DGA Monthly

DGA members seeking advice on how Directors and Assistant Directors can best support each other on set received input on this subject during the Director Development Initiative (DDI) online workshop, Best Practices for Partnering with Your AD. The online event held on November 21 featured Directors Shahrzad Davani and Matt Sohn, Director/1st AD Courtney M. Franklin and 1st AD Scottie Gissel in a conversation moderated by Director Daniella Eisman that covered the unique roles and responsibilities for each side of this equation and explored where there are opportunities for collaboration. Covering how they can situate themselves and the shows they are working on for success, the Assistant Directors shared how they best support Directors and the Directors shared their approaches to collaborating as guests across different shows. During the exchange Davani disclosed what she looks for in partnering and noted the skills and qualities she appreciates most, saying it is important to have humility and to recognize the humanity in each other. She also noted the importance of adaptability — pivoting when the schedule needs to change on the spot and therefore trying to be as prepared as possible for every scenario. Highlighting how Directors and ADs can communicate and solve problems together on set, Sohn shared how he relies on his AD to inform him and "bring him up to speed" on the show as a guest Director. Sohn appreciates knowing that he can trust his 1st AD — highlighting that "it's great to have that shorthand and to [be able to] hit the ground running and know that you have someone you can fall back on." Similarly, Franklin shared that as a 1st AD, she prioritizes clear communication and ensuring that the Directors she works with do not feel isolated. As a Director, Franklin discussed how important it is for everyone on the team to know each other's names and remarked that "when everyone feels a part of a process, they do a better job." On the subject of how to work together most effectively, Gissel offered tips such as being open, honest, forward-thinking, and willing to extend grace toward each other as potentially diffi cult situations arise. Gissel noted that 1st ADs are problem solvers and facilitators "whose focus is to create a straight path ahead and that the better equipped 1st ADs are to bring to the table the Director's vision — as a united front, we can make it happen.". Image: (Clockwise) Directors Shahrzad Davani and Matt Sohn, 1st AD/Director Courtney M. Franklin 1st AD Scottie Gissel and Director Daniella Eisman (moderator) Best Practices for Partnering with Your AD A Director Development Initiative Lab See more detailed descriptions, additional photos and video, where available, online at www.dga.org. See more detailed descriptions, additional photos and video, where available, online at www.dga.org. DGA Events Roundup It's not just about the stories we tell, but the people we choose to tell them with. James Burrows Caring is Infinite Caring is Infinite MPTF exists through the generosity of others like James Burrows. In honor of our 100 years of service, please play a part in supporting our entertainment community. Read more about how we are the safety net for an industry, and why it matters to you, at MPTF.com. MPTF_100-halfpage_JB_002.pdf 1 12/15/22 10:22 AM

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