Director Glenn Weiss discusses his 25-year career as a variety television director, sharing details about his craft and recounting stories behind the distinguished specials that he has directed over the years including Peter Pan Live!, the Academy Awards, and Tony Awards.
Director Félix Alcalá (ER, The Good Wife, Madam Secretary) discusses his directorial career in episodic television, movies for television, and feature film; his background as a cinematographer; and shares some of the lessons he’s learned while behind the camera.
Jay Sandrich discusses his career as a television director, from beginning as an assistant director for Desilu Productions on shows like I Love Lucy (1951-1957) to directing multi-camera comedies like Mary Tyler Moore (1970-1977) and The Cosby Show (1984-1992).
Melvin Van Peebles discusses his career with his son, director and actor Mario Van Peebles, including starting to direct in France, his award-winning film The Story of a Three Day Pass, and kicking off the blaxpoitation genre with his independently financed and produced Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song.
Director Robert Altman describes his working philosophy, often comparing filmmaking to painting, and discusses the sources of his storytelling and directing techniques he used on films like M*A*S*H, McCabe & Mrs. Miller, and The Player.
Associate Director Mimi Deaton discusses her 30-year career in the multi-camera format (The Facts of Life, Martin, Reba, The Neighborhood), her Guild service as a member of the Western AD/SM/PA Council for 23 years and her recognition by the Guild with the Franklin J. Schaffner Achievement Award.
Director Stan Lathan discusses his 40-plus year career directing episodic and variety television (Sanford and Son, The Steve Harvey Show, Real Husbands of Hollywood, Def Comedy Jam); starting out at WGBH-TV; and his collaboration with iconic comedians Redd Foxx and Moms Mabley.
UPM Dwight Williams speaks about his 50-year career in television and feature film as a First Assistant Director and Unit Production Manager, including his work on Malcolm D. Lee’s Girls Trip, The Hughes Brothers’ Dead Presidents; working with the late Director John Singleton on Baby Boy and other features; and his extensive Guild involvement.
Director Martha Mitchell (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Madam Secretary, Without a Trace) recounts her 25-plus year directorial career, highlighting her work in episodic television and her service to the Guild on the Eastern Directors Council and the National Board.
Mira Nair discusses her 35-plus-year directorial career, highlighting her documentaries (Jama Masjid Street Journal, India Cabaret), independent features (Salaam Bombay!, Mississippi Masala, Monsoon Wedding), and studio features (Vanity Fair, Amelia, Queen of Katwe).
Bill Duke discusses his directorial career and working with Ossie Davis, Laurence Fishburne and Forest Whitaker in films such as Deep Cover, A Rage in Harlem, Hoodlum, and Deacons for Defense. He also discusses changes in the film industry and the DGA’s role in fostering diversity in Hollywood.
Michael Schultz recalls his career through four decades of directing, beginning in the theater, successes with Cooley High and Car Wash, and his prolific work in episodic television.