On February 10, new and veteran Associate Directors, Stage Managers and Production Associates gathered in the boardroom of the DGA’s New York offices to receive valuable information about the workings of their Guild during a Navigating the DGA orientation event. Hosted by the Eastern AD/SM/PA Council, the orientation was the opportunity for newer members to hear instructive and educational discussions about a variety of issues that affect AD/SM/PAs, delivered by Council members and DGA staff.
In her welcome to the attendees, Council Chair Glenna Meeks spoke about the importance of attending the monthly Council meetings and asked everyone in the room 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. Berger then continued with a brief tutorial on the structure and governance of the Guild that covered the DGA Constitution and National Board, the other Councils and Committees and encouraged those attending to get involved.
Council Member/DGA Associate Board Member Joyce Thomas spoke about the benefits that come with a DGA card such as economic and creative protections and the responsibilities of member-ship, 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 Alternate member Eulogio Ortiz gave information about the DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans and the benefits members can derive from them.
Council Secretary-Treasurer Terry Benson presented information on the DGA PAC and explained how the PAC has been successful in its ongoing mission to fight for the rights of DGA membership through legislative efforts but needs the support of members.
And DGA Administrative Assistant Suci Madjidji gave the attendees a brief tour of the services available via the DGA website.
The orientation concluded with a Q&A session where the participants were able to have their questions addressed by experienced members and DGA Staff. Everyone was also invited to stay for the monthly Council meeting that followed.
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 As-sociates.