June 24, 2021
Los Angeles – Directors Guild of America President Thomas Schlamme today announced the newest graduating class of the DGA Mentorship Program. Part of the DGA’s diversity and inclusion initiative focused on education and career development, the in-depth program pairs seasoned episodic television directors with members seeking to develop TV-directing careers.
“Today we shine a light on our graduating class for their talent, commitment and hard work – and extend our heartfelt gratitude to this exceptional group of accomplished mentors who dedicated so much of their time to teach, to listen, and to set their protégés up for success,” said Schlamme. “Seeking to build a career as an aspiring episodic television director in the middle of a pandemic couldn’t be more challenging, but every one of our graduates chose to take that time to further their education and development so that they can be ready for their moment.”
Graduating Protégés:
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- Abdul Malik Abbott
- John P. Aguirre
- Maureen Bharoocha
- Anna Ramey Borden
- Maria Burton
- Alberto Belli Crifo
- Devon Gummersall
- Julie Herlocker
- Michael Kang
- Paolo Monico
- Leena Pendharkar
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- Keith Powell
- Jabbar Raisani
- Drew Ann Rosenberg
- Jason Shipman
- Evan Silver
- Gregg Simon
- Javier Soto
- Ian Truitner
- Melanie Wagor
- Alphonzo Wesson
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Mentors:
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- Allan Arkush
- Norberto Barba
- Paris Barclay
- Mary Lou Belli
- Jeffrey Blitz
- Mark Cendrowski
- Mel Damski
- Roxann Dawson
- Rodrigo García
- Michael Goi
- Karen Gaviola
- Todd Holland
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- Bob Koherr
- Michael Lembeck
- Melanie Mayron
- Ed Ornelas
- Bethany Rooney
- Lee Rose
- Oz Scott
- Mark Tinker
- Tom Verica
- Ron Underwood
- Andy Wolk
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A number of DGA Mentorship Program graduates have gone on to work as episodic television directors. Graduate bios can be found on the DGA Member Directory at: www.dga.org/The-Guild/Members.aspx.
The DGA has been pressing studios, networks, and producers to be more inclusive in hiring for four decades. The Guild’s efforts include: collective bargaining gains requiring television studios to operate TV director diversity programs; ongoing meetings with studios, networks and individual series regarding their hiring records; and publicized reports detailing employer hiring patterns. In addition, the Guild itself has initiated a variety of TV director mentorship and educational programs to support the career development of its members.
For more information about the DGA’s mentorship program and diversity and inclusion efforts, visit: www.dga.org/The-Guild/Diversity.aspx