Paris Barclay.
Paris Barclay, the director of shows such as Glee and Sons of Anarchy, is headed to Sydney in February thanks to the Australian Directors Guild (ADG).
Barclay will run a masterclass for the guild's ‘The Director’s Chair’, focused on television directing and his career.
Barclay, who is the president of the Director’s Guild of America (DGA), will also provide support for the ADG’s new ‘Respect, Rights and Remuneration’ campaign, which focuses on better recognition of television directors.
The director has helmed over 150 episodes of television shows such as NYPD Blue, The West Wing, ER, Lost, The Good Wife, House, Scandal and Empire. Barclay also won two Emmys for his direction of NYPD Blue and received another six nominations for producing and directing, including three for directing episodes of Glee. He was the EP on Sons of Anarchy, and directed 15 episodes.
“As a director with such a stellar career, it will be fascinating and instructive to hear Paris’ insights into the world of US television," said ADG CEO Kingston Anderson. "The ADG also greatly appreciates his support for our campaign to improve the working conditions of Australian directors."
The ADG has been collaborating with the DGA in the formulation of a new Australian TV Drama Directors Agreement.
“The ADG is launching the ‘Respect, Rights and Remuneration’ campaign for directors in all genres but especially in a world where the demand for high quality television production has meant the role of the director is crucial in ensuring the success of new shows that are targeting an international marketplace,” said Anderson.
“Television directors in particular have not had any increase in their pay for more than 10 years and, of equal concern, their rights under the Copyright Act are too frequently being ignored by producers and production companies.
“Many of our members also genuinely feel that too many producers do not fully understand what value a director brings to a production. The lack of respect for their craft is of growing concern. We hope that by highlighting these areas and having productive negotiations with producers, this situation can be turned around for the benefit of all in the Australian television industry.”
Barclay's masterclass takes place February 21, 6.30pm, at AFTRS.