Prepare to have even more “Scandal” in your life.
The Hollywood Reporter writes that ABC surprise-released six webisodes of “Scandal: Gladiator Wanted” on January 19. The web series, an offshoot of Shonda Rhimes’ crazy-popular ABC soap, was created and directed by “Scandal” actress Darby Stanchfield.
According to the source, “Gladiator Wanted” follows Olivia Pope’s co-workers — aka the Gladiators — “Huck (Guillermo Diaz), Quinn (Katie Lowes), and Marcus (Cornelius Smith Jr.) as they are tasked with finding an intern for Olivia Pope & Associates.” The web series reportedly ties the fifth and sixth seasons together. It also serves as Stanchfield’s (“Mad Men,” “Waitress”) directorial debut.
Stanchfield says she realized she wanted to direct from working with co-star Tony Goldwyn on the “Scandal” episodes he helmed. “This huge lightbulb went off” and she asked herself, “Why aren’t any women actresses directing on ‘Scandal?’” Especially since Shondaland is “a very supportive company for women, for diversity, for you name it,” according to Stanchfield.
Before taking the plunge as director, Stanchfield worked closely with Shondaland’s Betsy Beers for two years. She also “turned to a few of ‘Scandal’s’ regular helmers, including producing director Tom Verica, to learn the ropes,” THR details.
Before long, Stanchfield met with Rhimes and the digital department to discuss the prospect of her directing. “Forty-eight hours later, I pitched ‘Gladiator School’ [what became ‘Gladiator Wanted’], they promoted Juan Carlos Fernandez to write it, and he took my idea to another level,” she said.
This is far from the first time someone in the Shondaland family has been groomed for creative promotion. Many writers on Shondaland shows have become showrunners in their own right (Pete Nowalk, “How to Get Away With Murder,” and Allan Heinberg, “The Catch”) and their actors frequently work behind the camera (“Grey’s Anatomy’s” Chandra Wilson and Debbie Allen, “Scandal’s” Scott Foley).
We applaud Rhimes and Beers for cultivating a supportive work environment and for fostering first-time female directors, especially. It’s clear that these successful women want to spread the wealth and mentor other women in the industry.
“Shondaland is all about supporting people to grow and expand their talents,” Stanchfield told THR. “Less than 10 percent of all TV directors are women and Shonda is not one to shy away from making television look like the real world; she has a very clear vision and is generous and pragmatic about empowering others…”
It sounds like the beginning of a fruitful new career for Stanchfield. She hopes to direct an episode of “Scandal,” as well as a project completely separate from the Shondaland shows.
All episodes of “Scandal: Gladiator Wanted” are available on ABC.com and the ABC app. Season 6 of “Scandal” premieres January 26.
