Term
Alan 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