Spurlock: One Direction make their own decisions, not Cowell

Simon Cowell's influence on One Direction has diminished over the years, according to director director Morgan Spurlock.

The American filmmaker, who took control of the band's upcoming 3D documentary 'This Is Us' - has claimed while the media mogul may make suggestions on the band's career, it was has become much more democratic.

He told the Sunday Telegraph newspaper's Seven magazine: "He's so not involved in the boys' lives any more.

"I'm sure he chimes in every now and then, but they vote on every decision that's made - they've become incredibly empowered when it comes to their career path, it's like 1Democracy."

The 42-year-old filmmaker also insisted he shunned the wealth and marketing power of the band - made up of Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan - so he could focus on their "dreams and family".

He added: "We don't talk about it, because for me it's not the story - every band has merchandise ... This film is about dreams and family."

In one scene, Zayn buys his mother a house and Spurlock - who captured her overwhelmed reaction on film - dismissed the idea it might distort the family dynamic.

He argued: "Are you kidding? That's one of the greatest things you could do. If I bought my mum a house she'd be ecstatic.

"To me, it shows that the boys are still fantastically normal, despite everything."