AWD SOUTH Directing Actors Workshop
AWD South hosted a fantastic day at Assembly Studios in Atlanta where AWD Directing and Ally Members and invited guests joined for a Directing Actors Workshop and end of year celebration. Selected directors presented scenes with actors and received coaching on directing techniques from AWD South Advisor Terri J. Vaughn. The attendees engaged in a group discussions about the work and concluded the day with a celebration of community.
AWD x Universal Composers Initiative Speed Networking
On Monday, November 17, a handful of AWD members had the opportunity to join a speed networking event with the talented composers from the Universal Composers Initiative (UCI) on the Universal Studios Lot.
Designed to spark future creative collaborations, the afternoon brought together AWD directors and a hand-picked group of emerging composers, many already scoring studio films, animated series, and documentary projects. Conversations were lively, thoughtful, and rooted in a shared commitment to building long-term relationships across disciplines.
The Universal Composers Initiative is a two-year program from Universal Filmed Entertainment Group that supports experienced composers from both traditional and non-traditional backgrounds, providing access and visibility within the studio scoring ecosystem. Their work to expand inclusion in creative roles aligns deeply with AWD’s mission to advance women and gender-expansive directors.
We’re grateful to the UCI team for inviting our directors into the room and to our members who participated. Opportunities like this help build bridges that strengthen our community and open doors for meaningful collaboration.
AWD x Television Academy Directors Peer Group Mixer
Interim Executive Director Kylie Eaton hosted a vibrant in-person mixer in New York City in partnership with the Television Academy Directors Peer Group, bringing directors together for an afternoon of connection, collaboration, and community. Attendees enjoyed lively conversation, new industry relationships, and shared creative inspiration over light refreshments. It was a warm, energizing gathering that strengthened our network of directors and creative on the East Coast.
Lunch + Learn with Shamel Studio
Shamel Studio walked attendees through the essentials of using their platform to streamline workflows. Topics included:
• How to efficiently build a professional shooting schedule, including key criteria to consider
• How to create a realistic production budget and manage limited resources effectively
A recording of this workshop is available to AWD Directing Members in the AWD Presents tab of their Member Center.
Production Services 101 with We Make Movies
AWD kicked off our new partnership with We Make Movies through an info-packed virtual workshop demystifying indie production logistics, from insurance and permits to SAG-AFTRA agreements and payroll. WMM’s team offered clear, practical guidance to help directors navigate every stage of production with confidence. As part of this partnership, all AWD members now receive a standing 20% discount on WMM services; check the Member Center for the discount code.
Virtual Social Sunday
Attendees of November’s Social Sunday found a safe and supportive space to share about their suffering from the fall out from the fires, industry contraction, world events and personal and professional strife. Many wins and bright spots of hope were also shared. Participants found solace in not being alone in their struggles and inspiration in the idea of mourning what we’ve lost and finding new joy in discovery.
AWD Founder Jennifer Warren Jennifer shared her gained perspective from her trip to Egypt where she thought about how civilization can survive and change over so long and how the US has so much future ahead. She shared a vision of hope for AWD through community and caring.
Works in Progress Program
The AWD Works in Progress (WIP) is an interactive and fun program that offers peer to peer feedback on rough cuts. This support helps Directing Members shape their films before launching a film festival run or seeking distribution.
November’s event included a Week to Watch feature film. Attendees were provided a link to Zuzana Gedeon‘s feature documentary “Travels with Owly” a week ahead of the event, with the discussion happening during the workshop. Participants then screened short films by Kelsey Corbin (“The Beard”) and ZhiMin Hu (“The Unexpected Reunion”) for review as well Meg Swertlow‘s directing reel.
