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WSC Networking Mixer
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Kari Skogland, director and co-chair of the Women's Steering Committee (WSC), recently moderated a panel discussion for the committee's 2002/2003 TV season kickoff networking mixer.
"It's a work-oriented mixer geared to below the line," Skogland said. "We do certainly service directors, getting them face time with all the different shows and other people that they need to meet to get work, with the focus on the upcoming shows for the new season."
The panel discussion focused on what's involved in crossing over from features to television. Betty Thomas, multi-talented director, actress and producer, said, "The pilot seems to be the place where a director can set a tone and style and have input in a big way. For an existing show, a director, or anyone coming onboard, should not come in acting like they know it all, especially with a long-running show. They're walking into an established family and shouldn't forget that they're the newest member."
There was a consensus among the panel that HBO and Showtime are the best at giving the director appropriate time to develop a script and having a hand in casting.
HBO executive Jennie Sherwood said that HBO looks for a director with a voice and a strong point of view. Ten years ago an actor was considered either a small- or big-screen actor but that philosophy no longer holds true.
Veteran Jonathan Kaplan, a producer and director on ER since 1997, said, "Most of us who champion diversity, who are trying to get as many women and minorities hired on our shows, find it impossible to do so when the scripts are never on time."
Following the discussion, attendees were given the opportunity to have two 20-minute four-on-one conversations with VIP industry professionals.
The WSC was created in 1979 by six female members of the DGA to represent the interests and needs of women members.
by Julie Robinson
photos by Joe Coomber
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