Emmy-Nominated TV Directors Lesli Linka Glatter (Zero Day), Nicole Kassell (Sirens), and Jessica Lee Gagné (Severance) Take us Behind the Camera
This year’s Emmy nominations spotlight some of television’s most visionary directors, each of whom has helped shape the way audiences experience stories on screen. We sat down with Lesli Linka Glatter (Zero Day), Nicole Kassell (Sirens), and Jessica Lee Gagné (Severance) to discuss their work, process, and what it means to be recognized by their peers.
Lesli Linka Glatter – Zero Day
Lesli Linka Glatter, who directed all six episodes of Netflix’s political thriller Zero Day, dove headfirst into research the moment she joined the project. Conversations with intelligence officials and extensive exploration into the realities of national security shaped her approach to the series.
“I wanted to make sure the story was grounded in authenticity,” she shared. “The balance between a fictional narrative and a truthful reflection of how power operates was key.”
As both director and executive producer, Glatter also reflected on the challenge of building a cohesive vision across all episodes while leading a large creative team. Her dual role as President of the Directors Guild of America gives her a unique perspective on the importance of championing directors’ voices in the industry.
Nicole Kassell – Sirens
Nicole Kassell, Emmy-nominated for directing the first two episodes of Sirens, spoke about the importance of establishing the tone and visual language of a series right from the beginning.
“When you’re directing the opening episodes, you’re setting the DNA for the entire show,” she explained. “It’s about creating a blueprint the audience can connect with emotionally, while also giving space for the story to grow.”
Kassell, who has previously been recognized for her work on Watchmen, continues to be drawn to projects that weave together social commentary with deeply personal storytelling.
Jessica Lee Gagné – Severance
For cinematographer and director Jessica Lee Gagné, stepping into the director’s chair for Severance in season two for episode seven was a natural extension of her visual sensibilities.
“Directing gave me the opportunity to shape performance as much as the image,” she said. “On Severance, everything is about tension and the surreal contrast between work and personal life. I wanted to honor that while bringing my own rhythm to the episode.”
Her dual expertise in both cinematography and directing allowed her to approach the show’s visual identity with an even deeper understanding of how images and performance interact.
A Shared Commitment to Storytelling
While their projects differ in tone and style, each of these directors emphasized the same core value: storytelling as a human connection. Whether through political intrigue, dystopian allegory, or workplace surrealism, their Emmy-nominated work reflects a commitment to authenticity and emotional truth in guiding the camera and shaping the way we experience stories that define our culture.
