ABC/Disney is now looking for aspiring filmmakers.
Do you know of any up and coming filmmakers? Would you love to work on a Disney production? Launched in2 011, the Disney/ABC Directing program is one of the longest-running programs in the TV industry.
According to Disney/ABC Creative Talent Development and Inclusion, the program has launched the careers of directors including:
Seith Mann (The Walking Dead, Elementary), Zetna Fuentes (Grey’s Anatomy, Jane the Virgin), Nzingha Stewart (The Fosters, Pretty Little Liars), Jaffar Mahmood (The Real O’Neals, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) and Jude Weng (Crazy, Ex-Girlfriend, Fresh Off The Boat).
Participating directors will not only gain the right set of skills to direct TV shows, filmmakers will be able to network with industry decision-makers and working on assignments for such hit TV series such as ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal; Freeform’s Pretty Little Liars and The Fosters; and Disney Channel’s K.C. Undercover.
From Disney/ABC:
ABOUT THE DIRECTING PROGRAM
The two-year professional directing program, which spans two television seasons based upon ABC’s production calendar, recruits experienced directors on the cusp of making the transition into episodic directing. The primary goal of this program is to afford Program Directors access to develop relationships with DATG executives and productions. Those selected to participate in the program become part of the Disney | ABC Directing Program directing talent pool. DATG executives, executive producers and/or producing episodic directors select individuals to shadow on an episode or episodes of produced television. Shadowing assignments are not guaranteed; however, if an assignment is secured, the program director will shadow production and shooting. Observing post-production is solely at the discretion of producers. Drama assignments typically run three or more weeks, and comedy assignments usually run one to two weeks. Directors on shadowing assignments will receive a paid stipend in the amount of $950.00 per week when actively shadowing on any aspect of a production. The duration of an individual’s participation is at the discretion of DATG executives, executive producers and/or episodic directors.
How to Apply:
The application requirements and submission process for the Disney | ABC Directing Program may vary each submission period. During the submission period, please refer to the posted application for definitive guidelines.
Applicants must be able to legally work in the United States and be at least 21 years of age. The material must be directed by a single director. Material directed by directing teams will not be accepted. Previous professional experience working in television production is strongly preferred, but not required. Past participants who entered the program with television production experience (e.g. acting, assistant directing, etc.) have found that knowledge beneficial in connecting with executives, producers, and production teams. Those applying must submit a completed application and the following.
1) A single project directed solely by the applicant within the last three (3) calendar years. Material directed by directing teams will not be accepted.
2) Résumé A detailed summary of employment history for the past ten (10) years. Applicants can list projects officially selected at major film festivals but please exclude the following: independent feature projects that were not distributed by a major production studio; and/or television projects that have not been broadcast on network, cable or streaming service.
3) Essay (Limited to one paragraph): Please refer to the detailed application instructions made available during the open submission period for the essay question. The application essay question may vary each submission period.
4) Letters of recommendation (These letters are encouraged but not required).
- Two letters maximum, signed and dated, from film and television professionals who have viewed and can comment on the applicant’s strengths as a director. This would include network, studio and production executives, writers/producers, episodic and feature directors and educators (e.g., professors) who have film or television experience and/or produced credits. Letters from representatives (e.g., agents, managers or attorneys) will not be accepted. Letters must be on either corporate or personal letterhead with a name, contact information, and dated in the current calendar year. It is recommended that those signing recommendation letters include either a title or a brief introduction indicating their position or affiliation.
- Recommendation letters must be included with your application.
For more information and to apply click here.
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