DGA Monthly

2 8 I D G A M O N T H L Y See more detailed descriptions, additional photos and video, where available, online at www.dga.org. DGA Committee Events Roundup What does it take to build a successful directing career across drama and comedy in both fi lm and television? On October 7, the Eastern Diversity Steering Committee (EDSC) invited Arab American fi lmmaker Cherien Dabis to discuss that subject during their meeting discussion, Telling our Stories: A Journey of Creativity, Authenticity and Resilience. In a conversation moderated EDSC Co-Chair Afi a Serena Nathaniel, Dabis — whose directorial credits include episodes of All That's Left of You, Ramy and Only Murders in the Building — opened up about the realities of directing, from developing a powerful visual language and working with actors to navigating demanding sets and bringing nuanced stories to life. She also discussed what shaped her directing philosophy, how she approaches her craft, and what she believes the future holds for diverse voices behind the camera. (Image) Director Cherien Dabis and (inset) EDSC Co-Chair Afi a Serena Nathaniel (moderator). Spotlight on Director Cherien Dabis An Eastern Diversity Steering Committee Discussion On October 6, the Women's Steering Committee (WSC) meeting featured the discussion, Directing Your Feature/Series & Growing Your Audience. In a conversation moderated by Director Aubrey Smyth, Directors Tessa Blake, Maureen Bharoocha and Zoe Lister-Jones discussed how they developed their own distinctive creative voice and got their projects off the ground. The panelists were joined by human design marketing strategist Meredith DeSantos for an exploration of the art of building meaningful connections with an audience. Blake emphasized the importance of thinking creatively about how to reach audiences. Lister-Jones spoke about bringing her series SLIP to life. Bharoocha shared how relationships formed through a women's group and other unexpected connections led to feature opportunities. And DeSantos noted how even a major marketing budget can't compensate for a campaign that misses its audience. (L-R) Directors Tessa Blake and Maureen Bharoocha, Marketing Strategist Meredith DeSantos, and Directors Aubrey Smyth (moderator), and Zoe Lister-Jones. Directing Your Feature/Series & Growing Your Audience A Women's Steering Committee Discussion Vertical format content is currently a $4 billion industry. On October 13, DGA members got information about this growing fi eld via the Asian American Committee's (AAC) meeting discussion, Directing In a Vertical World. AAC Panels Subcommittee Co-Chair Sam Kadi moderated a conversation with Director Michael Goi, 1st ADs Christine Chen and Stephen Harrison, and DGA Director of Contracts Administration Ayelet Ifrah where they defi ned what members need to know about verticals, how to make them, who is making them, who is watching them, and how to get a piece of the action. During the discussion Goi spoke about his introduction to the vertical space and subsequent research on the target demographic. Chen remarked that verticals are a great way to practice and sharpen your craft. Harrison noted how the budget limitations require simplicity. And Ifrah shared how the Guild supports members in the vertical arena and the fl exible nature of the terms. (L-R) Director Sam Kadi (moderator), Director of Contracts Administration Ayelet Ifrah, 1st AD Christine Chen, Director Michael Goi and 1st AD Stephen Harrison. Directing in a Vertical World An Asian American Committee Discussion Follow Us on Social Media Stay connected with the DGA by following us across social media to learn about events and Guild activities. Join the conversation by following our channels today! YouTube: www.youtube.com/@directorsguildofamericaDGA Facebook: www.facebook.com/directorsguildofamericadga DGA Awards: www.instagram.com/dgaawards Instagram: swww.instagram.com/directorsguild

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