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The Art of Development

DGA members gathered in the Guild's New York boardroom on April 30 for an informative discussion about the director's role in the development of projects. The panel discussion, The Art of Development, was part of the Eastern Directors Council's (EDC) Focus on Women seminar series and featured a panel discussion with directors, producers and entertainment attorneys well-versed in the subject.

The panel included Director Nicole Kassell (A Little Bit of Heaven, The Woodsman, The Killing), who is currently developing an adaptation of Barbara Kingsolver’s novel Prodigal Summer; Producer Rachael Horovitz (Moneyball, About Schmidt, Grey Gardens), who is currently developing close to 25 projects including Edward St. Aubyn’s “Patrick Melrose” novels for Channel 4 in the UK; Producer/UPM Lydia Dean Pilcher (The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Namesake, The Reluctant Fundamentalist) who has worked very closely with directors such as Mira Nair, Kathryn Bigelow Barry Levinson, and Wes Anderson in the development of various projects for film and television; and Entertainment Attorney Jacqueline Eckhouse, a partner of Sloss Eckhouse Law Co., who focuses on motion picture, television and new media contract negotiation. Director Lara Shapiro (Labor Pains) served as moderator of the discussion that also looked at strategies for success throughout various phases of the development process.

Following a welcome from Focus on Women Committee Chair Linda Laundra, the panel explored subjects such as: how a director collaborates with producers and writers; how to protect your rights as a director throughout the development of a project; the importance of patience throughout the process; and budgeting issues. After the discussion, the floor was opened to questions from the audience.

The members of the EDC’s Focus on Women Committee are: Directors Linda Laundra (chair), Lara Shapiro, Nicole Kassell, Laura Belsey, Barbara Defina, Peggy Rajski, Rosemary Rodriguez, Rose Troche, Martha Mitchell, and Sarah Pirozek.

The Committee would like to remind members that while their events are designed with a special focus on women directors, all DGA members are welcome to attend.

Pictures

photos by Donald Rassmussen

The Art of Development panelists: Director Nicole Kassell, Producer Rachael Horovitz, Producer/UPM Lydia Dean Pilcher, Entertainment Attorney Jacqueline Eckhouse, Director Lara Shapiro (moderator) and Focus on Women Committee Chair Linda Laundra.
DGA members greet Entertainment Attorney Jacqueline Eckhouse at the Focus on Women seminar The Art of Development.
Focus on Women Committee members Nicole Kassell (panelist), Martha Mitchell and Sarah Pirozek enjoy the reception preceding the panel discussion.
Producer/UPM Lydia Dean Pilcher (panelist) chats with DGA members before the start of the panel discussion.
DGA Assistant Executive Director Michael Berger welcomes everyone to the panel discussion.
Focus on Women Committee Chair Linda Laundra introduces the members of The Art of Development panel.
The Art of Development panelists: Producer Rachael Horovitz, Producer/UPM Lydia Dean Pilcher, Entertainment Attorney Jacqueline Eckhouse, and Directors Nicole Kassell and Lara Shapiro (moderator).
The Art of Development panel moderator Lara Shapiro kicks off the discussion.
Director Nicole Kassell speaks about developing projects like her adaptation of Barbara Kingsolver’s novel Prodigal Summer.
DGA members learn about strategies for success in the development process.
Producer Rachael Horovitz reveals how she keeps up with the various projects she has in development.
DGA members take notes about the director’s role in the development process.
Producer/UPM Lydia Dean Pilcher explain how she works with directors in the development process.
DGA members hear how to successfully navigate the development process.
Entertainment Attorney Jacqueline Eckhouse speaks about the nuts and bolts of the development process.
A DGA member asks the panelists a question.
DGA members share a laugh at the conclusion of the EDC’s The Art of Development panel discussion.
Front Row: Focus on Women Committee member Sarah Pirozek; The Art of Development panelists Nicole Kassell and Lara Shapiro (moderator). Back Row: Focus on Women Committee members Martha Mitchell and Laura Belsey; The Art of Development panelists Rachael Horovitz, Lydia Dean Pilcher and Jackie Eckhouse; and Focus on Women Committee Chair Linda Laundra.

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7/20/2025 - 7/26/2025

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