BACK TO SET IS A TWO DAY DIRECTING MASTERCLASS
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2 day in person directing workshop in LA
Our 2025 Directing Intensive takes place at the South Park Center Theater in Downtown Los Angeles. Join us to learn film directing from industry pros!
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EXCLUSIVE PANELS + WORKSHOPS
BACK TO SET features an inspiring lineup of panels, hands-on workshops, and masterclasses led by top industry professionals, all designed to level up your directing career.
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networking opportunities
From morning coffee hours to end-of-day mixers, connect with fellow directors, industry leaders, and special guests in a welcoming and collaborative environment. Build your directing community while you learn!
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AWD's BTS SYMPOSIUM IS OPEN TO ALL!
BACK TO SET is a directing workshop open to all genders and experience levels. All are welcome to learn at this directing bootcamp. AWD members receive an exclusive discounted rate.
PRESENTED BY
PANEL SPONSOR
BRAND SPONSOR
ONSITE SPONSORS
INKIND SPONSORS
FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS FOR THE LATEST GUEST + PROGRAMMING UPDATES! MORE TV + FILM INDUSTRY LEADERS TO COME…
*Programming and guests subject to change based on availability.
FEATURED GUESTS
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Alexis ostrander
APPLE TV+’s Servant, AMC’s Interview with the Vampire, PRIME’S The Consultant
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Halle Mariner
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HILLARY BIBICOFF
ENTERTAINMENT ATTORNEY, FEIG/FINKEL
AWD Advisory Board Member, Television Academy Governor
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JEN MCGOWAN
Paramount +’s Star Trek: Discovery, HBO MAX’s Titans, Feature Film Rust Creek
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KATIE ZIPKIN-LEED
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Kristin Windell
MARVEL’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., DC’s Doom Patrol, ABC’s 9-1-1
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Lisa France
OWN’s Queen Sugar, HULU’s The Cleaning Lady, CW’s Naomi
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Morenike Joela Evans
ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, HULU’s How I Met Your Father, NBC’s Quantum Leap
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Rachel Feldman
CBS’s Blue Bloods, ABC’s The Rookie, Feature Film Lilly (Patricia Clarkson)
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Rachel Goldberg
DISNEY+’s Agatha All Along, PRIMES’s Gen V, FX’s American Horror Story
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Rosemary Rodriguez
MARVEL’s Jessica Jones, AMC’s The Walking Dead, Features Silver Skies and Hail Mary
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TARA MIELE
APPLE+’s Lessons in Chemistry, PRIME’s We Were Liars, Feature Wander Darkly (Sundance)
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EXCLUSIVE DIRECTING
WORKSHOPS + PANELS
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Join us for an exclusive conversation with creatives behind STARZ’s bold and boundary-pushing storytelling. Content and special guests to be announced—stay tuned for an unforgettable session!
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What makes a general meeting memorable? An iconic director and top film/TV execs break down how to present your authentic voice while aligning with what execs are actually looking for. Includes two live mock generals—with real-time feedback—and tangible takeaways to elevate your next meeting.
Want a chance to participate live? Submit your reel + resume for consideration!
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Presented with our partners at SCRIPTATION.
Watch a director prep a short script with key department heads—DP, 1st AD, Production Designer, Costume Designer, and Producer—in real time. This dynamic session breaks down how to lead a creative, efficient prep meeting and foster team alignment before you hit set.
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Framing is more than composition, it’s emotional storytelling. Learn how lens choices, shot size, and movement communicate your vision and character perspective.
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From securing the right agent to navigating contract negotiations, a director’s team plays a pivotal role in shaping their career. This panel brings together leading managers, agents, and entertainment attorneys to break down what each role actually does, how to build and maintain strong relationships, and how to know when it’s time to expand—or change—your team. Walk away with practical insights on getting repped, staying repped, and advocating for yourself at every stage.
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Presented in partnership with The Black List
Two selected directors receive live blocking guidance from an acclaimed TV and feature director, working through scenes with actors on stage. See how to break down space, shape movement, and design coverage that supports story.
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An experienced editor and director break down how to prep for post before you shoot. Learn how to deliver clean coverage, build a strong relationship with your editor, and embrace the edit as a powerful storytelling tool.
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Join a selection of AWD’s celebrated ICON Directors—trailblazing filmmakers who have shaped the industry through decades of groundbreaking work—for a dynamic conversation about craft, career longevity, and the evolving landscape for women and gender-expansive directors. Panelists will share insights from their journeys across film and television, offering invaluable perspective and inspiration to directors at every stage of their careers.
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In this Masterclass, a director takes us behind the scenes, sharing their process for working with actors, from casting through final take. Learn how to shape layered performances while balancing tone, pacing, and emotional arcs.
*Programming and guests subject to change based on availability.
PASSES + SUBMISSIONS
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$245
One Day Pass for Friday, 9/26
AWD MEMBER RATE: $183.75
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$399
Two Day Pass for Friday, 9/26 and Saturday, 9/27
AWD MEMBER RATE: $299.25
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$245
One Day Pass for Saturday, 9/27
AWD MEMBER RATE: $183.75
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$15
Submit your Reel + Resume to take a LIVE general on stage at the workshop with real-world executives and get real-time feedback from a pro!
terms + conditions apply
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$25
Feeling ambitious? Submit to both the pitching and blocking workshops, double your chances of selection, and save a few dollars!
terms + conditions apply
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$15
Submit your Script for a chance to block a scene LIVE on stage with a pro! Winners receive free hosting + coverage from The Black List.
terms + conditions apply
JOIN Us
September 26-27, 2025
SOUTH PARK CENTER THEATER - 1139 S Hill St.Los Angeles, CA 90015
PARKING: The parking garage is located at 1133 S Olive Street Los Angeles, CA 90015. BTS attendees special rate: $15/day.
Interested in becoming a Community Partner? Please email us at bts@allianceofwomendirectors.org for more information!
ABOUT AWD
ALLIANCE OF WOMEN DIRECTORS (AWD) is a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of women and gender-expansive directors in the entertainment industry. Find out about membership, sponsorship, and year round programming on our website.