Photos: Taping Rob Schneider’s ‘Real Rob’

Rob Schneider, center with script in hand, directs a scene for his new sitcom “Real Rob,” at Los Angeles Film School in Hollywood. Schneider’s agent advised against self-financing the project, but the comedian wanted complete creative control of the project.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Rob Schneider jokes with actress Sameera Eligeti, left, and co-star and writer Jamie Lissow while rehearsing a scene from his sitcom “Real Rob.” Schneider declined to say how much he is spending on the show beyond “seven figures.”   (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Rob Schneider is flanked by first assistant director Paul Hart-Wilden, left, and actor Kyle Secor on the set of “Real Rob.” The show, which Schneider describes as an exaggerated version of his real life, hasn’t been sold or even pitched to a network or streaming service.   (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Rob Schneider, on the set of “Real Rob,” resisted suggestions that he use the crowd-funding website Kickstarter to help finance the sitcom. “My fans are already paying for this,” he said, referring to the money he’s made as an actor and comedian.   (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

The clapperboard for “Real Rob,” written, directed and starring Rob Schneider. He’s also footing most of the bills for eight episodes of the sitcom. “I am no longer restrained by network approval or network money. It just has to be good,” he says.   (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Rob Schneider, left, jokes with Craig Ng and writer and co-star Jamie Lissow before filming a scene on Schneider’s self-financed “Real Rob.” Most of the talent, including Schneider, are waiving their salaries.   (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Makeup artists turn actor Craig Ng into a zombie for a scene in actor Rob Schneider’s new sitcom “Real Rob.” “Not every actor could obviously afford this, and frankly it’s pushing me to my limits,” Schneider says.   (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

An extra cast as a zombie takes a break between scenes on “Real Rob.” Production on the sitcom is expected to be completed in October. Rob Schneider’s team at Gersh Agency will then shop it to cable networks and streaming services.   (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Extras who are playing zombies take naps between scenes of Rob Schneider’s self-financed sitcom “Real Rob” at Los Angeles Film School in Hollywood. Schneider is part of a growing trend among artists to cut out the middleman.   (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Rob Schneider, shown on a monitor, directs a scene from his sitcom “Real Rob” at Los Angeles Film School in Hollywood. He’s making the television show on spec, producing eight episodes out of pocket and then hoping to sell the finished product.   (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

A “costume continuity” folder, documenting wardrobe and styling choices for Rob Schneider’s new sitcom, “Real Rob.” If he doesn’t find a home for his self-financed project, Schneider says, “At least it made me laugh.”   (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)