview · Directors Guild of America

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