UPDATE: On November 6, 2024, the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) announced the Commercial Directors Diversity Program (CDDP) will go on hiatus in 2025, preparing a new framework for the program in 2026.
Launched jointly with the Directors Guild of America (DGA), the CDDP addressed the lack of access and representation for women and historically underrepresented directors within the commercial, marketing, and advertising industries.
“The Commercial Directors Diversity Program (CDDP) has announced that it will be using 2025 to retool, redesign and restructure with plans to return with a more robust and effective program in 2026 as it enters its second decade of operations, said a statement from Matt Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer of the AICP.
The statement continued, “The CDDP – established in 2014 – was created as a joint effort between AICP and the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and is overseen by the Trustees of the Commercials Qualifications Administration (CQA). The program provides access and opportunity to women and historically underrepresented directors and is funded by contributions from Employers who are signatories to DGA Commercials Agreement. Employers continue to contribute financially to the program during this retooling process to ensure that the program has sufficient resources to relaunch in a strong position.
AICP and the DGA remain fully committed to this diversity initiative and look forward to a 2026 relaunch that will be truly meaningful for participants, the Guild and the industry.”
The CDDP has been a cornerstone of diversity initiatives within the commercial production industry. Its creation marked a pivotal moment in the collaboration between the AICP and the DGA, and it quickly became a platform for providing access, mentorship, and opportunities to underrepresented directors.
Reel 360 News received an unsolicited email from former Executive Director Tamika Lamison regarding the reboot of the program.
“I have spent over seven years building, expanding, and leading the CDDP to remarkable success,” shared Lamison. She adds, “During this time, the program has selected 32 Directing Fellows who have benefited from mentorship, workshops, on-set shadowing opportunities, grants, camera packages, networking, and the chance to produce spec commercials.”
The program extended its reach beyond its original mission, involving in-person Directing Finalists and hundreds of Semi-Finalists in virtual workshops. Alumni have gone on to achieve significant success, including signing with AICP/DGA production companies, becoming DGA members, founding their own production companies, and earning industry accolades.
“This underscores the undeniable pool of untapped talent that thrives when given access, mentorship, and resources,” Lamison emphasized.
In reflecting on the program’s achievements, Lamison also expressed gratitude to the CDDP Advisory Committee, Lisa Rich, and the vendors, production companies, and champions who contributed to its success. “The unwavering commitment, support, and resources of those individuals who have genuinely reinforced and championed the program have been critical in fostering a thriving environment for the women and other historically underrepresented directors who have had the opportunity to participate.”
Lamison reflected on her journey: “It has been an insightful and meaningful journey. I look forward to my next creative adventure. Wishing all of the directors, fellows, and participants in the program success in their future endeavors.”
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