On June 3, the Women’s Steering Committee (WSC) meeting featured the panel discussion, The Multi-Camera Mystery: Unpacking the Multi-Cam Format.

In a conversation moderated by Director Jade Jenise Dixon (Raven's Home), Directors Jody Margolin Hahn (The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia), Kelly Park (Grace & Frankie), Lynda Tarryk (The Conners) and Natalie Van Doren (Night Court) and Producer Mona Garcea (Two and a Half Men) pulled back the curtain on the unique creative, technical, and collaborative processes behind multi-camera production and revealed what makes a strong multi-cam Director, Assistant Director, Associate Director and Unit Production Manager in this fast-paced, precision-driven environment.

The panelists also shared their personal journeys into the multi-camera space, their approach to prepping, blocking both cast and cameras, working with live studio audiences, and how the experience differs from single-camera directing.

During the conversation Hahn compared working on kids’ multi-cam shows versus adult ones, citing that kids’ programming is constrained by schooling hours and often involves more VFX than shows like Night Court or The Conners.

Park who directs both single- and multi-camera shows, spoke about the distinctions between the two. While she enjoys both, she noted that multi-cam presents more logistical challenges and moving parts.

Tarryk explained the importance of the Switcher and Associate Director — roles unique to multi-cam productions. The Switcher live-edits the show for a studio audience, requiring perfect pacing, while the Associate Director collaborates closely with the Director on camera blocking.

Van Doren provided a breakdown of her five-day workflow as a First AD, from leading production meetings to managing shoot days. She emphasized her role in supporting and sometimes protecting the Director, cast and crew.

Garcea shared her perspective as a Producer. She reassured attendees that when Directors aren’t hired, it’s often not about skill — but about energy, chemistry with the cast and fit with the team. She added that she’s always observing new talent, even from afar.

Moderator Dixon concluded the evening by acknowledging that multi-camera directing is a complex format that typically requires shadowing before stepping into the role and expressed gratitude for ADs like Van Doren who actively support and uplift women Directors.

ABOUT THE PANELISTS:

Director Jody Margolin Hahn Hahn’s directorial credits include the movie for television Holiday in Santa Fe; the pilot for How We Became the Biggest Band; and episodes of The Conners, Call Me Kat, Night Court, Bunk'd, That Girl Lay Lay, Lopez vs. Lopez, Side Hustle, Sydney to the Max, Fuller House, Bizaardvark and Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn. She and Directors Eva Longoria and Jeff Melman shared a 2021 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Fiction Program for Ashley Garcia: Genius in Love. Hahn has been a DGA member since 1989.

Director Kelly Park Park’s directorial credits include episodes of The Neighborhood, Grace & Frankie, Lopez vs. Lopez, Poppa’s House, The Upshaws, Frasier, Night Court, The Ms. Pat Show, Call Me Kat, The Game, Bunk’d, Family Reunion, Country Comfort, Punky Brewster, Alexa & Katie, Sydney to the Max, Coop and Cami Ask the World, Team Kaylie and Mad About You. Park has been a DGA member since 2018.

Director Lynda Tarryk Tarryk’s directorial credits include the television special Dragging the Classics: The Brady Bunch; and episodes of Night Court, The Upshaws, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, Act Your Age, The Conners, Lopez vs. Lopez, How I Met Your Father, Call Your Mother and All That. She is a three-time Emmy nominee for Outstanding Directing for a Multiple Camera Live Action Series for episodes of Raven’s Home. Tarryk has been a DGA member since 2004.

Director Natalie Van Doren Van Doren’s directorial credits include episodes of That Girl Lay Lay and Side Hustle. Previous to directing, her Assistant Directing credits include episodes of Night Court, Shifting Gears, Mad About You, Disjointed, Mom, Lab Rats and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. She also worked on the DGA Award-nominated episode “Second Step: Homeroom” of The Healing Powers of Dude directed by Richie Keen. Van Doren has been a DGA member since 2001.

Producer Mona Garcea Garcea’s producing credits include Jon Gunn’s feature The Unbreakable Boy; and episodes of Night Court, Disjointed, Mike & Molly, Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory.

Director Jade Jenise Dixon (moderator) Dixon’s directorial credits include episodes of Kold x Windy; and the film festival award-winning shorts Yellow Inside, Sunrise and Dog Park. She was nominated for a 2023 Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Multiple Camera Program for an episode of Raven’s Home. Dixon has been a DGA member since 2022

ABOUT THE COMMITTEE:

The Women's Steering Committee (WSC) was created to advance the professional interests of its members, and to heighten their visibility and career opportunities in the entertainment industry. The WSC currently promotes diversity through sponsoring net-working events, screenings and seminars, and fosters relationships between the members to provide support, mentoring and networking opportunities.

• For more information about the WSC, click here to visit their webpage.