Bethany Rooney and Mary Lou Belli Offer Key Insights in Directors Tell the Story - MovieMaker Magazine.

      Directors Bethany Rooney and Mary Lou Belli first collaborated 15 years ago to share their insights in the filmmaking guide, Directors Tell the Story: Master the Craft of Television and Film Directing. While many aspects have remained constant since then, numerous changes have occurred — including the advent of streaming standards, the emergence of intimacy coordinators, and a shift in the availability of opportunities.

      This month, they are releasing the third edition of the book, filled with practical tips and updated guidance on how to succeed as a working director. The duo, known for their work on Elsbeth, Tracker, Criminal Minds: Evolution, The Ms. Pat Show, Chicago Med, among others, discussed their book and their extensive careers with MovieMaker.

      We conversed about their beginnings, allowing the best ideas to prevail, and creating space for new talent.

      MovieMaker: One section of the book discusses how directors landed their first positions. Can you share your initial directing experiences?

      Bethany Rooney: I entered the industry as a secretary for Bruce Paltrow and Mark Tinker on The White Shadow, later becoming the associate producer on St. Elsewhere. Bruce gave me my chance to direct four years later. He believed in providing people the opportunity to direct, which I am eternally thankful for!

      Mary Lou Belli: I was an acting coach on Charles in Charge and shadowed the director, Phil Ramuno, who kindly allowed me to attend both of his shot listing sessions on the show and another editing session. The executive producer, Al Burton, also offered chances to three other aspiring women on that same series.

      MovieMaker: We have a recurring feature called Things I’ve Learned as a MovieMaker. What is one key lesson you’ve learned throughout your filmmaking experience?

      Bethany Rooney: I think there’s a three-part approach before you even begin filming. First, you envision your story. Next, you prepare: blocking and shot listing or storyboarding it. Finally, you communicate your vision to your production designer, first assistant director, director of photography, and the entire crew, saying, “This is how I envision it, this is what I aim to achieve.” If you get them excited about your ideas, you’ll be aligned. Then comes the enjoyable part: shooting it. You engage the actors, and you’re making a movie!

      Mary Lou Belli: This industry revolves around people. Your reputation hinges on the impression you create, which is crucial. Being well-prepared ensures you are seen as an artist who takes their craft seriously. It’s essential to treat everyone with respect, recognizing they are your collaborators. Lastly, always give credit when someone contributes.

      MovieMaker: Can you describe a problem you resolved on a project that you’re particularly proud of?

      Bethany Rooney: I find myself learning the same lesson repeatedly. When I fall behind in my daily schedule, I need to assess what remains to be shot and find a way to complete it more efficiently without compromising the story or the show’s style. Interestingly, those scenes often become my favorites! I think the pressure allows my creativity to flourish, leading me to see the scenes from a fresh perspective and abandon conventional coverage.

      Mary Lou Belli: During the Covid pandemic, I had to send an actor home after they tested positive. The character was essential to the scene and was supposed to die at the end. I had already filmed the master shot but needed to capture their close-up while they were shot. A camera operator suggested using a handheld camera to portray the character’s point of view, watching their love interest as they dodged bullets. The performance from the love interest was outstanding—the camera operator “collapsed to the floor” while filming it. This scene, inspired by the real-life death of Breonna Taylor, turned out to be far more impactful since it depicted her death through the lens of the man who loved her. I credit the camera operator for this idea; I learned that the best idea should prevail.

      MovieMaker: What recent trends have you observed in film or television? Do you think they will be lasting trends?

      Bethany Rooney: Streaming platforms operate under a different model: they have all scripts ready before shooting begins. This allows them to streamline shooting schedules, resulting in directors being hired typically for a block of two episodes. Thus, for eight episodes, there are four directors, leaving four others without jobs. This reflects a contraction in the industry, and I hope this trend does not persist.

      Mary Lou Belli: I’ve noticed shorter episode orders and a general decrease in opportunities within the industry. Where there used to be more chances for emerging talented directors, there are now significantly fewer. I hope this trend reverses, but I have concerns it might not. However, for those fortunate to be working, it's important to recognize there will be less work, and if we want to ensure new talent gets a chance, we must be willing to accept less work ourselves.

      MovieMaker: What makes the latest edition of