Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Women Directing Mentorship

Overview: Prestigious mentorship program pairing rising female directors with established episodic directors on Shondaland-produced television series.

Partner: Shondaland (founded by Shonda Rhimes)

Program Details:

  • Opportunity: Shadow an established director on a Shondaland-produced series

  • Duration: Full series shadow experience

  • Focus: Female directors and directors of color

  • Launched: 2018 in partnership with Shondaland
  • Past Winners:

  • 2022: Gia-Rayne B. Harris (shadowed on a Shondaland series; later directed on Chicago PD)

  • 2020: Tamika Miller (has since directed two episodes of ABC's Station 19)

  • Previous winner: Jennifer Morris (completed shadow on Station 19, ABC)
  • Eligibility Focus:

  • Rising female directors

  • Women of color

  • Diverse perspectives
  • Geographic Scope: Global

    Organization: SeriesFest in partnership with Shondaland

    About Shondaland: Prolific storytelling company producing shows including Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Scandal, How To Get Away With Murder, Station 19 (ABC), Bridgerton, Inventing Anna, and Notes on Love (Netflix)

    Contact: seriesfest.com

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Submit application materials through SeriesFest
    2. Application reviewed by panel including SeriesFest and Shondaland team members
    3. Semi-finalists selected for recognition
    4. One winner announced annually

    Required Materials:

  • Directing samples/reel

  • Resume

  • Statement of interest

  • Project portfolio (short films, etc.)
  • Specific submission details available on SeriesFest website.

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    artswomenmentoring

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