DGA members gathered in the Guild's New York boardroom on April 30 for an informative discussion about the director's role in the development of projects. The panel discussion, The Art of Development, was part of the Eastern Directors Council's (EDC) Focus on Women seminar series and featured a panel discussion with directors, producers and entertainment attorneys well-versed in the subject.
The panel included Director Nicole Kassell (A Little Bit of Heaven, The Woodsman, The Killing), who is currently developing an adaptation of Barbara Kingsolver’s novel Prodigal Summer; Producer Rachael Horovitz (Moneyball, About Schmidt, Grey Gardens), who is currently developing close to 25 projects including Edward St. Aubyn’s “Patrick Melrose” novels for Channel 4 in the UK; Producer/UPM Lydia Dean Pilcher (The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Namesake, The Reluctant Fundamentalist) who has worked very closely with directors such as Mira Nair, Kathryn Bigelow Barry Levinson, and Wes Anderson in the development of various projects for film and television; and Entertainment Attorney Jacqueline Eckhouse, a partner of Sloss Eckhouse Law Co., who focuses on motion picture, television and new media contract negotiation. Director Lara Shapiro (Labor Pains) served as moderator of the discussion that also looked at strategies for success throughout various phases of the development process.
Following a welcome from Focus on Women Committee Chair Linda Laundra, the panel explored subjects such as: how a director collaborates with producers and writers; how to protect your rights as a director throughout the development of a project; the importance of patience throughout the process; and budgeting issues. After the discussion, the floor was opened to questions from the audience.
The members of the EDC’s Focus on Women Committee are: Directors Linda Laundra (chair), Lara Shapiro, Nicole Kassell, Laura Belsey, Barbara Defina, Peggy Rajski, Rosemary Rodriguez, Rose Troche, Martha Mitchell, and Sarah Pirozek.
The Committee would like to remind members that while their events are designed with a special focus on women directors, all DGA members are welcome to attend.