05/07/2026
Repost from .initiative and - Two months ago, I found out I’d been selected as a Ryan Murphy Directing Fellow through The Half Initiative. Having just wrapped on an episode of , I can already tell that this will be one of the most meaningful experiences of my career.
Now in its 10th year, The Half Initiative creates access for mid-career directors from historically underrepresented groups, placing fellows on set to shadow episodic directors on Ryan Murphy productions, with ongoing support as they step further into television directing.
I had the privilege of shadowing director and executive producer John Gray on the penultimate episode of the season, a game-changer called “I Got You Babe.” The finale airs tonight on ABC (8/7c), streaming tomorrow on and .
Arriving on the lot that first day, I expected to observe quietly from the sidelines. Instead, I was welcomed into every layer of the process by a cast and crew operating with real excellence, warmth, and care. That openness says a lot about the culture of the show, and how intentionally this program is built.
I’ve always been drawn to premium, culture-defining, large-canvas storytelling that connects with a wide audience. Being in an environment so deeply committed to that standard affirmed the direction I’ve been moving in, and the collaborators I want to keep building with.
When The Half Initiative launched in 2016, it pushed me to adopt a similar mandate in my own work, ensuring that at least half the cast and crew on all are women, LGBTQ+ artists, disabled artists, and artists of color. That The Half can spark that kind of change beyond its participants speaks to the impact and necessity of its mission.
Grateful to John Gray, Shari Page, Tanase Popa, Ryan Murphy, and the entire 9-1-1 team for the trust and generosity. At a time when so much in our industry feels uncertain, this experience was a reminder that when studios invest in inclusivity, apprenticeship, and access, not only does the work get better, the business becomes more sustainable too.
