In 1936, a small group of prominent screen directors stood up against the major Hollywood studios and pledged to work together to protect the economic and creative rights of directors. Risking their careers, they came together to form the Screen Directors Guild. DGA Moments in Time illustrates the struggle and triumph of that journey by focusing on the individuals and events that have left a lasting impact on the craft of directing.
The 75th Anniversary Game-Changer films were directed, written and produced by member Michael Stevens. Stevens is an award-winning producer, director and writer of more than 30 prime-time event and concert specials. Stevens grew up hearing many stories about Guild history, as he is the grandson of past-president George Stevens and the son of director member George Stevens Jr.
Introduced by DGA President Taylor Hackford, these films are the first in a two-part series of short films illuminating the defining moments in DGA history.
Watch the Films
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DGA Moments in Time: Parts 1 - 3
The founding and early years of the Screen Directors Guild 1936 - 1950.
All three parts including Prologue and an introduction by DGA President Taylor Hackford. (23 min)
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Prologue
An introduction to the filmmakers who helped originate the guiding principles of the of the nascent Guild and shaped the future of the director's craft.
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PART 1: 13 Men and $1300
Narrated by Steven Spielberg
The quest by Hollywood's most influential directors to achieve proper recognition and better creative and economic conditions, resulting in the creation of the Screen Directors Guild.
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PART 2: Doubling Down
Narrated by Martin Scorsese
With studio leaders continually ignoring the Guild's demand for formal recognition, new DGA President Frank Capra threatens to lead a boycott of the Academy Awards.
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PART 3: One Night in October
Narrated by Clint Eastwood
The Guild's internal "Civil War" culminated with the fateful meeting of October 22, 1950 where 300 members gathered to fend off a Red Scare-inspired, anti-communist purge that threatened the Guild's survival.
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