2019 CDDP Program Fellows Debut Spec Spots at Gala Showcase

The Commercial Directors Diversity Program’s Industry (CDDP) Showcase debuted tonight in Los Angeles at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Theatre. The Showcase features spec spots directed by the five fellows for this second cycle of the CDDP program. The directors are: Sofia Garza-Barba; Vanessa Black; Christopher Nataanii Cegielski; Dominique DeLeon; and Jane Qian. Each of their spec pieces can be found here.

CDDP is a joint effort between the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) and the Directors Guild of America (DGA). It reflects the commitment of both organisations to effect change and increase the representation of women and directors specializing in commercials and marketing communications. Led by program director Tamika Lamison, the CDDP offers a six-month program consisting of workshops, mentorships, networking, shadowing, a grant to make a spec commercial, and an industry showcase to share the work. The goal of the program is to introduce directors to the commercial industry in the hopes that they will sign with AICP member companies and eventually join the DGA. For this cycle, the mentoring production companies – which also helped facilitate the creation of each director’s spec piece – were: Hungry Man, Knucklehead, REVERIE, SMUGGLER, and Spears & Arrows. Saatchi & Saatchi generously worked with the directors on crafting scripts and providing valuable creative insight.

In addition to the spec pieces, the Showcase featured a panel discussion comprised of the fellows, and moderated by Kim Nguyen, a director with Bob Industries, and a member of the CDDP Advisory Committee.

Since launching with a stand-alone showcase in 2017, seven directors from the CDDP program have been signed to production companies. They are: Elle Ginter, Sonia Malfa, Maya Albanese, Kryzz Gautier, Gabrielle Paciorek, Tamika Miller and Erica Eng.

Watch some of their work below: 

Vanessa Black Nike “Catch Me”: https://vimeo.com/359417947

Sofia Garza-Barba Toyota’s “Daddy”: https://vimeo.com/359457613

Dominique DeLeon Audi’s “Heaven” : https://vimeo.com/359457328

Christopher Cegielski New Balance’s “Run”: https://vimeo.com/359457044

Jane Qian Paralympics: https://vimeo.com/359419519