AFI's Directing Workshop for Women (DWW) has been a major force in training women in narrative filmmaking since 1974. Over 200 women have been given the opportunity to participate in this innovative and unique training program for tomorrow's directors. Some DWW alumnae include Lesli Linka Glatter (GREY'S ANATOMY, NUMB3RS, THE O.C.); Randa Haines (CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD, DANCE WITH ME); Victoria Hochberg (SEX AND THE CITY, ALLY MCBEAL); Neema Barnette (CIVIL BRAND, 7TH HEAVEN); Nancy Malone (JUDGING AMY, DAWSON'S CREEK); Maya Angelou (DOWN IN THE DELTA); Yelena Lanskaya (HIDDEN PLACES and THE COLT for Hallmark Channel); Tricia Brock (THE L WORD); and Kelly Martin (MYSTERY WOMAN for Hallmark Channel).

WORKSHOP

Monday, April 30 - Friday, May 18, 2007

AFI's Directing Workshop for Women focuses on the development and production of a short narrative project. Participants enter the program with a short screenplay, which they develop for three weeks within the Jessica Kaplan Screenwriting Series at the Directing Workshop for Women.

There are approximately five weeks from the end of the Workshop training to the beginning of the first production. Production is permitted only during the specific dates assigned each project.

PRODUCTION

All DWW participants will have the opportunity to direct a short narrative project.

Essential to the success of any project is the director/producer relationship. Producers are required on all DWW projects; however, AFI does not provide a pool of producers. Producers are required to follow AFI production policies, regardless of previous experience. An AFI production coordinator will be provided for each production to help facilitate the completion of the specific paperwork required by AFI.

AFI provides $5,000 (paid in installments) to each production. Participants may raise up to an additional $20,000 in support of their productions.

Complete details of production will be explained to Workshop participants during the Workshop training series. ALL PRODUCTIONS MUST COMPLY WITH DWW AND AFI PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS.

Productions will be scheduled within a very strict time frame. Production will take place in the Los Angeles area during the months of June and July 2007. Although participants are given access to AFI editing facilities, participants may also choose to edit at an outside facility. Outside editing facilities must be approved in advance. Editing schedules are very strictly monitored and any participants editing off-Campus are required to screen cuts of their film for evaluation of progress. Some areas of post-production, such as mixing, will need to be done outside AFI at participant's expense.

WORKSHOP AT A GLANCE

• Three-Week Training Workshop: Full-time classes and instruction. Many evenings are required.
• Pre-Production: Approximately five weeks from the end of the training Workshop session until the first production begins shooting.
• Production: AFI provides lighting, grip and digital video camera equipment for a five-day shoot. A $5,000 production grant is awarded to each production (paid in installments). Equipment pick-up and drop-off times are specified. Participants are responsible for missing and damaged equipment. AFI provides limited insurance and requires shooting/location permits, compliance with AFI's SAG Deferred Agreement and other production paperwork.
• Post-Production: Participants must picture-lock their projects during the 20 days that are assigned to them. On-Campus editing hours are controlled and available only during specified hours. Participants are required to find editors for their projects.

FUNDING AND SUPPORT

Significant contributions from individuals and corporations committed to providing opportunities for women in the media arts sustain the Workshop's activities. AFI is grateful to the following supporters who have made the DWW possible:

Academy Foundation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
AFI Associates
Edith and Barry Briskin, and their children Andrew Briskin and Dr. Susannah Briskin
Sony Corporation of America
Jean Picker Firstenberg Endowment
National Endowment for the Arts