By Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 10/27/25 – Film Fatales and Scriptation recently hosted an in-depth Episodic Television Directing Class featuring two-time Emmy Award-winning director Mary Lou Belli, whose extensive credits include Elsbeth, True Lies, Sweet Magnolias, NCIS: New Orleans, and The Ms. Pat Show.
The event brought together six emerging episodic directors, Anna Fahr, Christina YR Lim, Lilian T. Mehrel, Melissa Haizlip, Sonia Sebastian, and Whitney Clinkscales, as Virtual Shadows in a dynamic and highly interactive masterclass. Observers were invited to watch a working director break down every aspect of the craft: from casting, location scouting, and scene blocking to shot listing, script analysis, and overhead planning.
Belli’s signature teaching method encourages students to “compare their work to an episode that’s already aired”, a practical exercise in understanding how choices affect storytelling, pacing, and tone.
In our conversation, Mary Lou, a friend, colleague, and fellow parent, reflected on how deeply her life and family have influenced her artistic path. We discussed the challenges and joys of sustaining creative work later in life, the evolving landscape of television, and her excitement over directing back-to-back episodes of Elsbeth for CBS.
“I’m loving this stage in my life,” she said warmly. “It’s about bringing experience and authenticity to everything I do, both in directing and in mentoring.”
Mary’s passion for nurturing talent is unmistakable. As a longtime educator, she has taught through the Warner Bros. Discovery Access Directors Program, as well as numerous diversity initiatives with ABC/Disney, CBS, Sony, HBO Access, and AFI DWW+. Her belief in inclusivity and mentorship runs deep: “Programs like these really changed the landscape,” she noted. “They gave access to voices that weren’t always heard, and that’s how storytelling grows stronger.”
Belli described directing as a blend of artistry and logistics, and as any parent might appreciate, a lot about communication and time management. “Being a good director isn’t that different from being a good parent,” she laughed. “You have to listen, set boundaries, stay flexible, and most importantly, keep your sense of humor.”
She emphasized the importance of authenticity and preparation: “You can’t fake passion or connection. The audience knows. The crew knows. Preparation is what makes creativity possible on set.”
Her best-selling industry handbook, Directors Tell the Story, co-authored with Bethany Rooney, continues to be a vital resource for new directors, and it mirrors the same wisdom she shares in her virtual shadowing classes. “Virtual learning has allowed me to bring together such a diverse group of professionals, dialogue coaches, DPs, editors, actors, everyone learns from each other,” she said.
When asked about the differences between directing procedurals, comedies, and character-driven dramas, Belli’s insight was sharp and specific: “Procedurals are all about the clues and the logic. Comedies demand precision in timing and rhythm. Character dramas? That’s about emotional truth.”
Despite the industry’s recent challenges following the pandemic and writers’ strikes, Belli remains optimistic about television’s creative renaissance: “We’re living in a golden age of TV. The storytelling is richer, the characters are deeper, and the writing keeps getting better. It’s a great time to be a director.”
Beyond her impressive credits, Mary Lou Belli’s greatest legacy may well be her generosity, her willingness to mentor, teach, and lift others up. Whether in a virtual classroom or on a high-pressure TV set, she continues to lead with compassion and clarity.
As our interview wrapped, she mentioned her husband Charlie’s ongoing work at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and how proud she is of their son’s friend Lucas, who lives in Los Angeles and remains part of their creative circle. “It’s funny,” she smiled, “our lives have always revolved around art and family, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Editor’s Note:
Mary Lou Belli exemplifies what it means to thrive in a creative career built on collaboration, resilience, and love for the craft. Her story reminds us that the best directors don’t just tell stories, they build communities.
Watch the full interview with Mary Lou Belli on The Hollywood Times YouTube Channel.
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