Starz and the Alliance of Women Directors have joined forces to introduce the Creative Leadership Lab, a groundbreaking four-week program designed to empower women and gender-expansive directors in advancing their careers in episodic television.
This initiative is aimed at filmmakers who have secured their first episodic directing opportunity but are looking to establish themselves as consistent and sought-after talents in the industry. The program will offer leadership development, mentorship, and essential tools to help directors forge long-lasting and successful careers in television.
The Creative Leadership Lab is a key component of Starz’s #TakeTheLead initiative, which is dedicated to promoting stories by and about women and underrepresented communities, both in front of and behind the camera.
Six participants will be selected by the Alliance of Women Directors through a rigorous evaluation process from its membership. Eligible candidates must have directed a single episode of television, an independent feature, documentaries, or notable short-form, commercial, or digital projects, demonstrating a strong creative vision and readiness for episodic leadership.
Participants will engage in mentorship and leadership training focused on enhancing communication skills, on-set authority, and other essential competencies needed to navigate the complexities of episodic television production.
The program will also expand its impact through a public panel hosted by Starz at the Alliance of Women Directors’ “Back to Set” directing intensive, which is returning for its second year.
Applications for the Creative Leadership Lab are set to open later this month. For more information, interested individuals can visit the Alliance of Women Directors’ website.
This announcement coincides with Women’s History Month and precedes International Women’s Day on March 8th. It underscores the ongoing commitment to empowering and uplifting women in the entertainment industry.
