Frank Pierson Remembers Old Hollywoodbr Chautauqua Institution - Chautauqua Institutionbr Frank Pierson is the artistic director and Distinguished Filmmaker-in-Residence at the American Film Institute and is one of the most respected writerdirectors in film and television and a recognized leader in the profession. At AFI he is a primary counselor to the overall artistic leadership of the Conservatory and its programs.A former president of the Writers Guild of America West, Pierson is currently a member of the teaching staff of the Sundance Institute and was president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 2001-2005.