Arlene Sanford

Although not a well-known name to those outside the industry, Arlene Sanford became one of television's most prolific directors, with nearly 100 TV directing credits since the early '80s. Not one to be tied down by any specific genre, Sanford's directorial output spans all types of genres and mediums, including everything from multi-cam sitcoms like "Coach" (ABC 1989-1997), to made-for-TV-movies such as 2009's "12 Men of Christmas" (Lifetime). Throughout her career, Sanford has also made the leap into directing features. Her feature directorial debut came in 1996 when she helmed the spoof comedy, "A Very Brady Sequel," starring Gary Cole and Shelley Long. The film received mixed reviews, but proved that Sanford had the chops to easily helm projects on both the big and small screens. In recognition of her directorial work on TV, Sanford was honored with two Primetime Emmy nods, as well as nominations by the Director's Guild of America, thus underscoring her status as one of the small screen's most sought after and revered female directors.