SPOTLIGHT ON: BTS PANELIST RACHEL GOLDBERG
AWD Icon Member Rachel Goldberg’s creative journey is one marked by resilience, talent, and a deep commitment to truth-telling. With a career that spans over 40 productions for stage and screen, her name is associated with some of the most dynamic projects in contemporary television—including American Horror Story, Mayans M.C., Veronica Mars, GEN V, and the WandaVision spin-off, Agatha All Along. But beyond the impressive credits lies a filmmaker who brings compassion, depth, and fierce integrity to everything she touches.
A Visionary Voice in Television and Film
Goldberg is not only a prolific director but also an award-winning filmmaker and writer. Her critically acclaimed short film Muted, which sold to HBO and starred Chandra Wilson and Malcolm-Jamal Warner, delves into the media’s neglect of missing children of color. The film’s social justice themes are emblematic of much of Goldberg’s work—politically charged, character-driven, and deeply empathetic.
She’s not afraid to confront systemic issues through narrative, saying, “I think my stories are character-driven at heart, always with a component of social justice, of tolerance, understanding, and empathy.” This lens perspective has become a foundation for the powerful, human-centered stories she brings to life.
From Theater to Film: A Fusion of Psychology and Story
Goldberg’s educational foundation in theater and psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by an MFA in Directing from CalArts, deeply shaped her as both a writer and director. Her background allows her to approach storytelling with a multidimensional understanding of human behavior, character motivation, and emotional nuance. “The writer makes sure that each character has goals and conflict. The director brings that blueprint to life,” she explains.
Her dual experience in theater and film enriches her ability to direct both mediums: “In theater, we paint with people; in film, with light, movement, and framing. The visual metaphors are different—but both are about human connection.”
Goldberg thrives in collaboration. Whether it’s building emotional resonance in a performance or crafting the look of a scene with her cinematographer, she sees filmmaking as an opportunity for discovery. “Even if I thought about a scene a certain way, the actors always see something I hadn’t. That’s the magic.”
Breaking Barriers, Building Community
Despite her talents, Goldberg encountered early-career roadblocks familiar to many women directors. “Every meeting, they were like, ‘We can’t be your first,’” she recalls. Watching male counterparts advance more easily was frustrating—but Goldberg didn’t give up. Her breakthrough came with the support of Ryan Murphy’s HALF Initiative, which actively works to give opportunities to underrepresented voices in Hollywood.
“He told me, ‘50-year-old white men make chances, and I’m now a 50-year-old white man, so I’ll make changes,’” Goldberg says. That backing was transformational—and it’s why she’s passionate about paying it forward. Named to The Alice Initiative List of female filmmakers “primed for a studio gig,” she now mentors the next generation of artists through programs like Film Independent’s Project: Involve, the Sony Pictures Diverse Directors Program, and AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women.
Teaching, Inspiration, and Advice
Teaching is another cornerstone of Goldberg’s career. “It’s the most wonderful gift on the planet,” she says. Working with emerging artists keeps her fresh, sharp, and deeply inspired. “I come home so happy. I get to spend my day creating art with people I respect.”
When asked what advice she has for young women in film, Goldberg doesn’t hesitate: “Don’t let anybody tell you no.” She urges aspiring filmmakers to trust their instincts, visualize the future they want, and keep fighting for what they believe in: “Everyone’s voice is important, and you have something to say. If this is your path—follow it.”
In every aspect of her career—whether writing, directing, or mentoring—Rachel Goldberg leads with empathy, courage, and a fierce commitment to storytelling as a tool for change. And the industry is better for it.
Meet rachel at Back to Set
Want to learn more from Rachel? Don’t miss our AWD ICONS PANEL on Saturday, September 27 at 3:45pm!
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