AWD Hosts The Directors’ Playbook: Strategies Women and Gender-Expansive Directors Use to Win Panel at 2026 Alta Global Media Summit at HollyShorts Film Festival
On Monday, August 17, at the 2026 Alta Global Media Summit at HollyShorts Film Festival, Icon Members Jen McGowan, Morenike Joela Evans, and Hanelle M. Culpepper gathered for a panel during which they shared the strategies, preparation, and leadership practices that help women and gender-expansive directors thrive on set.
Throughout the panel, they emphasized respect. From reading the script before stepping onto set to giving thoughtful feedback to actors one-on-one instead of in front of the entire cast and crew, Jen, Morenike, and Hanelle talked about how respect for collaborators, crew, and talent creates an environment where fearless storytelling can flourish.
Moderated by Candice Carella, “The Directors’ Playbook: Strategies Women and Gender-Expansive Directors Use to Win” offered an inspiring and practical look at the challenges directors face and the tools they use to overcome those challenges, including leading with confidence, building strong creative partnerships, and bringing your true self to every set you step onto.We’re grateful to our Icon Directors and moderator for sharing their insights and helping empower storytellers. And thank you to all of the AWD members who came out to support.
Virtual Production for Directors
By popular demand, AWD brought more virtual production education to our community with an introductory workshop led by writer/director and virtual production specialist Katerina Munis.
Designed specifically for directors, the session demystified LED volume filmmaking and explored everything from worldbuilding and previsualization to collaborating with VADs, cinematographers, production designers, and technical teams.
Attendees left with a stronger understanding of virtual production workflows, their creative possibilities and limitations, and how to determine when these emerging tools are right for their stories.
AWD x CSA MIXER
AWD members came together with our friends at the Casting Society for a summer evening of conversation, connection, and community!
Directors had the opportunity to meet and build relationships with casting professionals in a relaxed, informal setting—and plenty of new connections were made.
We loved seeing potential collaborators meet, colleagues reconnect, and our creative networks continue to grow.
2026 AWD SUMMER MEMBER BASH
AWD members gathered at Rosegold Saloon for our Annual Summer Member Bash, an afternoon dedicated to celebrating our community and all we’ve accomplished together this year! Members connected with new and familiar faces, built relationships, celebrated one another’s wins, and got a sneak peek at what AWD has in store for 2027. It was the perfect way to close out the summer as we head into a busy fall!