Visual History Program

Acclaimed variety television director Don Mischer discloses the details behind his successful career directing some of the most well known and watched live television events in history -- from Super Bowl halftime events and musical specials -- to Olympic opening ceremonies and the 2008 Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial.

Director John Glen (For Your Eyes Only, A View to a Kill, The Living Daylights) discusses working his way through the studio system of Great Britain as an editor, second unit director and sound editor to directing five James Bond films—the most by any director.

Veteran sitcom and pilot director and producer James Burrows (Cheers, Frasier, Taxi) discusses his vast, critically acclaimed and award-winning career directing some of the most iconic series from the 1970s to the present day.

French director Agnès Varda (La Pointe Courte, Cléo from 5 to 7, The Beaches of Agnès) discusses her long career creating documentaries, features, and mixtures of the two that pre-dated and inspired several film movements of European cinema.

Milos Forman recounts his infatuation with film as a child during World War II and the difficulties of working under the post-war Czech communist regime. He describes the creative freedom and challenges he found in the USA. He also describes his working philosophy and appreciation for creative rights.

Musical and variety director Martin “Marty” Pasetta discusses his long career directing the Academy Awards and Grammy Awards, and what it was like directing Elvis Presley as 1 billion people worldwide tuned in.

Australian Director Simon Wincer (Lonesome Dove, Free Willy) discusses his career in feature films and mini-series, shares stories from his many Westerns, and describes the importance of being passionate and prepared on set.

Director Richard Benjamin (My Favorite Year, Mermaids) discusses his directorial career helming features and movies for television and explains the transition he made from actor to director.

Director Randa Haines (Children of a Lesser God, The Ron Clark Story) discusses her career in feature films and movies for television, sharing, among other highlights, how she selected Marlee Matlin from a background role and directed her to an Oscar-winning performance.

Veteran commercials director and one of the real life Mad Men, George Gomes, discusses his long career in advertising, creating some of the most well-known and remembered commercials in history for such brands as Alka-Seltzer, Crest, American Airlines and Volkswagen.

Assistant Director and Production Manager Abby Singer talks about his career in features and television, his involvement in the Guild, and his personal perspective on changes in the entertainment industry spanning 50 years.

In this DGA Visual History video, Jesús Treviño discusses his career as a director of documentaries, episodic series and movies for television. Treviño also shares his working philosophy, his responsibility as a director in representing his community and his involvement with the DGA’s Latino Committee.

Veteran news associate director and stage manager Esperanza “Candy” Martinez discusses her long career working for the news crew of WABC in New York, her mentorship of new directors, and her “passion projects” directing documentaries on African-American quilt making.