Information about, and links to, television studio Director development programs focused on diversity.
(Schedules and application periods are administered by the studios and are subject to change.)
CBS Directing Initiative.
The CBS Directing Initiative selects directing candidates for episodic network television and matches them with Directors of CBS Television Network drama and comedy series. The goal is to bridge the gap for those talented Directors attempting to break into network television. Must be a DGA member to participate.
- More information available here soon.
Disney General Entertainment Content Directing Program
In 2021, the DGE Directing Program evolved from a shadowing program to one that will commit episodes to first-time television Directors on DGE scripted series. Launched in 2001 as the Disney/ABC Directing Program, the Disney General Entertainment Content Directing Program is one of the longest running programs of its kind in the entertainment industry and is a highly selective annual program for diverse television Directors. Directors receive mentorship, on-set shadowing experience, and limited professional development prior to directing their episodes.
The 2022-23 DGE Directing Program applications go live on Monday, June 6, 2022 They have updated the application process, so be sure to carefully read all application materials, following these steps to submit:
- Read the 2022-23 FAQs
- Read the Application Instructions:
- Complete the online application: Available on Monday, June 6, 2022
- Click here for to visit the website for more information: https://airtable.com/shrGTznOuXv5rbQPA
HBOAccess Programs
The HBOAccess programs have been rebranded as the Warner Brothers Discovery Access programs.
- More information available here soon. Please follow their website for any updates on pipeline initiatives. www.warner-access.com/
NBCU LAUNCH TV Directors Program & Female Forward
The NBCU LAUNCH TV Directors Program and Female Forward is the company’s pioneering scripted directing program created to systemically increase the number of experienced Directors of underrepresented backgrounds in episodic television. The combined program builds on the company’s success as the first episodic directing initiative in the entertainment industry to guarantee that program Directors helm an episode in the same season the initiative in the entertainment industry to guarantee that program Directors helm an episode in the same season that they shadow. Each participant shadows on up to two episodes of an NBCU scripted series before directing an in-season episode of the same series.
During the program, Directors participate in curated workshops to prepare them to shadow, gain the necessary tools for their assignments, and build their professional networks, in order to create a successful career in episodic television directing. The annual program is designed for experienced Directors who want to break into episodic directing and are accomplished in their respective fields including, but not limited to full-length feature films, short films, commercials, music videos, and digital content.
NBCU LAUNCH New Mexico Directors Initiative
The NBCU LAUNCH New Mexico Directors Initiative, in partnership with the New Mexico Film Office, provides valuable shadowing opportunities for film and television Directors on NBCUniversal productions in New Mexico, creating a pipeline of in-state talent for future productions.
Sony Pictures Television Diverse Directors Program
Established in 2014, the Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Diverse Directors Program provides access and exposure for highly qualified candidates from underrepresented communities to the art and business of episodic television directing. SPT Diverse Directors Program Participants meet with SPT creative executives, writers, executive producers, Program Alumni and top working DGA TV Directors while they take part in an intensive episodic directing workshop and attend guest speaker events. Additionally, Program Participants will participate in a craft workshop led by Mary Lou Belli (two-time Emmy Winner) and Bethany Rooney (DGA Diversity Committee Co-Chair), veteran television Directors and co-authors of Directors Tell the Story.
At the conclusion of the workshop discussions, some Program Participants may be selected to shadow Directors on episodes of scripted SPT series. Those participants who secure a shadow assignment on an episode will be paid a weekly stipend when actively shadowing. The opportunity to shadow a Director on an episode of a SPT series and the duration of any shadow assignment will be at the sole discretion of SPT.
The Diverse Directors Program is committed to helping talented artists of diverse backgrounds build TV industry relationships as part of their path to becoming an episodic TV Director.
Paramount ViewFinder Emerging Directors Program
The Paramount ViewFinder Emerging Directors Program is a company-wide initiative which seeks to provide Directors with underrepresented voices an opportunity to enhance their skill set and grow their network. Selected applicants participate in a two-year curriculum focused on honing their craft and professional development. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with network and creative executives with an eye towards shadowing established TV Directors on scripted and non-scripted programming across Paramount’s Domestic Media Networks.
Warner Bros. Directors’ Workshop
The Warner Bros. Television Directors’ Workshop, taught by Bethany Rooney and Mary Lou Belli – co-authors of Directors Tell the Story, is an initiative that introduces up-and-coming Directors to prime-time television. With the backdrop of active Warner Bros. Television sets as the learning environment, and top television Directors, cinematographers and showrunners as the instructors, those selected to the program will have the opportunity to participate in a workshop that is unparalleled in the industry. Directors will be taken through the full process of episodic directing, from what is expected during prep, to working collaboratively with actors and key crew during production, through post-production.