DGA members in search techniques to assist them in laying the groundwork to have a productive on-set experience received valuable information when the Director Development Initiative (DDI) hosted the conversational lab, Plan and Prep: Organizing Your Set Days, on August 22.
The online event featured Directors Jim McKay (American Rust), Jennifer Phang (The Cleaning Lady) and Andy Wolk (Manifest) in a conversation moderated by Director Chioke Nassor (Diarra from Detroit) that shared their approaches to pre-prep and prep, offered planning tips, and revealed how their overall prep process helps them to make their day.
All of the panelists highlighted the importance of being prepared and learning as much as possible about a show beforehand, including connecting with directorial team members and other Directors who have worked on the show previously.
Wolk shared that he likes to consult with the Editor during prep and that it is important to him that the editor is included in tone meetings because it is a key partnership throughout the entire process and explained how the Editor can become the Director’s voice after you turn in your cut.
McKay emphasized that communication is key for collaboration and that it is important for Directors to bring a confidence and surety to their ideas, while also being mindful of how to best work with others.
Phang discussed how shot lists are a tool that she uses to establish and communicate her creative vision and shared a few examples of previous shot lists with attendees.
Together, the panelists emphasized the importance of using those first few days on set to observe, develop collaboration, and to understand more about the creative process and language of the show. They and Nassor also engaged in a Q&A on topics such as how to foster good communication on set, navigating tone meetings, and approaching collaboration as guest Directors.
DGA Members can watch the full video from
Director Development Initiative events by clicking here.
ABOUT THE PANELISTS:
 Jim McKay
McKay’s episodic directorial credits includes episodes of the series The Wire, In Treatment, Treme, Mr. Robot, The Americans, The Good Wife, Boss, Breaking Bad, Rectify, Power, The Good Fight,Better Call Saul, Law & Order: Organized Crime and American Rust. He has been a DGA member since 2003 and has served on the Eastern Directors Council, the Negotiating Committee and is a member of the Eastern Independent Directors Committee. |
| |
 Jennifer Phang
Phang’s episodic directorial credits includes episodes of the series The Exorcist, Major Crimes, Riverdale, The Expanse, Cloak & Dagger, The Boys, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Secrets of Sulphur Springs, Resident Alien, Foundation, The Flight Attendant, Stargirl and The Cleaning Lady. She has been a DGA member since 2016. |
| |
 Andy Wolk
Wolk’s episodic directorial credits includes episodes of the series The Sopranos, Arli$$, Damages, Lincoln Heights, Ugly Betty, Criminal Minds, Gossip Girl, Defiance, Shadowhunters, Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce, SEAL Team, Bluff City Law, Station 19 and Manifest. He has been a DGA member since 1990 and has served on the Negotiating Committee. |
| |
 Chioke Nassor (moderator)
Nassor’s episodic directorial credits includes episodes of the series Storytime, *Loosely Exactly Nicole, The Last O.G., High Maintenance, Bigger, Black-ish, Superstore, Little America, High Fidelity, Woke, Girls5eva, Everything’s Trash, Up Here and Diarra from Detroit. He has been a DGA member since 2014. |
| |
About the Director Development Initiative:
The Director Development Initiative is designed to provide current information on the Director’s craft in order to further the Guild’s goal to increase diversity and inclusion in the industry.