Iantha Richardson Reveals the One Piece of Advice Ramón Rodríguez Gave Her Before “Will Trent” Directorial Debut (Exclusive)

**Iantha Richardson Makes Directorial Debut on ‘Will Trent’**

Iantha Richardson, known for her role as Faith in the hit television series *Will Trent*, has stepped into the director’s chair for the fourth season episode titled “It Was a Meat Cute.” The episode, which aired on March 3, showcases a blend of drama and comedy as the characters navigate a quirky storyline involving the alleged ashes of the late singer Meat Loaf and a wrongful execution case.

In a recent interview with *PEOPLE*, Richardson shared insights about her directorial debut and the invaluable advice she received from her co-star Ramón Rodríguez. The veteran actor advised her to manage her time effectively on set by treating the beginning of the shooting day with the same urgency as one would at the end. “I was asking how to make my days because you get a finite amount of time for a lot of work on these things,” she explained. Rodríguez’s guidance proved pivotal, enabling her to maintain a steady pace while ensuring high-quality work.

For Richardson, directing has long been a cherished ambition. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, describing it as a “God moment” that had been set in motion back in 2020 when she first articulated her goals. Sharing behind-the-scenes images on Instagram, she wrote, “Directing my first episode of network television has been nothing short of a dream.”

Richardson, 35, emphasized that her journey as a director aligns closely with her personal mission to represent individuals who share her background. She aims to leverage her platform to tell stories from diverse perspectives, stating, “I have always tried to figure out the best mediums to tell narrative stories.” Her aspiration to expand her storytelling influence began taking shape while working on *American Soul*.

The supportive atmosphere created by the cast on *Will Trent* significantly contributed to Richardson’s positive experience in her new role. She described her first directorial venture as “extremely collaborative and joyful,” highlighting the immense talent of her co-stars. “To be able to experience it as a director was my privilege,” she asserted, continually acknowledging the contributions of her colleagues throughout the process.

Richardson noted that every cast member brought unique qualities to the table, making her task as a director both enjoyable and seamless. While she jokingly mentioned that directing her four-legged co-star, Betty, required some treats, she also revealed that the emotional gravity of the episode presented a challenge, particularly for Jake McLaughlin, who portrayed the character grappling with the consequences of a past wrongful arrest.

“Jake is low-key a teddy bear, although he has a tough exterior,” Richardson commented on McLaughlin’s performance. She praised the emotional depth he brought to his character, highlighting how they played with vulnerability rather than resorting to overt displays of aggression. “I think he crushed it, absolutely,” she added, reflecting on the collaborative effort required to bring the episode’s themes to life.

Richardson’s inaugural directorial experience underscored the importance of teamwork and support within the creative environment. She remarked on her co-stars’ enthusiasm for her success, stating, “They wanted to see me win, and the notes that I gave, I didn’t get a ton of pushback.” The cooperative spirit among the cast allowed for a successful and fulfilling creative process.

As *Will Trent* continues to captivate viewers with its compelling narratives and character developments, Iantha Richardson’s foray into directing adds an exciting layer to the series. New episodes air every Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC, with the following day’s episodes available to stream on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.

Richardson’s journey serves not only as a personal achievement but also as an inspiration to others aspiring to break barriers in the industry. By taking on the role of director, she not only expands her own narrative control but also paves the way for greater representation behind the camera in television.