Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1542090
On November 20, DGA members seeking advice on how Television Directors and Assistant Directors work closely together learned more about this subject during the Director Development Initiative (DDI) virtual lab Back to Basics: A Director's Guide to Working with an Assistant Director. In a conversation moderated by Director Gia-Rayne Harris, UPM Canella Williams-Larrabee, 1st AD John Mattingly, 2nd AD TJ Hallett and DGA Assistant Executive Director Faith Santilla highlighted Assistant Directors' roles and responsibilities, shared insight and examples for when Directors should go to their Assistant Director for support, and spoke about what Directors should know about what their rights are when selecting their Assistant Directors. In response to Harris' question about the role of the AD, Mattingly discussed how he sees his work as a 1st AD as being a collaborator and partner with the Director. He noted the unique opportunities and challenges in working in episodic television, specifically, and described how he serves as a liaison on set by providing key information and understanding everyone's perspectives and ideas. As a UPM, Williams-Larrabee emphasized the importance of communication, sharing that she always makes sure to introduce herself to the Director on day one to let them know that she is a part of their team and that she is there to support them if they have any questions or if any issues arise. Hallett echoed Mattingly and Williams-Larrabee, further noting how crucial prep is and how the more prepared and specific Directors are about their needs and their vision, the better supported they can be by their directorial team. Hallett also discussed the critical role of the 2nd AD in ensuring that actors are ready and on time and shared how the role can be especially helpful to Directors who are new on set by helping to facilitate time to meet with and get to know the actors. Santilla offered insight into Director's creative rights when it comes to selecting and collaborating with their Assistant Directors. She discussed the 17-201 waiver, providing details about its inclusion in the contract and highlighting why it is important for Directors to know about it. She emphasized that if members have questions, "anytime is a good time to call the DGA." Photo Clockwise: Director Gia-Rayne Harris, UPM Canella Williams-Larrabee, 1st AD John Mattingly, 2nd AD TJ Hallett and DGA Assistant Executive Director Faith Santilla. Back to Basics: A Director's Guide to Working with an Assistant Director A Director Development Initiative Workshop 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. See more detailed descriptions, additional photos and video, where available, online at www.dga.org. DGA Events Roundup DGA Video Portal Updates No matter where you are, you can now conveniently explore the Guild's video collection, brought together in one place in the DGA Video Portal. We have curated some of the best selections from the archives highlighting the craft of the Director. The Video Portal currently features clips and full videos from DGA events including: To see these clips and more, start your exploration of the DGA Video Portal at www.video.dga.org Director Lucia Aniello on how she considers a visual language when blending comedic and dramatic tones in Hacks. Director James Wan on how he favors the buildup over the payoff when crafting an effective scare. Director Glenn Weiss on the planning, preparation and secrecy that went into the Little John reveal during the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Director Robert Townsend on perceiving "low points" in his career, the importance of timing and enjoying the ride.