Meet the interviewer:

Liz Ryan

Liz Ryan was accepted into the DGA’s Assistant Training Program in New York and worked as a trainee on such films as The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985), Prizzi’s Honor (1985), Off Beat (1986), and Seize the Day (1986), before graduating in 1987. Her first job as a second assistant director came that same year for the film Black Widow (1987). In 1992 Ryan was promoted to 1st AD for the film For the Boys. Since then she has worked as 1st AD on such films as Dream Lover (1993), Leave It to Beaver (1997), Brokedown Palace (1999), The Green Mile (1999), Going Shopping (2005), Go for Sisters (2013), and Baggage Claim (2013). Ryan has also led an extensive career as a 1st AD for television on the series NYPD Blue, Freaks and Geeks, Watching Ellie, The Lyon’s Den, The Office, Close to Home, 90210, My Boys, and Real Husbands of Hollywood.

Ryan has served on the DGA’s National Board since 1997. She served on the Eastern AD/UPM Council from 1987-1991 and the Western AD/UPM Council since 1994. She also served on the 2011 Negotiating Committee. In 2008 Ryan received the DGA’s Frank Capra Achievement Award in recognition of her career achievements and service to the Guild.