Lights • Camera • Action
“As an AD, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some of the best Live Directors in the business.”
In 2018, I became CBC Toronto’s first Black, Female Switcher/Director.
Over three and a half years, I had the opportunity to direct on nearly every regional and nationally televised newscast broadcasted from their downtown Toronto building, in both French and English.
I helped launch new shows and directed multiple live election specials. I was part of the team that delivered the Prime Minister’s daily announcements to the country at the peak of the pandemic, and I also led the broadcast of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ first speech as President and Vice-President Elect — a career moment I will never forget.
I have also dedicated more than ten years of my career Assistant Directing for nearly every news station and network in Toronto (If there is one thing I can do in my sleep, it’s count backwards and keep a live show on time to the second).
As an AD, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some of the best Live Directors in the business. Something I’ve learned from that time was how important it is for any director to know how to follow as well as lead.
What I love most about directing is navigating the collaboration of any production team.
While I know my way around a camera and could operate an audio board in a pinch, I know that most operators have a passion for what they do that can offer a unique perspective to the overall vision of any production.
Which is why, before any show, I get to know my team — understanding their passions and their strengths. I don’t necessarily believe in weaknesses. What some might consider a weakness, I see as an opportunity to adapt and try something new. By offering a safe space where my team feels seen and heard, I know that they are as motivated as I am to work together to produce the best shows possible.
