Russell Crowe, the Oscar winning actor for "Gladiator", is finally taking matters into his own hands.

According to Radarmagazin.com, Crowe is setting up his production company. Some say it is insurance in case movie studios become reluctant to hire him.

The volatile but acclaimed actor has had numerous altercations in the past but it might have reached boiling point with his recent outburst at a New York hotel were he flung a telephone at a porter.

A source told the site: "Directors ... really dislike him, and no woman in her right mind wants to work with him." Another source said: "Russell likes calling the shots. He wants to be in charge."