If Orci had an inclination to direct, he has had plenty of opportunities to test and develop that skill on any number of the television shows he has worked on — but doesn't have a single directing credit to his name according to IMDB.

Now, suddenly, with $175 million on the line, he's inspired?!

JJ Abrams had directed episodes and pilots leading up to his feature directorial gig on 'Mission Impossible 3", and that was still a huge leap of faith on the part of Paramount.

If Orci is serious, and not just seriously entitled, he might want to start by knocking everyone's socks off with a self financed sci-fi short film/audition piece. Amaze everyone – that's the job description on a tentpole. He should show the big guys at Paramount what he is capable of. He can afford it and its the least he can do to demonstrate how badly he wants such a prestigious gig.