Some sons of actors watch their fathers at work and become actors themselves. But what other kids raised on movie sets really want to do is direct Dad.
NICK CASSAVETES, 37, son of actor-director John, who died in 1989. First job with Dad: Played kid in A Woman Under the Influence (1974), directed by John and starring Mom, Gena Rowlands. Formative years: Worked as janitor before starring in umpteen erotic thrillers. Turned director with last year's Unhook the Stars, starring Rowlands, from John's script. Next team-up: Directing She's De Lovely, starring Sean Penn and John Travolta, from screenplay based on John's script. Junior speaks: ''My work...[is] either good or it's not,'' Nick has said. ''What [my parents] achieved has nothing to do with what I may or may not achieve.''
EMILIO ESTEVEZ, 34, son of Martin Sheen, 56. First job with Dad: Appeared in 1982 production of Mister Roberts at Burt Reynolds Dinner Theatre. Formative years: Became Brat Pack staple. Directed onetime fiancee Demi Moore in Wisdom (1986), from his own script. Last year, acted in Disney's D3: The Mighty Ducks in exchange for a chance to direct and costar with Martin in The War at Home. Next team-up: None planned. Junior speaks: ''I grew up idolizing the man,'' Estevez said recently. ''Now, to have to tell him what to do, it was hard at times.''
FRASER CLARKE HESTON, 41, son of Charlton, 74. First job with Dad: Played baby Moses in The Ten Commandments (1955). Formative years: Worked as Alaskan river guide before scripting The Mountain Men (1980) and Mother Lode (1982) as vehicles for Dad. Produced and directed made-for-cable Treasure Island (1990) and Crucifer of Blood (1991), both starring Charlton. Directed Dad in Alaska (see review on page 64). Next team-up: Charlton Heston's Hollywood CD-ROM. Junior speaks: ''[His name] gets you in the door,'' Fraser has said. ''But it won't get your project made.''
CHARLES MATTHAU, 31, son of Walter, 76. First job with Dad: Bit parts in Charley Varrick (1973) and House Calls (1978). Formative years: Directed comedy Doin' Time on Planet Earth (1990), then The Grass Harp (1996), starring his dad. Next team-up: None planned. Junior speaks: ''Working with [Dad],'' Charles says, ''I felt how a jockey feels riding Secretariat.''
