On November 26, the Asian American Committee’s (AAC) meeting included the event, Survival Skills for Directors: Using Motivation, Mentorships and Magic to Forge a Successful Directing Career. In a conversation moderated by Director/AAC Alternate co-chair Debbie Formoso, Director/AAC co-chair Michael Goi shared tips on transitioning from an affiliated Director role, including the essential technical skills every Director should master, how personal interests and family life can enhance your career, and how to discover your unique directing style.
During the conversation Goi shared the story of how he made his transition from a cinematographer on the series, American Horror Story when he was asked to direct an episode after having already worked as the DP on 38 episodes of the show. He would go on to direct four episodes of that series and with that experience was accepted into Warner Bros Discovery Access Directors program. Prior to working in television, Goi credited his experience as cinematographer on over 60 low-budget feature films as his “personal directing school,” as he gained invaluable knowledge watching Directors solve problems and engage the craft on set. He noted the importance and power of mentorship, specifically for emerging Directors, to witness how an experienced Director resolves each situation when everything is going wrong on set.
Goi also shared his love for job interviews, noting that the interview is the only time the project will be “perfect,” before budget problems, temperamental actors, and other issues arise. He noted that period is a perfect opportunity to be yourself and show your passion, without any of the pressure of having to deliver on the job yet.
ABOUT THE PANELISTS:
 Director Michael Goi
Goi’s directorial credits include the feature films Megan Is Missing and Voyeur; the pilot of Avatar: The Last Airbender; and episodes of Big Sky, Sexy Urban Legends, Pretty Little Liars and American Horror Story. He currently serves as a member of the DGA Special Projects Committee and is Co-Chair of its Digital Day Subcommittee. He also currently serves as a Co-Chair of the DGA Television Diversity Task Force, the Asian American Committee and the Special Projects Committee; and as an Alternate on the Western Directors Council. Goi has been a DGA member since 2015. |
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 Director Debbie Formoso (moderator)
Debbie Formoso is a director, writer and producer, who has worked on countless narrative and commercial projects for over 20 years. She has directed cinematic, emotionally compelling ads for major studios like Disney and ABC, as well as prominent brands such as Land Rover, Stella Artois and Powerade. Her teaser promo for Disney's American Born Chinese was granted a Bronze award at the 2023 Clios. In 2022, she was selected for Ryan Murphy's Half Initiative program, and shadowed EP/director Brad Buecker on 911: Lone Star. She is a proud alumna of Loyola Marymount University's Graduate Film program, and has been mentored by cinematographers Jeff Cutter (Prey) and Matthew Libatique, ASC (A Star is Born). Her short film Nagpapanggap premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, and won Best Short Film at the Hawaiian International Film Festival. She is also a former fellow of Film Independent's Project:Involve. Her recent short script Take Me with You is a semi finalist for 2024's PAGE International Screenwriting Awards. |
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About the Asian American Committee:
The Asian American Committee (AAC) was created as a networking group to provide a forum for interests and issues that concern Asian-American Guild members. Through outreach efforts in the entertainment industry that emphasize career development and skills enhancement, the committee provides a variety of networking opportunities as well as screenings, seminars and discussions with industry professionals.