Second Annual two-day immersive experience featuring hands-on workshops and insider access with today’s leading directors and executives
LOS ANGELES –May 14, 2026 – Acclaimed Director Paul Feig (The Housemaid, Bridesmaids) will deliver a keynote address at Alliance of Women Directors’ second annual Back to Set symposium, taking place June 12-13 at Woodbury University in Burbank, CA. Feig’s keynote sets the tone for two days of inspiration, practical insight, and unparalleled access to the voices shaping today’s directing landscape.
This two-day directors’ intensive is open to all genders. It brings together top talent from television, film, and streaming for panels, workshops, masterclasses, and networking experiences designed to sharpen production skills, build confidence, and prepare directors for on-set success.
“Paul Feig’s participation brings both creative authority and genuine advocacy to Back to Set,” said AWD’s Executive Director Kylie Eaton. “His body of work and perspective on building sustainable, successful careers in today’s industry are invaluable. His presence will be both inspiring and deeply instructive for our members.”
Paul Feig is a DGA-winning and Emmy-nominated filmmaker, writer, producer, author, and founder of production companies Pretty Dangerous Pictures and Feigco Entertainment. He most recently directed and produced The Housemaid, starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, which earned over $400 million at the global box office, becoming Feig’s most successful film to date. Feig is currently in pre-production on a sequel, The Housemaid’s Secret, set for release on December 17, 2027. Feig has a proven track record of films that have grossed over 1.6 billion dollars worldwide, including Bridesmaids, Last Christmas, The Heat, Ghostbusters, Spy, A Simple Favor, and its sequel, Another Simple Favor, which broke records as Prime Video’s second most-watched original thriller ever. Feig also launched Powderkeg Media, a digital content company that championed new voices with a commitment to female, LGBTQIA+ creators and filmmakers of color through their Powderkeg: Fuse program, which produced sixteen short films written and directed by diverse female filmmakers. He created and launched his own award-winning gin brand, Artingstall’s, which won Best Gin and Double Gold at the 2019 WSWA competition, and a cocktail book titled “Cocktail Time!” that was released by William Morrow.
Back to Set is presented by AWD with generous support from Starz, First Entertainment Credit Union, Imgn.ai, Scriptation, Shamel Studio, and ShotDeck. Funds raised from this event will support AWD’s year-long mission and programming for women and gender-expansive directors.
Tickets are available now at https://www.backtosetla.com/.