Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is now accepting applications for this year’s Diverse Directors Program. The initiative gives emerging directors from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to shadow veteran directors on SPT series, as well as helm their own webisodes.
Fifteen semi-finalists will be selected for the Diverse Directors Program’s episodic directing workshop, which features six evenings of instruction and conversations with working directors, production personnel, and entertainment professionals. Five finalists will then be chosen to work with seasoned TV directors on Sony shows. “Those participants who do well during the first season of the program may have the opportunity to be invited back to direct an episode of a scripted SPT series the following season,” the program’s website notes.
The 2018 Diverse Directors Program will kick off in October and run through spring 2019.
Last year’s finalists participated in the production of series including “Preacher,” “Atypical,” “The Goldbergs,” and “The Blacklist.”
“It’s crucial that our talent is reflective of the diversity of our audience,” Jeffrey Glaser, EVP Scripted Programming at Sony Pictures TV, told Deadline. “The Diverse Directors Program has enabled Sony Pictures Television to be home to a wide array of new voices in the creative community. We’re looking forward to working with another group of emerging directors from all walks of life.”
Diverse Directors Program applications must include a work résumé/bio, a statement of intent, two letters of recommendation, and a video submission. The application period will be open until July 16, 2018 or until the program receives 400 applications, whichever comes first.
Apply to the Diverse Directors Program or find out more via its website.
