Introducing the Inaugural Cohort from the First-Ever Netflix Series Director Development Program

Two years ago Netflix launched its first-ever ‘Netflix Series Director Development Program’  —  a comprehensive customized program designed to expand directorial opportunities for historically underrepresented directors at multiple stages of their careers.  Nine up and coming directors were selected by Netflix executive producers to participate in the program, where they were guaranteed directing assignments.  Today, we're thrilled to culminate this program by celebrating the inaugural cohort: Anne Hu, Arlyn Richardson, Attila Szalay, Dennis Liu, Juanesta “Winnie” Holmes, Jabbar Raisani, Paula Garces, Melissa Hickey and Pavlina Hatoupis.  

Helmed by Paris Barclay, the two-time Emmy Award-winning director and former president of the Directors Guild of America, the program spanned an extensive training curriculum which covered all aspects of episodic directing from pre-production to post-production, and provided opportunities to meet with and learn from a wide range of industry professionals and Netflix creative executives.  Barclay and other guest speakers lectured on topics including working with actors, mastering their craft, executing the showrunner’s vision and more. 

During the intensive program, all nine directors were either employed on Netflix productions or went on to direct episodes for top shows, including some of Netflix’s most talked about titles such as Ozark, Family Reunion, On My Block, Lost in Space and more.

"The Netflix Original Series Directors Development Program aims to be the ‘gold standard’ in the industry.  Our primary goal was to educate, develop, and prepare a diverse group of emerging directors for a career in episodic television directing. They learned from top directors, writers, producers and other key personnel the secrets they don’t tell you in film school. And what really sets us apart - we have the chance to help jumpstart the careers of our participants by lining them up with opportunities to direct on Netflix shows,” says Barclay, Netflix Series Director Development Program, Workshop Director and Mentor. 

We are excited to spotlight the filmmakers and look forward to welcoming the next class of filmmakers in the coming year! Learn more about the inaugural cohort as they share their experiences below: