After the recent decision to reshape its director training program, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has announced its new Access Directors program.
WBD has rebranded and expanded the Directors Program to help and nurture TV directors through workshops and shadowing, led by WBD’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) team. Entrants will have the opportunity to direct a full television episode of WBD. In addition to workshops, directors will have the chance to work on WBD shows and participate in a virtual program focusing on best practices and equity mindset sessions, with the opportunity to shadow directors. on up to two TV episodes (during which participants can receive a small childcare allowance).
In October, Warner Bros. Discovery has revealed that, as part of a broader restructuring of Warner Bros. TV Group, its writers’ studio and its longtime directors’ studio would go from Warner Bros. Television at the DEI unit of the conglomerate. It was said that the new Writers and Directors Workshop “will build on the successful program launched by WBTV and expand it across the entire WBD content portfolio.” Also, the original workshops did not have a specific DEI objective, but the new program does.
Directors Mary Lou Belli and Bethany Rooney, who previously taught the Warner Bros. Television and are co-authors of “The Directors Tell the Story,” return to lead the program and the in-person workshop. Belli and Rooney will provide up-and-coming directors with insight into all facets of television, including developing episodic television, preparing expectations, and collaborating with cast and crew.
“We are thrilled to continue the legacy of the director program and expand the program, which will continue to include Warner Bros. Television productions and will also feature shows across the entire Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio,” said Karen Horne, senior vice president of DEI. “These programs are key to cultivating underrepresented emerging talent and equipping them with the skills and experience needed to succeed in the industry.”
Administrators interested in participating can apply until March 20, via the application portaland those selected will begin the program in June.