underdirect

Verb

underdirect (third-person singular simple present underdirects, present participle underdirecting, simple past and past participle underdirected)

1. To exert too little artistic control when directing (a play or film).
   • Despite the seeming interest of the screenplay, Romero underdirects the entire effort, sending his actors through their paces without bothering to make them believe in the film.1971 fall, John R. Davoli, quotee, “Short Notices”, in Cinefantastique, volume 1, number 4, Frederick S. Clarke, →ISSN, page 40, column 4
   • I think he underdirects because he wants the script — the text — to be in control.1987 January, James Palmarini, “Rick Cluchey: A Beckett disciple's long journey from San Quentin to Notre Dame”, in Dramatics, volume 58, number 5, Cincinnati, Ohio: International Thespian Society...
2. To provide too little guidance or direction.
   • The opinion is expressed that time is wasted by misdirected or underdirected visiting of schools.1913, Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, Proceedings of the Annual Convention - Volumes 26-28, page 75
   • They should neither overdirect nor underdirect the program.1946, United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Foreign Relations, Cancer Research