Journey to the Screen: The making of LILLY
AWD welcomes Icon Director Rachel Feldman for a special in-person conversation in Los Angeles exploring her journey to making LILLY, the powerful feature film about equal-pay activist Lilly Ledbetter, starring Patricia Clarkson and now streaming on Netflix. A veteran film and television director and writer, Rachel has directed episodes, pilots, and films for studios and networks including MGM, CBS, NBC, ABC, Lifetime, Freeform, Entertainment One, and SYFY.
Rachel will be interviewed by fellow AWD Icon Director Lesli Linka Glatter, a multi-Emmy nominated director whose work spans landmark television series including Homeland, The West Wing, The Morning Show, and Twin Peaks, and who recently served as President of the Directors Guild of America.
Together, they will unpack Rachel’s path from writer-director with a passion for this story to ultimately stepping into the role of producer in order to get the film financed, produced, and distributed. Rachel will walk our members through every stage of the process, including:
- Optioning real-life rights and shaping the screenplay
- Securing partners and raising financing
- Navigating the festival circuit and evolving distribution landscape
- Understanding theatrical, VOD, and streaming pathways
- Learning to pivot, advocate, and build the team the film needed
This candid conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the creative, logistical, and emotional work it takes to champion a socially impactful true story all the way to audiences. A must-attend for developing features, working in social-impact storytelling, or preparing themselves to be the ultimate multi-hyphenate in order to bring their film to life. AWD Directing members can RSVP via the event’s calendar page.
Works in Progress Program — In person at Canon Burbank
The AWD Works in Progress (WIP) is an interactive and fun program that offers peer to peer feedback on rough cuts.
This month, join us for an in-person event at Canon Burbank for the narrative feature The 7th Chakra, directed by AWD member and WIP Chairperson Robyn Symon. Shot in Big Bear, the film follows a tranquil yoga retreat that turns deadly when a group of tech moguls and social media influencers arrive for a weekend retreat.
The film was made possible in part through the AWD / Canon Camera Loan-Out Program, and this event offers a chance to see how the Canon C400 camera and lenses helped shape the film’s visual language. Watch the trailer HERE.
AWD Directing members are invited to RSVP via the calendar’s event page. Food and drink will be provided.
February Social Sunday
Social Sundays are a great place for AWD Directing and Ally Members meet new members and find solace and community.
Join AWD Board Member Anise Fuller for our virtual event on Feb. 17th. Register via the event page.
Directing the Actor Lab Class #5
AWD is pleased to offer the 2025-2026 Directing the Actor Lab with AWD Founder and USC Professor Emeritus Jennifer Warren for virtual auditing by AWD Directing and Ally Members.
ABOUT THE LAB: The participating Directors meet once a month to enhance their experience working with actors. Topics covered include in-depth scene breakdowns, rehearsal exercises and techniques, and playable direction and adjustments for actors.
Purchase an auditing ticket for Class #5 on Feb. 17th via the event page.
AWD South Presents: Journey to Success with AWD Icon Mary Lou Belli
AWD South welcomes Emmy Award–winning director, producer, and AWD Icon Member Mary Lou Belli to the Journey to Success Series for an inspiring and insightful conversation on building a career that lasts. With over three decades of experience directing iconic television series and serving in leadership roles within the DGA, Mary Lou shares hard-earned wisdom on longevity, leadership, advocacy, and navigating the realities of episodic television.
In this intimate conversation, women directors will gain practical tools for stepping into established shows with confidence, leading effectively on set, understanding industry power structures, and advocating for themselves while maintaining creative integrity.
Participants will walk away encouraged, informed, and equipped with strategies to build sustainable, meaningful careers in television and beyond. AWD Directing and Ally members can register via the event’s calendar page.
The VP Shift: Women Powering the Future of Filmmaking
Presented by Alliance of Women Directors (AWD) and Women in Virtual Production (WIP), and hosted in partnership with Synapse Virtual Production, this event brings together creatives, technologists, and industry allies for a dynamic afternoon centered on learning, connection, and opportunity.
Through a live virtual production workshop, open and honest conversation, and intentional networking, attendees will gain practical insight into how virtual production is being used today and where the industry is headed next. More importantly, this gathering creates space for women across disciplines to share experiences, exchange knowledge, and build real relationships in an industry that is still evolving.
Designed for both established VP professionals and those expanding into the space, this event offers direct access to expertise, perspective, and community — all in one room. AWD Directing members can register via the event’s calendar page.
AWD x Roadmap Writers: Genre and Comedy Scripts Pitch Sessions
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! AWD Directing members are invited to join us for a special two-part virtual pitching series presented in partnership with Roadmap Writers. Each session will spotlight a group of talented writers from Roadmaps’ Success Stories pitching original projects in a specific genre to an audience of AWD directors.
These sessions are a great opportunity to hear fresh ideas, connect with repped screenwriters, and potentially find new collaborators. Each writer will pitch for approximately five minutes, followed by a brief Q&A with attending directors.
Loglines and writer bios will be sent to registered directors one week prior to each event.
Register for the sessions via their respective calendar pages: GENRE + COMEDY.
AWD Office Hours
Office Hours with AWD Executive Director Kylie Eaton will resume on January 9th. AWD Directing and Ally Members are invited schedule time using the link in the calendar.