On June 1, the DGA Special Projects Committee presented another installment in its Directing for Professionals series with Directing Episodic TV: Getting the Job. Members gathered in the Los Angeles Headquarters Boardroom to receive information about how to maintain and grow a career in the competitive episodic television industry.
Following an informal networking breakfast, the session kicked off with presentations about the psychological skills and practical tools needed to get directing jobs in episodic television. These sessions were led by Career Coach and former Episodic Director Art Dielhenn (Head of the Class; Sister, Sister) and Clinical Psychologist Dr. Philip Pierce, a lecturer at UCLA who often works with directors, writers and actors on issues concerning creativity. The presentations covered a number of subjects such as how to view a career as a business; ways to create a strong network of advocates; how to remain objective and manage anxiety, fear and stress; and methods for presenting yourself optimally on set so you will get asked back again.
Following the presentations, the audience heard more aspects of this process during a panel discussion featuring Episodic Director-Producer Todd Holland (Go On; Sons of Tucson), Episodic Director Rosemary Rodriguez (The Good Wife; Hawthorne), Talent Representative Paul Alan Smith of Equitable Stewardship for Artists, and HBO Entertainment Senior Vice President Michael Hill. The discussion, moderated by Director Michael Zinberg (90210; The Good Wife), also included a Q&A so that audience members could pick the brains of the panelists.
The Directing for Pros series is designed to keep members up-to-date on developments in the industry and deepen their understanding of their craft. Workshops and seminars on various film and television related topics are offered each year.