The DGA provides programming focused on education, networking, career development and mentorship around episodic television directing through the Director Development Initiative (DDI). Since the program launched in 2016, hundreds of members have completed the mentorship program as Protégés and/or engaged with learning opportunities through the DDI Labs. Applications for the 2026 DDI Mentorship Program will open on Monday, August 4, 2025. Please note that the application deadline has been extended to Monday, October 6, 2025 at 5:00 pm PT. Links to the application are available below.
Follow these links to apply:
Below are details regarding the new format for the program and the materials prospective applicants will be asked to provide as a part of the application submission process.
There will be two programs for applicants to consider:
The Craft Development Program
- Primary Purpose: Craft-Building — building new, and/or refining existing, directorial skillsets for working in television and learning how to navigate the episodic landscape.
- Program Eligibility: DGA Members who are in good standing with the Guild, have directed three or less television episodes and have not already participated in a previous cycle of the DDI Mentorship Program.
- Location: Los Angeles-based with remote components.
The Professional Development Program
- Primary Purpose: Career-Building — networking with key industry players and learning how to make career advances (there will also be opportunities for craft-development, although this will not be the primary focus).
- Program Eligibility: DGA Members who are in good standing with the Guild and have directed three or more television episodes.
- Location: Los Angeles or New York with remote components.
Applicants for both programs will be required to submit the following on the online application:
- A description of your educational background and/or training as it relates to directing.
- Discuss why you want to be paired with a mentor and how this experience will help you to achieve your career goals.
- A selection of your preferred genre (i.e., comedy, drama, both).
- A selection of your preferred format (i.e., single-camera, multi-camera, both).
- And a compilation reel of your work which should not exceed five minutes.
Applicants will also be required to submit:
- One completed work sample that follows a traditional narrative structure (no time requirement). (For Craft Development applicants they may also submit a work sample that shows their visual storytelling skills outside of a traditional narrative structure.)
- A recorded “Director’s Statement” video (up to two minutes) to accompany the submitted narrative work sample and to provide applicants with the opportunity to discuss their submitted work and unique vision as a Director.
- A recorded elevator pitch video of up to 60 seconds answering the following question: “Why should you be selected for this program?”
(All video submissions should be viewable on a public video hosting platform like YouTube or Vimeo. Downloads will not be accepted as submissions. Applicants are permitted to password protect their videos but should provide the password with the submission and ensure the video is available for at least six months.)
For more information regarding the 2026 DGA DDI Mentorship Program Application cycle please contact Alexis Stanton, Administrator of DEI Programs at astanton@dga.org.
