Kevin Costner helped get director fired

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LOS ANGELES, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Kevin Costner's constant criticism of first-time director Ted Griffin, reportedly led to Griffin's firing from a U.S. film based on "The Graduate."

"(Costner) was constantly in Ted's face about what he was doing wrong, criticizing him repeatedly about his setups in front of Paula Weinstein (one of the film's producers). He said several times loudly to anyone who would listen, 'This movie will take a year to shoot if you don't get rid of Ted,'" an unidentified source said, World Entertainment News Network reported Thursday.

The situation reportedly climaxed when Griffin asked Costner to return to his trailer and Costner yelled back, "I will not. Not until you change the lighting set up like I told you."

Costner has directed several films and won an Oscar in 1990 for best director for "Dances with Wolves."

Costner's demeanor reportedly upset co-star Shirley MacLaine, who reportedly told co-star Mena Suvari, "There once was a time when actors respected their director."

Costner is said to have told MacLaine "You keep out of this."

Jennifer Aniston also stars in the as-yet-untitled, and now directorless, film.