Even after 13 seasons, “Grey’s Anatomy” continues to blaze trails. This time, the broken barrier is behind the camera: “Grey’s” headliner Ellen Pompeo is set to make her directorial debut on an upcoming episode of the ABC drama.
The Hollywood Reporter writes that Pompeo will take on the role of director after appearing in more than 280 episodes as Dr. Meredith Grey. No word on exactly when her episode will air, but the source reports that Pompeo plans to begin directing in February.
Pompeo is just the latest Shondaland actress to direct on her show. As we wrote, “Scandal’s” Darby Stanchfield directed the web series “Gladiator Wanted.” Chandra Wilson and Debbie Allen have also helmed multiple episodes of “Grey’s.” They portray Dr. Miranda Bailey and Dr. Catherine Avery on the series, respectively.
According to THR, Pompeo decided to put on the director’s hat after “establish[ing] herself as an active developer for ‘Grey’s’ producers ABC Studios” and selling “multiple projects to broadcast and cable networks.” Pompeo’s production company, Calamity Jane, has an overall deal with ABC.
One could argue that the name “Calamity Jane” itself is a symbol of Pompeo’s creative ambitions. Calamity Jane “was one of the only women doing what all the guys did,” Pompeo has said about her inspiration for the production company’s name. “Production and producing in a very male-dominated field, and I feel like Calamity Jane out there — trying to ride with the big boys.”
When promoting “Gladiator Wanted,” Shonda Rhimes told THR, “Our goal at Shondaland is to hire the best people and then keep them here, but in order to do that, we need to create opportunities for them to grow.” The showrunner and multi-hyphenate explained, “They have to continue learning and doing what they’re passionate about.”
Before the launch of “Gladiator Wanted,” Stanchfield also spoke of Shondland’s creatively-nurturing culture. “Shondaland is all about supporting people to grow and expand their talents,” she said. “Less than 10 percent of all TV directors are women and Shonda is not one to shy away from making television look like the real world; she has a very clear vision and is generous and pragmatic about empowering others.”
This is the second time a Shondaland actress has announced her directorial debut in a week. It’s clear Rhimes and her Shondaland team are serious about fostering new directorial talent and giving women a chance to pursue their ambitions. We can hardly wait to see which other Shondaland actresses catch the directing bug — because we know their boss will help them in any way she can.
