WSC-DirectingTheLead
Directing the Lead, Collaborating with #1 on the Callsheet
A DGA Women's Steering Committee Meeting Panel Discussion
During the WSC meeting in July, Directors Neema Barnette, Rachel Lee Goldenberg, Monica Levinson, Darnell Martin and Tara Miele shared their experiences working with lead Actors on a series or feature in a conversation moderated by Director Drew Ann Rosenberg.

Jul 1, 2025

During the WSC meeting in July, Directors Neema Barnette, Rachel Lee Goldenberg, Monica Levinson, Darnell Martin and Tara Miele shared their experiences working with lead Actors on a series or feature in a conversation moderated by Director Drew Ann Rosenberg.

Jun 3, 2025

During the WSC meeting in June, Directors Jody Margolin Hahn, Kelly Park, Lynda Tarryk and Natalie Van Doren and Producer Mona Garcea pulled back the curtain on the unique processes behind multi-camera production during a conversation moderated by Director Jade Jenise Dixon.

May 19, 2025

Applications for the 2026 Program will open on Monday, August 4, 2025 and close on Wednesday September 3, 2025.

May 3, 2025

During the WSC meeting in May, Director Kestrin Pantera, moderated a discussion with Producer Valerie Steinberg and Seed&Spark Founder and CEO Emily Best focused on strategies for packaging projects for investors.

Mar 29, 2025

This event featured a panel discussion about importance of storytelling in challenging times with Directors Meera Menon, Frankie Shaw, Nzingha Stewart and Ry Russo-Young, moderated by Women’s Steering Committee Co-Chair Shaz Bennett.

Dec 6, 2024

Leaders from the DGA’s Diversity Committees came together for a discussion on how we can intentionally move forward together as our Guild becomes increasingly more diverse.

Oct 27, 2024

This event featured a panel discussion about what it takes to blend genres in film and television with Directors Lucia Aniello, Thembi Banks, Zoe Lister-Jones and Jennifer Phang moderated by Director Amy Aniobi.

Oct 25, 2024

Analysis of demographic hiring trends shows stable episodic television employment at studios and streamers for female Directors and Directors of color despite reduced production. Report releases a first look at data for hiring among LGBTQ+ and disabled communities. Despite gains for television Directors, inclusive hiring for members of the directorial team remains challenging.

Oct 23, 2024

The program pairs mid-career Directors with well-established Director mentors.

Sep 14, 2024

DGA’s Women’s Steering Committee celebrated their WSC Squad Mentorship Program with a brunch at the Guild’s Los Angeles Headquarters.

Jul 17, 2024

During the WSC meeting in July, Director Debbie Allen discussed her career during a conversation moderated by Director Morenike Joela Evans.

Jun 19, 2024

During the WSC meeting in June, Directors Susanna Fogel, Maggie Kiley and Natalia Leite shared their insights on pilot directing during a conversation moderated by WSC Co-Chair Shaz Bennett.

May 22, 2024

During the WSC meeting in May, Directors Rachel Goldberg, Kelly Park and Jennifer Phang and Circle of Confusion Partner/Manager Leslie Maskin discussed maximizing your relationship with your representatives during a conversation moderated by WSC Co-Chair Valerie Weiss.

Mar 20, 2024

During the WSC online meeting in March, Directors Charissa Sanjarernsuithikul and Dawn Wilkinson and Writers Yvette Lee Bowser, Nkechi Okoro Carroll and Chitra Sampath discussed the importance of creative collaboration in a conversation moderated by Director Amy Aniobi.

Jan 17, 2024

During the WSC online meeting in January, Directors Anya Adams, Jessica Lowrey and Daniella Eisman shared how the made the jump from AD to Director in a conversation moderated by WSC Co-Chair Shawn Pipkin-West

Nov 4, 2023

This event featured a panel discussion about what it means to be an auteur with Directors Pamela Adlon, Ana Lily Amirpour, Niki Caro, Numa Perrier and Sarah Adina Smith, moderated by Director and WSC Activities & Events Subcommittee Co-Coordinator Mo Perkins.

Oct 18, 2023

During the WSC online meeting in October, Committee Co-Chair Shawn Pipkin-West moderated a conversation with advocates for state and federal benefits, Vicki Shabo and Jenna Gerry.

Oct 5, 2023

The program pairs thirteen mid-career Directors with well-established Director mentors.

Sep 25, 2023

Prospective applicants now have until Friday, October 6, 2023 to submit their application materials online for the DGA Director Development Initiative (DDI) Mentorship Program. The program provides emerging Directors with the opportunity to learn from seasoned episodic television Directors while providing access to career and craft building workshops.

Sep 20, 2023

During the WSC online meeting in September, Co-Chairs and members from the Guild's Diversity Committees engaged in a conversation moderated by Director/WSC member Jen McGowan.

Sep 19, 2023

DGA Members, click here for information about the Directors Guild Foundation's Financial Training for Freelance Employees

Sep 7, 2023

Directors Seith Mann and Bertha Bay-Sa Pan and UPM Canella Williams-Larrabee have been elected Co-Chairs of the EDSC. Directors Eli Gonda, SJ Main Muñoz and Jay Torres Co-Chairs of the LC; and Directors Shaz Bennett and Valerie Weiss and 1st AD Shawn Pipkin-West Co-Chairs of the WSC.

Aug 16, 2023

During the WSC online meeting in August, Directors Jennifer Arnold, Hanelle Culpepper and Bola Ogun and 1st AD Maria Battle-Campbell spoke about logistical and creative concerns of working abroad in a conversation moderated by WSC Co-Chair Tara Miele.

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committee chairs

Video: Founding of the WSC
The DGA Women's Steering Committee was created in 1979, when six female members of the Guild – Susan Bay, Nell Cox, Joelle Dobrow, Dolores Ferraro, Victoria Hochberg and Lynne Littman – convened to research the facts surrounding employment opportunities for women directors.
Gail Mancuso
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Visual History Interview
Director Gail Mancuso discusses her career in episodic television, her diligent preparation before a shoot, and finding excellent performances by letting her actors breathe.
Linda Mendoza
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Visual History Interview
Director Linda Mendoza reflects on her 35-plus year career in television, the importance of continual growth, and her affection for the comedy genre.
Mimi Leder
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Visual History Interview
Director Mimi Leder considers her volume of television and film titles, her growth alongside the early days of digital, and the distinct Directorial tactics that have defined her success.
Mimi Deaton
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Visual History Interview
Associate Director Mimi Deaton discusses her 30-year career in the multi-camera format (The Facts of Life, Martin, Reba, The Neighborhood), her Guild service as a member of the Western AD/SM/PA Council for 23 years and her recognition by the Guild with the Franklin J. Schaffner Achievement Award.
Mira Nair
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Visual History Interview
Mira Nair discusses her 35-plus-year directorial career, highlighting her documentaries (Jama Masjid Street Journal, India Cabaret), independent features (Salaam Bombay!, Mississippi Masala, Monsoon Wedding), and studio features (Vanity Fair, Amelia, Queen of Katwe).
Lee Shallat Chemel
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Visual History Interview
Television director and producer Lee Shallat Chemel (The Middle, Gilmore Girls, Murphy Brown) discusses her long career directing episodic comedy, how she got her start on Family Ties, and the importance of her Guild service.
Penelope Spheeris
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Visual History Interview
Penelope Spheeris discusses her career as a filmmaker, directing documentaries like The Decline of Western Civilization and studio films such as Wayne's World. Spheeris talks about growing up in her father’s traveling carnival, as well as major influences in her life, including Janis Joplin and punk rock music.

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