Diversity

Directing Initiative

As part of its ongoing commitment to creating additional access for talented artists of diverse backgrounds, the CBS Diversity Institute has RE-LAUNCHED the DIRECTING INITIATIVE.

  • The RESTRUCTURED PROGAM NOW CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:
    • Applicants must currently be a DGA Member.
    • Applicants must be 21 or older
    • Two (2) demo reels on DVD format
    • Credit list and/or resume
  • THE DIRECTING INITIATIVE WILL BEGIN ACCEPTING NEW APPLICATIONS December 1st through January 31st.
  • The Selection Process will take place during February, 2010 at which time participants who have been accepted into the program will be notified.
  • The Program will run the length of an entire season.


The Directing Initiative will select directing candidates for episodic network television and match 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.

The restructured program is looking for candidates that:

  • Demonstrate a visual perspective in telling a story
  • Are able to execute the best possible performances while capturing the artistic thematic nature of a show
  • Are able to maximize every potential opportunity in enhancing the viewing experience

Individual showrunners will mentor participants during the various stages of production. This informal observation process will afford emerging directors invaluable first hand exposure to the CBS Television 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 and career development. The goal of the Directing Initiative is to prepare directors for potential employment opportunities in television.

The primary focus of CBS' Diversity Institute and the Directing Initiative is to provide access and opportunities for talented and motivated diverse directors with a focus on directors of color.

Eligibility
Applicants must currently be a DGA Member.  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) two (2) demo reels (on DVD format) with a brief description of the material  and 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 Demo 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.