Directing
Launched in 2001, the Disney General Entertainment Content (DGE) Directing Program is one of the longest-running programs of its kind in the television industry. The program has launched the episodic careers of several directors, including Seith Mann (The Walking Dead, Elementary), Zetna Fuentes (Grey’s Anatomy, Jane the Virgin), Nzingha Stewart (How to Get Away with Murder, A Million Little Things), Jaffar Mahmood (Modern Family, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) and Jude Weng (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Fresh Off The Boat).
Over the years, participating directors have secured shadowing and directing assignments on series such as ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and Black-ish, Scandal; Freeform’s Pretty Little Liars and The Fosters; Fox/20th's The Resident, and Disney Channel’s K.C. Undercover, among others.
In 2021, the DGE Directing Program evolved from a shadowing program to one that will commit episodes to first-time television directors on DGE scripted series.
"The Walt Disney Television Directing Program has taught me what I didn't know about the 'business' of television directing. It has exposed me to an impressive, inspiring group of industry professionals and provided opportunities to promote myself, as a director, in television executive offices as well as on set."
ABOUT THE DIRECTING PROGRAM
The DGE Directing Program is a highly-selective, annual program for diverse television directors. The program guarantees first-time TV episodes to directors on a DGE scripted television series. Directors receive mentorship, on-set shadowing experience, and limited professional development prior to directing their episodes.
REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be able to legally work in the United States and be at least 21 years of age. Material must be directed by a single director. Material directed by directing teams will not be accepted. Previous professional experience working in television production is strongly preferred, but not required. Past participants who entered the program with television production experience (e.g. acting, assistant directing, etc.) have found that knowledge beneficial in connecting with executives, producers, and production teams.
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WHEN TO APPLY
The DGE Directing Program accepts applications in the summer of every year. Please follow our Facebook page for occasional updates and to access the application.
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HOW TO APPLY
Once the application goes live for a program cycle, the application, instructions and FAQs will be available via our Facebook page, together with program acceptance notifications and all announcements.
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ACCEPTABLE MATERIAL
Please reference the application, instructions and FAQs, when published on our social media pages, for specific content submission guidelines, as they change from year to year. The extensive criteria for judging material might include, and is not limited to: execution of storytelling; originality; shot selections; talent performances; and overall production value.
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NOTIFICATION PERIODS
Due to the volume of submissions received, those not accepted will not be notified. Please check our Facebook page for announcements regarding individuals selected to join the directing talent pool. Selection timelines may vary year to year.