Jeff Schaffer
ON THE RECORD · 9 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“It’s so cool being around him. You feel smarter and better, somehow, by just being in the area,”
Jeff Schaffer · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-08
Schaffer describes the experience of being around Obama during the shoot.
“The funny thing was watching him go, ‘Larry, you’re coming in late!’ He was the president, so he’s used to telling people what to do. Larry was in the odd position of being told what to do, which never happens on a Larry set.”
Jeff Schaffer · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-08
Schaffer was amused watching Obama give Larry David acting notes on set.
“Larry is sucking him into his black hole of negativity.”
Jeff Schaffer · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-08
Schaffer describes David's influence on Obama as sucking him into a black hole of negativity.
“You’re just sitting in the Oval Office with President Obama, hearing him talk about stuff,”
Jeff Schaffer · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-08
Schaffer describes chatting with Obama during downtime on the four-hour shoot.
“one of the coolest things I’ve ever gotten the chance to do.”
Jeff Schaffer · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-08
Schaffer tells Variety that directing Obama was one of the coolest things he has ever gotten the chance to do.
“He had some great improv stuff. His comic timing was impeccable. He was a good actor, not just as a former president, but, like, as an actor.”
Jeff Schaffer · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-08
Schaffer praises Obama's improvisational skills and comic timing on set.
“He’s got some funny theories.”
Jeff Schaffer · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-08
Schaffer relays one of Obama's memorable takes from their downtime conversation.
“I’m directing and things are moving fast, and I have to remember, ‘Sir, let’s do that one more time.’ Or, ‘Hold on, Mr. President.’ I didn’t want to screw things up and go, ‘Hey, Barack.’”
Jeff Schaffer · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-08
Schaffer explains how he navigated directing a former president on set.
“The first thing was: What do I call this man?”
Jeff Schaffer · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-08
Schaffer describes the nerve-wracking question of how to address the former president while directing.