Directors’ Workshop
About the Workshop
The Warner Bros. Television Directors’ Workshop, taught by Bethany Rooney and Mary Lou Belli, co-authors of ‘Directors Tell the Story,’ is an initiative that introduces up-and-coming directors to prime time television. With the backdrop of active Warner Bros. Television sets as the learning environment, and top television directors, cinematographers and showrunners as the instructors, those selected to the program will have the opportunity to participate in a workshop that is unparalleled in the industry. Directors will be taken through the full process of episodic directing, from what is expected during prep, to working collaboratively with actors and key crew during production, through post-production.
The Warner Bros. Television Directors Workshop features multiple components, all geared towards preparing the director for a successful career in television.
The Warner Bros. Television Workshops have sadly been discontinued. Unfortunately we have no current information about potential future opportunities.
Master Class
This eight-week course is taught by Bethany Rooney and Mary Lou Belli, who have collectively directed over 300 episodes of television. Based on their book Directors Tell the Story, the class will feature guest speakers, including showrunners, directors, cinematographers and editors. Each session will teach a new skill essential for prep, production, and post.
Cinematography 101
This subset of the workshop will cover cameras, lighting and blocking. Learn how lens selection, framing the shot and lighting help tell the story you want to tell.
Shadowing
Some directors in the program will be offered the chance to shadow a director on an episode of a Warner Bros.-produced show. The inside look at the day-to-day work of a television director, and the connections made on set, will be priceless tools in preparing the director to take on their own episode.
How to Apply
Current Resume
Your resume should be uploaded in pdf format and include all past work experiences, directing-related and beyond.
Personal Statement
A personal statement is no longer than a page, double spaced (no more than 2,000 characters, including spaces). It should tell us why you want to be an episodic directors and how your background will add a unique perspective to directing television.
Two Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from industry professionals in pdf format. No more than two letters of recommendation may be submitted.
Directing Portfolio
Applicants must submit work according to the specified requirements detailed on our Portfolio Requirements page; no exceptions will be made. Be sure to check links and passwords before submitting, and make sure that all passwords and links remain active through May 2021. Applicants are encouraged to submit work they feel best exemplifies their overall skills, particularly within the scope of WB shows. No sizzle reels or scene selects, please.