New and veteran Associate Directors, Stage Managers and Production Associates received valuable information about the workings of their Guild during a Navigating the DGA orientation. Hosted by the Eastern AD/SM/PA Council on February 11, members gathered in the boardroom of the Guild’s New York offices to hear instructive and educational discussions about a variety of issues that affect these categories, delivered by Council members and DGA staff.
Council Chair Glenna Meeks welcomed the attendees and spoke about the importance of attending the monthly Council meetings, and asked all the attendees to introduce themselves and where they worked before she outlined the rest of the agenda for the evening.
DGA Assistant Executive Director Michael Berger gave the first report of the night: an overview of the history, organization and procedures of the Guild. Berger also gave details of about the staffing of the DGA and explained how the Guild’s contracts are designed to protect the members and how the Field Reps work with the Contracts Department to maintain that protection.
A brief tutorial on the structure and governance of the Guild was delivered by DGA Associate National Board Member Dennis W. Mazzocco, who spoke about the DGA Constitution and National Board, the other Councils and Committees and encouraged those attending to get involved.
Council Secretary-Treasurer Bruce Martin spoke about the benefits that come with a DGA card such as economic and creative protections and the responsibilities of membership, such as why members should work only for signatory companies, the importance of deal memos and reporting income, what to do when starting a new job and why active participation in the Guild makes the organization stronger.
Council member Doug Fogel gave information about the DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans and the benefits members can derive from them.
In the final presentation of the orientation, former Council member Terry Benson presented information about the DGA PAC and explained how the PAC has been successful in its ongoing mission to fight for the rights of the Guild's membership through legislative efforts, but needs their support.
All the Navigating the DGA orientation participants were invited to stay for a special session of the monthly Council meeting that followed, that was attended by DGA President Thomas Schlamme and National Executive Director Russell Hollander.
About the Council:
The Eastern AD/SM/PA Council is the elected body that represents the Guild members who reside in the Eastern region and work in television as Associate Directors, Stage Managers or Production Associates.