Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/861371
2 I D G A M O N T H L Y Directors Discuss Cinematic Television at 2017 TCA Press Tour photos by Elisa Haber On July 29, the DGA hosted a television directing panel, "The Director's Vision: Cinematic Television," during the Television Critics Association (TCA) annual summer gathering at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The panel was a follow-up to the Guild's inaugural TCA panel in 2015 showcasing the work of TV comedy directors. DGA President Thomas Schlamme opened the event by thanking the audience of prominent TV critics and reporters who increasingly highlight "the enormous contribution that directors make in this collaborative medium," then introduced the panel of four leading episodic directors representing series on basic cable, premium cable and high-budget SVOD programs — Anthony Hemingway (Underground), Michelle MacLaren (The Deuce), Daniel Sackheim (Jack Ryan) and David Slade (American Gods). During the discussion, the panelists noted how the changing nature of television, particularly in cable and streaming, has heightened the prominence of episodic directors and agreed that the gratifying work of creating cinematic television was not without its challenges. The journalists were eager to ask panelists questions about the craft, the changing nature of television, and the collaborative process of directing episodic television. photos: 1. Directors Anthony Hemingway, Michelle MacLaren, Daniel Sackheim and David Slade form the panel for the DGA-hosted discussion "The Director's Vision: Cinematic Television" at the Television Critics Association summer gathering. 2. DGA President Thomas Schlamme speaks to the television critics. See more photos and coverage from this event online at www.dga.org. DGA Launches Orientation Course on Professional Standards for Episodic Directors photos: 1. Directors Michael Spiller, Tom Verica, DGA President Thomas Schlamme and DGA Past President Paris Barclay. 2. First-time Episodic Directors and veteran instructors attend the DGA's Orientation Course. 1 2 On July 15, the DGA held its inaugural Orientation Course on Professional Standards for Episodic Television Directors. The orientation was codified in the 2017 Basic Agreement to support individuals who seek to develop careers in television directing by providing training for them on the role, responsibilities and obligations of directors. DGA Past President Paris Barclay, who led the course together with directors Tom Verica and Michael Spiller, opened the session, stating: "Our intention is to outline a comprehensive set of requirements that you will need to succeed in this endeavor, so we've put together a list of the best practices of the best Directors working today." Throughout the day, participants also learned about the standards of the craft, their creative rights as directors, and the Guild's resources that are available to them. The orientation, which will take place on a regular basis throughout the year, is a requirement for all first-time episodic television directors – individuals who have not previously directed a theatrical motion picture, a television episode or made for new media episode of a dramatic series (including a mini-series), a long form television motion picture, or a made- for-home video project. See more photos and coverage from this event online at www.dga.org. 1 2