No. As long as you weren’t directing prior to 3 years ago you’re considered a new director.  Whether you’re a producer, actor, cinematographer, editor or TV network owner etc for 20 years doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is you weren’t a professional “Director” farther back than 3 years from annual search year.

Remember also, the work you enter MUST have been completed during the fifteen month period of prior to NDS search deadline.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE:  Please do NOT enter if you do not fit the criteria!!  It’s inevitably discovered if a director has been directing longer than the entry criteria and if work is older than the entry criteria.  Disregarding the entry rules is embarrassing for the director and not fair to those who qualify.  We greatly appreciate your cooperation in providing this great opportunity to those who fit the entry criteria.  Thank you!