One Direction

One Direction

Simon Cowell's influence on One Direction has diminished over the years.

Director Morgan Spurlock - 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 buy his mother a house and Morgan - 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."