Disney Entertainment Television (DET) has officially announced the participants for its 2024-2025 Directing and Writing Programs, (as reported by Deadline) reinforcing its commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the television industry. These initiatives provide unique opportunities in both scripted and unscripted programming, offering aspiring directors and writers hands-on experience and professional mentorship.
Tim McNeal, Senior Vice President of Creative Talent Development and Inclusion at DET, highlighted the significance of this year’s cohorts: "These talented individuals are already making waves with their creativity and storytelling. Through our Directing and Writing Programs, they will continue shaping the future of television, both at Disney and across the industry."
Expanding Opportunities in the Directing Program
The DET Directing Program is a competitive, year-long initiative designed to provide participants with the opportunity to direct episodes of Disney’s scripted and unscripted series. Along with professional mentorship and on-set shadowing, participants gain valuable networking opportunities with Disney’s creative executives.
For the 2024-2025 program, DET has expanded its slate to include new scripted opportunities with 20th Television and ABC’s 9-1-1. Additionally, its unscripted offerings now feature General Hospital, Dancing with the Stars, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, American Idol, The Chi and The Rookie.
Rob Mills, Executive Vice President of Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment at Walt Disney Television, emphasized the importance of this expansion: "By increasing our collaboration with the Directing Program, we’re allowing emerging directors to learn from top creators while bringing fresh perspectives to some of our most beloved shows. We can’t wait for audiences to see their work."
Meet the 2024-2025 Directing Cohort
Scripted Cohort: Karla Braun, Shawn Pipkin-West, Sarah Smith, Kate Sullivan, Ashley Williams, Kelly Yu.
Unscripted Cohort: Jaclyn Amor, Ana Breton, Dara DiGerolamo, Tiana Gandelman, Roger Melvin.
Past program alumni include industry powerhouses such as Pete Chatmon (Interior Chinatown, High Potential), Ryan Coogler (Black Panther franchise), Regina King (Insecure), Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr. (Shōgun), Amin Kaderali (Grey’s Anatomy), Jude Weng (Only Murders in the Building), and Hannah Fidell (Pam & Tommy).
Meet the 2025 Writing Cohort
Monib Abhat, Mike Carreon, Jason Cho, Neda Davarpanah, Fatima Eldigair, Ananya Hegde, Andrina Smith, Alie Turfe.
Notably, Fatima Eldigair has been awarded the second annual FX Singleton Scholar award, which honors the late director, producer, and mentor John Singleton. This scholarship includes mentorship from FX and special staffing consideration on FX series.
With these programs, Disney continues its legacy of fostering new voices in television, ensuring that the next generation of storytellers has the tools and support they need to succeed.
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