On February 12, the Women’s Steering Committee meeting featured the panel discussion, Choreography and the Director's Eye. In a conversation moderated by Director Li Lu, Directors Jeannette Godoy, Maegan Houang, Andrew Thomas Huang and Daniel Scheinert and 2nd AD Jen Willis came together to give an inside look at the vision and collaboration behind their favorite music-forward moments featuring complex choreography across features, television, and music videos.
The panelists shared behind-the-scenes materials and insights from their creative process. Scheinert shared several of Daniels’ music videos, including Lil Jon’s Turn Down for What, starring Daniel Kwan. He emphasized the importance of creating a set environment that encouraged play by embracing the unique nature of how each performer moves. Scheinert also underscored the importance of Directors embodying the enthusiasm and energy needed to create a creatively welcoming, inclusive set.
Huang shared rehearsal videos for FKA Twigs’ Grammy Award-nominated Cellophane and his work with the artist Björk. He spoke about his passion for puppetry, sources for creative inspiration, and how he studies the rehearsal to inspire his visual design.
Hoang showed her work with artists Mitski and Hana Vu, including a one-take video that demanded creative revision to fit location constraints. She underlined the important relationship between choreography and costume.
Gody spoke about her journey from being a choreographer for Selena and on Sir Mix A Lot’s Baby Got Back to stepping into the Director’s chair. Explaining how she translated her skills from dance to directing, she shared a fight sequence from her feature Diamond in the Rough which used her choreography background.
As a 2nd AD for many music-forward titles like P-Valley and AJ & The Queen, Willis shared the intricate prep process and shooting schedule for Spirited, a Christmas musical starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds. With a rehearsal process that spanned dance, vocals, fittings, and daily shooting schedules with hundreds of dancers and stunt performers, she showcased the preparation and team spirit needed for such a complex production and stressed the importance of collaboration between all departments to honor the artistry and execution of these numbers.
All of the panelists highlighted the importance of taking care of cast and dancers through creative preparation and clear communication, specifically amongst AD/UPM teams. Huang underlined the need to protect the performers’ energy when arduous routines are the core of the piece. Willis and Godoy emphasized anticipating the needs of dancers, including providing the proper flooring for rehearsal and on set, and finding solutions for safety and intimacy needs. Houang reflected how working with her AD helped her hone in the creative, and Scheinert shared he and Daniel Kwan’s creative show-and-tell process to align the entire cast and crew.
The event concluded with an audience Q&A covering music video pitching and the creative partnership between artists and Directors.
ABOUT THE PANELISTS:
 Director Li Lu (moderator)Lu’s directorial credits include the feature There is a New World Somewhere; the movie for television Heir Jordan; and episodes of The Resident Echoes and A Town Called Victoria. She has been a DGA member since 2020. |
 Director Jeannette GodoyGodoy’s directorial credits include the feature Diamond in the Rough; episodes of The Garcias, Pure Corazón and Disconnected; and the short films Free 2 Be Me and he Audition. Godoy joined the DGA in 2021. |
 Director Andrew Thomas HuangHuang’s directorial credits include music videos for artists such as Katseye, Sasami, Eartheater, Björk, FKA Twigs, Perfume Genius, Kelela, Avi Buffalo and Atoms for Peace; and episodes of Random Acts of Flyness. Huang joined the DGA in 2022. |
 Director Maegan HouangHouang’s directorial credits include episodes of Three Busy Debras; music videos for artists such as Mitski, Hana Vu, Vagabon and Charly Bliss; and the short films Astonishing Little Feet, In Full Bloom and I Can’t Be Your Superman. Houang joined the DGA in 2021. |
 Director Daniel ScheinertOne-half of the filmmaking duo Daniels with Director Daniel Kwan, Scheinert’s directorial credits include the features Swiss Army Man and The Death of Dick Long; episodes of Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens, On Becoming a God in Central Florida and Childrens Hospital; and multiple award-winning music videos. The Daniels won the “Best Director” Oscar and the 2022 DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film for Everything Everywhere All at Once. Scheinert has been a DGA member since 2010. |
 2nd AD Jen WillisWillis’ Assistant Director credits include features such as William Goldenberg’s Unstoppable, Tina Gordon’s Praise This, Sean Anders’ Spirited, Ben Falcone’s Thunder Force and Kay Cannon’s Blockers; and episodes of Dexter: Original Sin, Rap Sh!t, P-Valley, The Politician, Black Lightning, Rectify, The Red Road and AJ and the Queen. Willis has been a DGA member since 2011. |
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.
