On January 11, the Guild hosted the Association of Independent Commercial Producers’ (AICP) inaugural Commercial Directors Diversity Program (CDDP) Showcase at DGA Theater in Los Angeles. The CDDP was born out of contract talks between the DGA and the AICP with the goal of opening more opportunities for qualified women and minorities to direct commercials.

Following welcomes from DGA First Vice President Betty Thomas and AICP President and CEO Matt Miller, the attendees were treated to a screening featuring the work of 13 women and ethnic minority directors in the market for commercial production company representation whose work was selected by a blue-ribbon panel of judges who assessed the work of 122 entrants solicited by and submitted to the CDDP.

The screening was preceded by a panel discussion about diversity in commercial directing with Chelsea Pictures co-owner and Executive Producer Allison Amon; Gorgeous Executive Producer Maddi Carlton, indie rep firm Shortlist’s founder Charlie McBrearty, and Amusement Park Entertainment Partner, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Jimmy Smith, moderated by CAA creative executive Geoff Edwards. The evening concluded with a reception during which the attending industry members had the chance to meet with several of the CDDP Showcase directors in attendance. The CDDP plans to present more showcases, mentoring and shadowing opportunities in the future.

• Click here for more information about the Commercial Directors Diversity Program and other DGA Diversity information.