National Basketball Association

Shaq completing filmmaking course

Published Aug. 16, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Basketball star Shaquille O'Neal was ready to give the movie business another shot Tuesday, this time as a director, as he finished the final classes of a filmmaking course in Hollywood.

Fresh off his retirement from the NBA, O'Neal -- who previously appeared in the movies "Freddy Got Fingered" and "Kazaam" -- is about to complete the Filmmaking Conservatory at the New York Film Academy branch at Universal Studios Hollywood, TMZ reported.

O'Neil was very hands-on during directing and cinematography classes and even was seen walking his crew through stunts and shooting on the studio's famous back lot, according to the website.

A source from the school described O'Neal as "incredibly humble, funny and likable."

O'Neal, who announced his retirement June 1 after an injury-plagued 19th season, seems to be keen to launch a career in the entertainment business.

Shortly after leaving the NBA, he indicated that he was looking for a television gig and hinted in a web video that ESPN was interested in hiring him.

The four-time NBA champion and 15-time All-Star also is set to join TNT's "Inside the NBA" team of Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley for NBA telecasts, it was reported in July.