Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1535542
1 2 I D G A M O N T H L Y Application Process Opens in August for 2026 DGA Director Development Initiative Mentorship Program The DGA provides programming focused on education, networking, career development and mentorship around episodic television directing through the Director Development Initiative (DDI). Since the program launched in 2016, hundreds of members have completed the mentorship program as Protégés and/or engaged with learning opportunities through the DDI Labs. Applications for the 2026 DDI Mentorship Program will open on Monday, August 4, 2025 and close on Wednesday September 3, 2025. Links to the application will be available on www.dga.org. In preparation for the opening of the 2026 Program Application process, below are details regarding the new format for the program and the materials prospective applicants will be asked to provide as a part of the application submission process. There will be two programs for applicants to consider: The Craft Development Program • Primary Purpose: Craft-Building — building new, and/or refining existing, directorial skillsets for working in television and learning how to navigate the episodic landscape. • Program Eligibility: DGA Members who are in good standing with the Guild and have directed three or less television episodes. • Location: Los Angeles-based with remote components. The Career Development Program • Primary Purpose: Career-Building — networking with key industry players and learning how to make career advances (there will also be opportunities for craft-development, although this will not be the primary focus). • Program Eligibility: DGA Members who are in good standing with the Guild and have directed three or more television episodes. • Location: Los Angeles or New York with remote components. Applicants for both programs will be required to submit the following on the online application: • A description of your educational background and/or training as it relates to directing. • Discuss why you want to be paired with a mentor and how this experience will help you to achieve your career goals. • A selection of your preferred genre (i.e., comedy, drama, both). • A selection of your preferred format (i.e., single-camera, multi-camera, both). • And a compilation reel of your work which should not exceed five minutes. Applicants will also be required to submit: • One completed work sample that follows a traditional narrative structure (no time requirement). • A recorded "Director's Statement" video to accompany the submitted narrative work sample and to provide applicants with the opportunity to discuss their submitted work and unique vision as a Director. • A recorded elevator pitch video of up to 60 seconds answering the following question: "Why should you be selected for this program?" (All video submissions should be viewable on a public video hosting platform like YouTube or Vimeo. Downloads will not be accepted as submissions. Applicants are permitted to password protect their videos but should provide the password with the submission and ensure the video is available for at least six months.) For more information regarding the 2026 DGA DDI Mentorship Program Application cycle please contact Alexis Stanton, Administrator of DEI Programs at astanton@dga.org.