This summer I worked at Fox Studios in Los Angeles, California, shadowing Director James Wong on the set of ABC’s hit drama series, 9-1-1. While on set, Wong mentored me. His experience as a film director, screenwriter and producer provided me with a tremendous learning experience with some of the most talented people in the industry. In his remarkable career, Mr. Wong wrote and directed episodes of The X Files, directed Final Destination (2000), Final Destination 3 (2006) and The One (2001), served as a staff writer and story editor for 21 Jump Street and was an executive producer on American Horror Story. He has been directing episodes for 9-1-1 since 2022.
During my time on 9-1-1, I had the opportunity to experience the full process of what goes into producing and directing an episode of primetime television. During the pre-production stages, some of my favorite days were spent traveling around southern California to scout various shooting locations. Back in the studio, I learned about the process behind making casting selections, conducting department meetings, building sound stage sets and overall screenwriting. During our shooting days, I had first-hand experience directing with Wong, while learning how to navigate the roles and responsibilities of being a director. I also had the privilege to learn from and work alongside 9-1-1’s amazingly talented cast of Angela Bassett, Kenneth Choi, Oliver Stark, Aisha Hinds, Peter Krause, Ryan Guzman and Jennifer Love Hewitt.
I am beyond grateful for the amazing connections gained through this experience and for everything that this production crew and cast has taught me. I want to thank James Wong, Aaron Wohlberg (First Assistant Director), Andrew Mitchell (Director of Photography), Tara Wright (Script Supervisor), Molly Green (Writer) and James Leffler (Writer) for an incredible experience. Getting to be a part of such a fun-loving crew and cast is something that I will be forever grateful for! Season 8 Episode 1 of 9-1-1 premiers September 26th on ABC! – Micaela Kastor