Lesli Linka Glatter (HOMELAND) walks through the best practices that have shaped her prolific television directing career.

Key Insights

Being terrified before starting a project is natural - but allow yourself to sink into the story which will always be your guide
Come with a plan, but be open to the moosehead on the table (the opportunity that presents itself).
As a guest director, do your homework, know everything about the show and direct according the characters’ behavior and each scene’s story
During rehearsal and blocking, clear the set, have the actors read the scene, watch your actors’ performance before giving them your direction - they may give you something unexpected.
Blocking must be natural and based on human behavior - don’t force it.
Action is about story - blowing up a truck doesn't have meaning if it has no impact on your characters.
For action scenes, storyboard sequences, focusing on pieces connected to the overall flow of the scene.
Listen to and trust your instincts - repeatedly ignoring them will shut them down.
Directing is a team sport; get the best people involved, learn everyone's name, take in great ideas and make your choices.

Lesli Linka Glatter

Director

Lesli Linka Glatter is a director of film, network, and premium cable television drama, with both pilots and episodes to her credit. Lesli’s TV work includes HOMELAND, THE NEWSROOM, THE WALKING DEAD, JUSTIFIED, RAY DONOVAN, MASTERS OF SEX, TRUE BLOOD, MAD MEN, THE LEFTOVERS, THE GOOD WIFE, THE WEST WING, NYPD BLUE, ER, FREAKS AND GEEKS AND TWIN PEAKS. Lesli has also directed numerous pilots including GILMORE GIRLS, PRETTY LITTLE LIARS and SIX. Her films include NOW AND THEN, THE PROPOSITION and for HBO, STATE OF EMERGENCY. more...

Tags:TV Writing