But before he goes, he heads back home to check off a few things from his bucket list.
Confronting an old bully and his elementary school crush.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Youve directed a few shorts and severalCougar Townepisodes.
Credit: Just Before I Go – Pictured: Courteney Cox
What about that experience made you want to transition into film?
COURTENEY COX:Ive done 10 episodes ofCougar Town.
Before Cougar Town, I did a short forGlamourcalledReel Moments.That was a great experience.
Then I didTalhotblondwith Garret Dillahunt.
It felt just perfect for my personality.
It told a story, but it was just something I had to direct after I did this.
Whats the biggest difference between filming a short, a television show, and a full-length film?
ForTalhotblond, I had just 16 days, and forJust Before I Go,I had 23.
They just want to tell the story on TV.
So you have to learn to do it quickly.
Well, I know how I like being spoken to.
Empathy is a huge thing for me.
And just understanding where people are and giving people space and guidance but knowing how to finesse that.
So Im pretty much a cheerleader in life for people.
I play that role with my friends and family, even with my mom.
It seems like thats what Im known for.
Im also very enthusiastic and I get very excited about things.
I think I also know how to read a room very well.
It goes back to being the youngest of four kids, coming from a divorced family.
I think thats helped me in directing.
So you didnt have to bribe people with pizza and brownies?
I mean, I might bring in a couple of good food trucks now and then.
I guess I have been very mainstream.
You know, this movie is an indie movie and independently financed.
And its very real, with inappropriate humor.
But I still feel like the subject matter is very important and very mainstream.
It seems like a commercial movie to me, but it was shot in an independent style.
What element of this story do you think deserves to be part of a larger conversation?
Theres so many things happening.
Theres one kid who cant come out to his father or his friends or even himself.
We have another character thats in a bad marriage and acts out instead of dealing with it head on.
And then theres a very prejudiced character whos fun-loving but he doesnt understand how offensive he can be.
Hes let other people define him and squelch his own passion.
Hes never done anything he could be proud of.
This deals with so many peoples struggles but does it through humor, which I think is important.
When I read this script, I thought, Its outrageous.
Does the lack of these stories that you find interesting motivate you to pick up writing?
I would like to write.
If I could sit down long enough to do it, I think it would be great.
It would be really cathartic for me.
What I love most are character pieces.
Every movie Ive ever loved has always been about the characters.
Simple, real, human stories.
So Id do something like that.
So do you have a sense of what youd like to tackle in your next project?
A book adaptation, maybe.
I was lucky to find this.
But its really hard to get people to give you money in a short amount of time.
So you got a few really important things in place early on: the money and the cast.
Those two things alone seem expensive did you have to call in any favors?
Well, you know, getting the lead was the hardest thing.
Ive worked with Garret [Dillahunt] before we have this thing.
Hes going to be in anything and everything I ever do.
Hes my muse; I think hes such a talented actor.
And I think the script, because its so unique, spoke for itself.
Kate Walsh does a lot of comedies, but we know her actually for her dramatic roles.
And she read this and she knew she could do something with it.
And Olivia Thirlby was looking to do a comedy.
So I lucked out with the cast, but finding the lead character was really tough.
You know, Seann is such a handsome guy, but hes kind of known for his characters.
Hes very genuine, and I thought, This is it.
I dont think anyone has seen Seann William Scott like this.
So you didnt handpick him?
I know yourFriendsco-star David Schwimmer has directed a few films.
Have you ever asked him for any advice?
No, I have not.
I should, because hes a great director, but I havent.
I have asked a lot of other friends, thats for sure.
Whos the most famous person youve asked for advice from?
What have you learned from him?
It allowed me to be really clear about my attentions and my style.
Afterwards, I sent him the movie, and he gave me some great notes.
I read every single one so I could learn.
I have to ask for theCougar Townfans: Is it coming back for another season?
Its kind of crazy that we dont know yet.
I mean, I feel like were going to, but I dont have any idea.
If you do get picked up, is there a storyline youre dying to tackle?
My favorite stories are when Im working with Grayson [Ellis].
I love when were acting like a silly, fun married couple together.
I thought that was fun.
Were really lucky to have that job.
Take a look at an exclusive clip ofJust Before I Gobelow.
Its a moment that Cox says epitomizes the films message that we all have problems.
We think theyre special to us, but really were all surviving the best way we know how.
This movie needed to be out there as much as possible.
The film premieres atTribecaon Thursday.
