On Friday, February 20, Alliance of Women Directors’ Black Directors Alliance Initiative (BDAI) led by Events Chair, Anise Fuller, hosted Blocking Brilliance — Honoring Trailblazing Women of Color Directors, a Black History Month event celebrating the legacy and impact of director Neema Barnette (Civil Brand, Woman Thou Art Loosed On The 7th Day, Genius: Aretha), in conversation with Academy Award–winning actor and director Regina King (One Night in Miami, Forever, A Man in Full).
Held at Quixote Studios in West Hollywood, California, Barnette reflected on her early career, including becoming the first Black woman to direct a sitcom on What’s Happening Now!. She spoke about learning the medium of television quickly and thoroughly, and about the responsibility that comes with being hired for your perspective. Directors, she emphasized, “are often brought in not just to execute a script, but to identify what is not working and help strengthen the story. That requires preparation, confidence, and diplomacy.”
King shared her own experiences working in television and film, including how she chooses her battles and adapts her communication style depending on the room. She spoke about meeting Barnette while directing Being Mary Jane, and how Barnette created an environment on set that made King feel welcomed.
Barnette offered practical advice to aspiring directors. Learn the craft in depth. Know the script better than anyone else. Be clear in your vision, but collaborative in your approach. She encouraged attendees to build community and support one another, noting the importance of sisterhood in sustaining long careers.
The second half of the evening focused on craft. Barnette broke down her approach to blocking and camera setups, explaining how intentional movement and staging shape performance and storytelling. She discussed bringing a cinematic eye to television and maintaining a sense of joy in the work, even within tight production schedules.
AWD member Kira Powell directed a scene live onstage with Barnette’s guidance. Together, they worked through the scene beat by beat. Barnette emphasized identifying physical actions, mapping an emotional beat sheet, and making clear choices about where actors move and why. The exercise reinforced that directing is about translating the script into visual and emotional action.
The evening concluded with a special recognition: Barnette was presented with an award from the Black Entertainment Museum Foundation in honor of her groundbreaking contributions to television and film. The moment underscored the impact of her career and the doors she has opened for generations of Black women, women and gender-expansive directors.
Blocking Brilliance brought together celebration, practical instruction, and community, honoring a trailblazer while equipping the next generation with tools to lead.