NCIS star Michael Weatherly will make his directorial debut early next year.

"I like cameras and I like sets and the surgical nature of make believe that happens - the whole process," Weatherly, who plays Tony DiNozzo, tells TV Guide. "I love all aspects of production, and I have a great deal of respect for the whole craft."

"I'm really excited; it's an extension of my curiosity about film and TV."

Weatherly expects to go behind the camera for an episode filming in January, and his directorial experience will also be a special feature on the forthcoming Season 8 DVD.

Michael says his desire to direct stems from ... the ABC soap opera Loving.

"That was always fascinating to me," he says. "When I was on the soap opera, I'd sit in the editing booths when they'd tighten up the show to see how they did it, what the technical process was. I should've started getting into the technical side of it earlier."

A CBS rep confirms that Weatherly will helm an upcoming episode, and the actor whose character is known for his sense of humor promises the episode will stand out.

"I've got a lot of ideas about my version of NCIS," Michael says. "I can promise it will be a little bit different. It's daunting to imagine that I am going to be in charge."

Seriously.

"Everyone is terrified," jokes the 42-year-old original cast member. "Sean Murray [McGee] is probably most terrified because I have got a lot of acting notes for him."

NCIS returns with a new episode December 14.

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.