Salli Richardson-Whitfield: A trailblazer in television directing
Breaking barriers in the Emmy nominations
When the Emmy nominations were revealed, Salli Richardson-Whitfield made history as the first Black woman to be recognized in the drama directing category. This monumental achievement, however, was bittersweet, as it coincided with the cancellation of her show, “Winning Time,” on the very day its Season 2 finale aired, which she also directed.
Despite this, Richardson-Whitfield has been too engrossed in new opportunities to dwell on the accolades she might have deserved for her work on the HBO series. “This wasn’t even on my radar,” she shares. “Our show had been canceled, so when I got the call, I was on the set of ‘Task,’ my show that I’m shooting now.”
A journey from acting to directing
Richardson-Whitfield’s career began in front of the camera, with 20 years of experience in film and TV before she transitioned to directing. Since 2011, she has built an impressive resume, tackling genres ranging from comedy and drama to action and fantasy. Her work on “Winning Time,” a dramatization of the rise of the Los Angeles Lakers, showcased her versatile skill set and established her as a valuable collaborator on any project.
“Early on in my career, I thought I had to find that one lane, and I said, no, I’m not doing that,” Richardson-Whitfield reflects.
Overcoming challenges and breaking new ground
Richardson-Whitfield’s diverse experience, from “Chicago Med” to “The Punisher” to “The Gilded Age,” helped her navigate the challenges she faced as a Black female director. “I wanted to make sure that, as I was trying to get these bigger shows, they could never say, ‘…but has she?’” she explains.
Her extensive experience contributed to the success of “Winning Time,” particularly her nominated episode “Beat L.A.” “[Cinematographer] Todd Banhazl, who’s been nominated too for the episode, and I spent every weekend really going, ‘How are we going to really find the voice of the basketball so that it’s not just a re-creation of game footage?’” she recalls. “We have these great sports characters, but we also could really push it emotionally.”
Crafting a unique visual narrative
One of the most captivating sequences in the series is a seamless montage that follows the basketball passes between Lakers and Boston Celtics players as both teams advance to their historic showdown in the 1984 NBA Finals. “How do we go through the whole playoffs quickly and excitingly and not just shoot a bunch of basketball?” she remembers asking. “That sequence started with a 16th-of-a-page line that said, ‘And the Lakers and the Celtics head towards each other in the playoffs.’ I think I said to Todd, ‘It’s almost like this circle and we’ll connect each team.’ It became this one revolving game, intercut with Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar]’s speech to his teammates.”
Paving the way for future generations
While Richardson-Whitfield insists that “my next playground is movies,” she acknowledges that her groundbreaking work is not just about creating opportunities for herself but also about making the path easier for those who follow. “If I don’t do better than anyone, they’re going to judge the next woman after me,” she observes. “So, when I got the call, there was this relief that I’ve been doing a good job and I’m doing what I’m supposed to in this world.”
“I know for myself, or at least I believe that I’m absolutely the best person for the job. And I think that now people know it.”
Explore more
For those interested in exploring Richardson-Whitfield’s work, check out the trailer for Winning Time and dive into the world of the Los Angeles Lakers’ rise to fame.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive look at Salli Richardson-Whitfield’s journey and achievements, offering insights and reflections for cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts. By highlighting her groundbreaking work and the challenges she has overcome, we celebrate her contributions to the industry and the path she is paving for future generations.