Starz and Alliance of Women Directors Launch Creative Leadership Lab

Starz, in collaboration with the Alliance of Women Directors, has announced the launch of the Creative Leadership Lab, a four-week program aimed at supporting women and gender-expansive directors in the realm of episodic television. This initiative is designed for filmmakers who have secured an initial directing opportunity but are seeking to establish themselves as consistent hires within the industry.

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The Creative Leadership Lab will focus on providing participants with essential leadership development, mentorship, and professional tools necessary for building sustainable careers in television. This program is part of Starz’s broader #TakeTheLead initiative, which emphasizes the importance of amplifying stories by and about women and underrepresented audiences, both in front of and behind the camera.

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The Alliance of Women Directors will conduct an independent evaluation process to select six participants from its membership. Eligible candidates include directors who have directed a single episode of television, an independent feature, documentaries, or notable short-form, commercial, or digital projects. The selection criteria emphasize strong creative vision and readiness for episodic leadership.

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Participants in the Creative Leadership Lab will engage in mentorship and leadership training that aims to enhance their communication skills, on-set authority, and other critical tools necessary for navigating the complexities of episodic television production. Additionally, the program will extend its outreach through a public panel hosted by Starz at the Alliance of Women Directors’ “Back to Set” directing intensive, which is returning for its second year.

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The announcement of the Creative Leadership Lab coincides with Women’s History Month and is strategically timed ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8. This timing underscores the commitment of both Starz and the Alliance of Women Directors to promote gender equity in the film and television industry.

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Starz has articulated its commitment to fostering diverse storytelling through initiatives like the Creative Leadership Lab, which aims to empower women and gender-expansive directors. The Alliance of Women Directors has expressed enthusiasm about the program, highlighting its potential to create pathways for underrepresented voices in episodic television.

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Applications for the Creative Leadership Lab are expected to open later this month, with further details available on the Alliance of Women Directors’ website. This initiative represents a significant step toward enhancing representation and leadership opportunities for women and gender-expansive individuals in the television industry.

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