The Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Diverse Directors Program is being launched by the studio to provide access for highly qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to potential episodic directing opportunities on scripted one-hour and half-hour SPT series.
The Los Angeles-based program allows its participants to shadow veteran Directors Guild of America (DGA) directors on episodes of various scripted SPT series. Participants will also meet with SPT studio creative executives, executive producers and producing directors on scripted SPT series, as well as diverse veteran DGA TV directors, while they take part in an intensive episodic directing workshop and attend guest speaker events.
Those participants who do well during the first season of the program may have the opportunity to be invited back to direct an episode of a scripted SPT series the following season.
Those participants who secure a shadow assignment on an episode, which will include pre-production, production and post-production (3 or more weeks), will be paid a weekly stipend when actively shadowing on any aspect of the production. Shadow assignments may be on episodes produced for 2 consecutive Fall to Spring TV broadcast seasons. The duration of any shadow assignment and the number of shadow assignments will be at the sole discretion of SPT.
The program is open to all individuals who can submit verification that they have the legal right to work in the United States on SPT productions for the duration of the program. Previous professional TV production experience is strongly preferred but not required.
To be eligible for the program, the following MUST be submitted correctly online:
WORK RESUME/BIO: A detailed employment history for the past 5 years must be scanned and uploaded to the website.
STATEMENT OF INTENT: An essay limited to one page double-spaced in 12 point font explaining how your background and previous work experience make you uniquely suited for this program. Must be scanned and uploaded to the website.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: 2 letters signed and dated from entertainment or media industry professionals who have viewed and can comment on your work must be scanned and uploaded to the website.
VIDEO SUBMISSION: A single example of work directed by the applicant in the past 3 calendar years. All applicants must provide ONE completed narrative piece that demonstrates excellent linear story-telling skills with an observable beginning, middle and end and indicates an aptitude for scripted episodic TV.
Examples of appropriate directing samples include the following:
A narrative short film or video.
TV pilot created for traditional television distribution.
TV episode made for series distributed via traditional broadcast or cable channels.
Feature-length movie that has either received distribution or was accepted to a top-tier film festival.
Digital short or digitally distributed webisode that has generated no less than 10,000 views online.
Commercial spot that has aired nationally or locally. No spec commercials.
Music video created for Billboard ranked musical artists.
All submissions must be final sweetened cuts. Trailers, rough cuts and compilation reels will not be accepted.
SUBMISSION LEGAL RELEASE FORM: You must carefully read the terms and conditions, click on the “I Accept” button, and submit your e-signature. If you do not complete this step, you will not be eligible for the program and your entire application will be rejected by the online application system.
The application process will open on May 23, 2014 and close on May 30, 2014 or the date at which the program receives a total of 500 applications, whichever occurs first.
There is no application fee.
In June and July 2014, applicants must be available for interviews, either in person or by video conference. Those finally selected to enter the program will be notified by August 1, 2014. Participants in the program selected for shadow assignments will begin shadowing in late August/September 2014.
To apply, when the application period begins on May 23, click HERE.