Warner Bros. Discovery has announced plans for its new access directors program, which will nurture and develop TV directing talent through workshops and shadowing. Graduates will also have the opportunity to direct a full Warner Bros. Discovery television episode.

The company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) team will now lead the rebranded WBD Access Directors Program, which was previously housed within Warner Bros. Television. ]

The expanded Program will provide participants with several new opportunities, including the ability to shadow directors on up to two television episodes; a virtual curriculum highlighting best practices and equity mindset sessions; and a small childcare stipend for directors while shadowing.

“We are excited to continue the legacy of the Directors Program and expand the program, which will continue to include Warner Bros. Television productions and will also feature shows across the Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio,” said Karen Horne, Senior Vice President of DEI. “These programs are the key to cultivating underrepresented emerging talent and equipping them with skills and experience needed to succeed in the industry.”

The program will begin with a live workshop led by Mary Lou Belli and Bethany Rooney, who previously taught at Warner Bros. Television and are co-authors of the book “Directors Tell the Story.” They will introduce the aspiring directors to all aspects of television, such as the process of developing episodic television, preparation expectations, and collaborative working with actors and key crew.

Interested directors can submit their applications through this portal until March 20. The new Program’s first year will begin in June. Importantly, directors who have directed one episode of television may now apply if the episode they directed occurred more than two years before the application date.