Backyard’s Amanda Marsalis’ First Foray Into TV Series

Photo courtesy of Backyard

Marsalis follows a number of women directors who have broken into the television ranks via Queen Sugar as series creator Ava DuVernay has committed to female filmmakers for the entire run of the show, thus far spanning seasons one and two. Most of these helmers had little or no prior TV experience, having come largely from the indie film world. At last month’s Producers Guild of America (PGA) Produced By Conference in Los Angeles, DuVernay noted that all the season one directors on Queen Sugar have gone on to be heavily booked in TV. In fact, said DuVernay, none of the season one directors were available for season two due to commitments on a wide range of projects, including Victoria Mahoney who was helming a pilot for ABC, and Tanya Hamilton who was directing an episode of Greenleaf. DuVernay noted that Mahoney is booked on TV projects until Feb. 2018.  Find out more!

Capturing Emotion In 30 Seconds

Photo courtesy of Backyard.

Backyard's Nick Piper details how he created a commercial that resonates profoundly.  Here's just a hint of Nick's process:

"In casting, we had a lot of talented little actresses to choose from, but when it came to Raelynn’s turn to play out the simple scene, the unspoken chemistry and depth in this girl's eyes made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Raelynn (Rae-Rae) clearly had a beautiful expressive face, but it was the powerful blend of vulnerability, and innocence that pulled us in. And when her eyes lit up (on seeing her mum waiting for her outside the hospital), it was a joy to behold."

Read the full story.