About the Program

The DGA has been providing programming focused on education, networking, career development and mentorship around episodic television directing through the Director Development Initiative. Since the program launched in 2016, 74 members have completed the program as Protégé, receiving invaluable learning and guidance from seasoned episodic directors who support this program through volunteering in service to the preservation of the craft.

Eligibility

All DGA members are eligible to apply for the program under the following conditions:

• Must be a member in good standing with the Guild;


• May have no episodic television directing experience or have directed no more than three episodes of episodic television.

Required Application Materials

• Resume


• Compilation reel which should not exceed five minutes


• One completed work sample that follows a traditional narrative structure


• Sixty second elevator pitch on why you should be selected for this program


• A letter of recommendation

Key Considerations for Prospective Protégé

1. The Director Development Initiative Mentorship Program is NOT a hiring program. Applicants should not apply for this program with an expectation for shadowing or episodic directing opportunities as this program is structured to nurture excellence within the directorial craft.


2. The protégé-mentor matching process is facilitated by a third-party consultant who assists in creating a neutral ground for assessing the appropriateness of a potential pair based on the Mentor’s expertise, the Protégé’s goals, and connections observed during the matching event for program finalists.


3. The DDI Mentorship Program is a free program supported by DGA members, however, members selected to participate will be responsible for all costs related to their participation (i.e. gas, flights, etc,).


4. Finalists will be notified of their selection sometime in November 2023 after which they will be expected to participate in a matching event in Los Angeles or New York in February 2024.


5. Finalists who are successfully paired with a mentor will be notified of their match and expected to attend orientation in Los Angeles or New York in June 2023.


6. Up to 20 "Protégés" (for each coast) will be paired with a veteran television Director – who will serve as their professional guide throughout 2024.

Once you check the box at the bottom of the page acknowledging your agreement to abide by all entry rules, you may begin the application.

Once you begin your application, you may save your progress at any point and return later to add missing elements until you are ready to submit.

The deadline to submit your application has been extended to: 
Friday, October 6 at 5:00 p.m. PT.