Diversity

Diversity Institute

Directing Initiative

As part of its ongoing commitment to creating additional access for talented artists of diverse backgrounds, the CBS Diversity Institute has launched the Directing Initiative.

The program identifies promising directing candidates and matches them with directors of CBS Television Network drama and comedy series. The goal is to bridge the gap for those talented directors attempting to break into network television.

Individual series directors will mentor participants during the stages of prep, production and post-production. This informal observation process will afford new and emerging directors invaluable, first hand exposure to the network episodic directing process.

In addition to getting a chance to observe the in-depth technical aspects of the process, this observation experience allows participants to begin to form relationships with showrunners, producers, network executives and other significant players.

The Directing Initiative is not employment and there is no monetary compensation. It is instead, a program of personal exposure to the process of television directing, career development and access to executives and decision-making processes. The goal of the Directing Initiative is to prepare aspiring directors for later employment opportunities in television. The most promising candidates will have enough experience to make a relatively rapid transition to episodic directing.

Eligibility
The primary focus of CBS' Diversity Institute and the Directing Initiative is to provide access and opportunities for talented, motivated diverse directors -- especially directors of color. Aspiring directors with a strong desire to direct on a CBS television series are encouraged to apply. You must be 21 or older to be eligible.

Application Materials
Each submission must be complete in order to be considered. A completed application packet includes: 1) Application, 2) Letter of Interest, 3) Work Resume or Bio, 4)The CBS Directing Initiative is seeking creative, talented and highly motivated individuals to participate. Please send two (2) copies of your sample reel (your best work - on VHS or DVD format) and include a brief description of the material and an explanation of your creative involvement with the work on the reel (i.e. director, producer, director of photography, editor, writer, etc.) 5) A signed, notarized Submission Release form.

Contact information must include an e-mail address for further communication from CBS.

Unfortunately, if any of the above materials are missing, the submission will not be processed.

Sample Reel
Commercials and music videos do not qualify as submissions.

All sample reels and any written material submitted will be destroyed once the selection process has been completed.

Click here for application instructions to the Directing Initiative Program

Click here to download the Submissions Release Form