With McCollum shouldering some of the administrative burden, White was free to pursue his first love: directing. He began directing the Columbia shorts in 1938 and would become the department's most prolific director. He directed his sound films as though they were silent comedies: he paced the visual action very fast, and he coached his actors to gesture broadly and react painfully, even demonstrating the movements and grimaces he wanted.
With McCollum taking on some of the administrative tasks, White was free to focus on his passion: directing. He began directing Columbia shorts in 1938 and would become the department's most prolific director. He directed his sound films with a style reminiscent of silent comedies: he emphasized fast-paced visual action, and encouraged his actors to use exaggerated gestures and react intensely, even demonstrating the desired movements and expressions himself.