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DDI LAB

Sharing Our Stories: Spotlighting Directors Who Work on Multi-Camera Shows

May 28, 2026

A Director Development Initiative Virtual Lab

DGA members interested in learning more about how Directors work in the multi-camera space received valuable information when the Director Development Initiative (DDI) hosted the lab, Sharing Our Stories: Spotlighting Directors Who Work on Multi-Camera Shows. Held online on May 28, the lab featured experienced episodic television Directors Lynda Tarryk (The Conners) and Phill D. Lewis (Night Court) who shared their unique approaches to storytelling and highlighted some best practices for how you can achieve technical efficiency and fulfill your creative vision during a conversation moderated by Director Mary Lou Belli (The Ms. Pat Show).

During the session Lewis and Tarryk discussed what their prep process looks like and offered tips on how to manage their daily tasks on set. They highlighted the importance of Directors being prepared and blocking in advance, while also remaining open to changes that may need to occur in real time. To illustrate this point, they provided examples of times when they had to make in-the-moment decisions about which shots would tell the better story or would be funnier for the script.

Lewis and Tarryk also revealed how they communicate and collaborate effectively with others on set and navigate the opportunities and challenges that may arise while working within the multi-camera format.

DGA Members can watch the full video from
Director Development Initiative events by clicking here.
ABOUT THE PANELISTS:

MaryLou BelliMary Lou Belli (moderator)
A two-time Emmy Award winner, Belli has been directing television for over 30 years in many genres from sitcoms to procedurals to documentaries. She is the co-author of four books: The NEW Sitcom Career Book, Acting for Young Actors, PERFORM: Acting for the Screen and Directors Tell the Story which she co-wrote with fellow DGA member Bethany Rooney. She was recently nominated for her 3rd Primetime Emmy for Comedy Directing for The Ms Pat Show where she also serves as Executive Producer. A DGA member since 1987, Belli has served on the Western Directors Council, as an alternate to the DGA National Board, as a co-chair of the Women’s Steering Committee and as a mentor for the Women’s Steering Committee’s WSC Squad Mentorship Program.
 

Phill D LewisPhill D. Lewis
Lewis’ directorial credits include episodes of The Upshaws, Night Court, Lopez vs. Lopez, Bunk’d, Bob Hearts Abishola, iCarly, Call Me Kat, The Neighborhood, One Day at a Time, Superior Donuts, Dr. Ken, The Odd Couple, Undateable, 2 Broke Girls, Mike & Molly and The Suite Life on Deck. He was nominated for a DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Children’s Programs for his 2021 Head of the Class episode, "Three More Years." Lewis has been a DGA member since 2006.

 

Lynda TarrykLynda Tarryk
Tarryk’s directorial credits include the television special Dragging the Classics: The Brady Bunch; and episodes of The Upshaws, Night Court, 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.

 
About the Director Development Initiative:

The Director Development Initiative is designed to provide current information on the Director’s craft in order to further the Guild’s goal to increase diversity and inclusion in the industry. The DDI Lab series is an ongoing initiative that hosts regular workshops virtually and in person.


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