STARZ #TakeTheLead Directors Program with AWD

View full announcement HERE.

Who is eligible?
Directors who meet all of the following requirements:

• AWD members who are in good standing or who have submitted an application to join by Saturday, May 15th at 11:59pm PT
• Have yet to direct an episode of television
• Meet the program requirements (see below)

What are the program requirements?
Within the past five years, applicants will have directed at least one of the following:

• A movie-of the-week for a broadcast, cable, or streaming platform.
• An independent feature film that has been accepted to a current Academy Award-qualifying and/or top-tier festival (from the Festival List below) OR distributed on a major platform.
• Directed at least 3 projects. Projects can be short films, webseries, music video and/or commercial/promotional content; at least one that was accepted and screened at a current Academy Award-qualifying and/or top-tier festival (from the Festival List below), distributed on, or commissioned by, a major platform.

What is the timeline to apply to the STARZ program?
Submission window is now May 1-23, 2021.
In June and July, applications are reviewed through an independent process culminating in selected candidates moving to the next round.
In August, STARZ executives will meet with twelve (12) select candidates and choose the six (6) final participants to meet with STARZ showrunners for further consideration.

How many directors will be selected?
Three (3) finalists will receive a commitment to staff.

Where can I find the application for the STARZ program?
AWD members can find a link to the application on the program’s CALENDAR PAGE. Please note that you must login to access this information.

What is needed for the application?
AWD members will be asked to submit the following materials:

• LINK to member AWD page 
• LINK to their reel(s) 
• Title(s) of project(s) that meet(s) submission requirements including names of distribution platforms (ABC, Netflix, Lifetime, etc) or distribution company (Magnolia, EOne, Mar Vista, etc.) and dates released
• LINK to projects listed above with passwords if applicable
• Shadowing experience, if any
  • Please list: Name of Show, Name of Director you shadowed, Dates you shadowed, Phase of production (pre-, shoot, post-) for each gig.
• Credit list (Including all on-set experience)
• A personal statement (500 words max) that includes: 
  • What led you to become a director? What draws you to want to direct episodic television?
  • Which television style/format do you connect to the most and why?
  • What skills and experiences would make you a strong episodic director (e.g. life, education, and hands-on experience)? 
  • Tell us something about your background and values as they relate to your desire to direct an episode of a Starz show?

Can I apply if I am not a member of AWD?
Potential members must submit an application to join AWD by Saturday, May 15th at 11:59pm PT in order to apply to the STARZ program.

Accepted FESTIVAL LIST