Starz, in collaboration with the Alliance of Women Directors (AWD), has proudly announced the initiation of the Creative Leadership Lab, a novel four-week program meticulously designed to bolster the careers of women and gender-expansive individuals directing episodic television.
This pioneering initiative targets a critical juncture in a director's professional trajectory: the period following their initial episodic directing role, before they secure consistent, recurring engagements within the industry. The curriculum is structured to deliver comprehensive leadership development, invaluable mentorship, and practical professional instruments. These resources are specifically tailored to empower participants in cultivating enduring and thriving careers in television production. Through a rigorous independent assessment, the Alliance of Women Directors will select six members to partake in this intensive program. Eligible candidates are those who have directed a single television episode, an independent film, documentaries, or distinguished short-form, commercial, or digital projects, and who exhibit a compelling creative vision coupled with a readiness for leadership in episodic content creation. Participants will engage in mentorship and leadership training modules specifically designed to enhance their communication proficiencies, assert their authority on set, and master other crucial skills essential for navigating the complexities of episodic television production. Furthermore, the program's influence will extend through a public discussion panel, hosted by Starz at the Alliance of Women Directors' second annual "Back to Set" directing intensive, thereby broadening its reach and impact.
This announcement is strategically timed during Women's History Month, preceding International Women's Day on March 8, highlighting the ongoing dedication to fostering equality and representation within the entertainment sector. The Creative Leadership Lab aligns seamlessly with Starz’s #TakeTheLead campaign, which champions narratives by and about women and underrepresented communities, ensuring their prominent presence both in front of and behind the camera. This initiative not only promises to elevate individual careers but also strives to enrich the television landscape with diverse perspectives and narratives, thereby reinforcing the industry's commitment to inclusivity and equitable opportunities for all.