May 9, 2023
The DGA’s Director Development Initiative (DDI) Mentorship Program will open its online application portal for the 2023 program cycle on September 1, 2023. Prospective applicants will have 30 days to submit their application materials online, with DGA staff prepared to provide technical support through the application process.
Applicants seeking to participate in the East Coast or West Coast program will utilize the same application portal and select the program they wish to participate in. Please note that members may apply to either program regardless of their home base but are encouraged to apply for the program that allows for their monthly in-person participation.
Applicants will be asked to submit the following as a part of the application process:
- Your resume;
- Your educational background and/or training as it relates to directing;
- A compilation reel which should not exceed five (5) minutes;
- One (1) completed work sample that follows a traditional narrative structure;
- A sixty (60) second elevator pitch on why you should be selected for this program; and
- A letter of recommendation.
Since 2017, the Directors Guild has facilitated one of the industry’s most comprehensive Director development programs through the DDI Mentorship Program. The program provides emerging Directors with the opportunity to learn from seasoned episodic television Directors while providing access to career and craft building workshops.
For members looking to understand the benefits of the Mentorship Program from the perspective of past participants, click here to view the previously recorded DDI Lab, How the DDI Mentorship Program Can Benefit You.
If you have any questions regarding the application process or the DDI Mentorship Program, please contact DGA Diversity & Inclusion Program Executive, Breannah Oppenhuizen at (310) 289-5377 or email baoppenhuizen@dga.org.