Fireside Chat with Mary Lou Belli and Alec Jarnagin
The AWD NYC Event Committee hosted AWD Icon Member Mary Lou Belli and Cinematographer Alec Jarnagin for an intimate discussion about the Director/DP relationship.
Guests gathered at Nice Shoes to hear about helpful tips when directing episodic television, with a focus on Elsbeth, the show Mary Lou and Alec recently collaborated on.
Directing Bold Moves: The Voices of Black Women in Action Filmmaking
AWD’s Black Directors Advancement Initiative and the NAACP hosted a dynamic and engaging panel about the relationship between directors, stunt coordinators and performers. Moderated by Millena Gay, the panelists included AWD Icon Member Morenike Joela Evans, Stunt Performer and Coordinator LaFaye Baker, and Stunt Performers Tiffany Abney and Carrie Annie Bernans.
The panelists gave detailed insights on best practices for hiring and working with Stunt Coordinators and Performers.
Journey to Success with Heather Tom
AWD South hosted Actress/Writer/Director Heather Tom for their last Journey to Success interview of 2025. The audience walked away with some powerful takeaways:
• What it really takes to direct daytime television – Heather gave a behind-the-scenes look at the pace, preparation, and creative decision-making required to direct in daytime TV.
• The power of longevity and adaptability – With 35 years in the industry, she shared how evolving with the business is key to sustaining a long career.
• Turning experience into opportunity – She showed how skills gained in one role can open doors to others, from acting to writing to directing.
“Listening to Heather Tom on Journey to Success was truly inspiring. Hearing how she navigated 35 years in the industry while breaking barriers as a woman who acted, wrote, and directed showed me that longevity, preparation, and courage really do open doors.” — AWD Member
Directing the Actor Lab Class #3
The participating Directors in AWD’s Directing the Actor Lab meet once a month to enhance their experience working with actors.
Directors choose a scene from an established screenplay, cast it, and hold a rehearsal during class, where they receive feedback in preparation for shooting their scene outside of class. This month Kali Veach and Lisa Cole presented the rehearsals, with both directors utilizing unique warm up exercises before the scenes and specific adjustments during.
Directing the Actor Lab classes are available to AWD Directing and Ally Members for audit.