August 20, 2021
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DGA has consistently adopted measures to ensure that our members and guests can safely attend screenings in our DGA Theaters.
Starting April 1, 2022, vaccination against COVID-19, plus booster (unless not eligible for booster) is required to attend DGA events or screenings in the DGA theaters in Los Angeles and New York. Masks are still required.
For DGA Screenings in Los Angeles
Per the California Department of Public Health, below are the acceptable options for providing proof of vaccination:
- A CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card; or
- A photo of a vaccination card; or
- Documentation of vaccination from a healthcare provider; or
- A Digital COVID-19 Vaccine record (available at https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/)
For DGA Screenings in New York
Pursuant to Section 5.C(i) of Emergency Executive Order 225 proof of vaccination is a requirement to attend screenings in New York Theater. The acceptable types of proof of vaccination, per the order, are as follows:
Please present your proof of vaccination to on-site DGA Staff prior to entry of the theater. The Guild will continue to monitor these developments and update our theater safety protocols as required. We thank you for your anticipated cooperation.
Membership Screenings Protocols Update as of August 20, 2021:
The DGA is continuing to monitor capacity and masking restrictions for our theaters in Los Angeles and New York, and is updating these restrictions in accordance with state and local government guidelines. As such, pursuant to Section 5.C(i) of Emergency Executive Order 225, proof of vaccination is now required and must be shown in order to attend DGA membership screenings in New York.
The acceptable types of proof of vaccination, per the order, are as follows:
- A CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or an official immunization record from the jurisdiction, state, or country where the vaccine was administered or a digital or physical photo of such a card or record, reflecting the person’s name, vaccine brand, and date administered; or
- A New York City COVID Safe Pass (available to download on Apple and Android smartphone devices); or
- A New York State Excelsior Pass.
Membership Screenings Protocols Update as of July 2, 2021:
Since the July 2021 issue of the DGA Monthly went to press, certain capacity and masking restrictions for our theaters in Los Angeles and New York have been updated in accordance with state and local government guidelines. We will no longer be requiring RSVPs for membership screenings and our theaters will no longer have capacity restrictions.
Because of recent recommendations by health authorities regarding masking protocols, the DGA is requiring masking in the theaters at all times, regardless of vaccination status.
When the COVID-19 Pandemic forced the closure of theaters around the globe, it also resulted in the interruption of DGA Membership screenings. Once conditions began to improve, the Guild, in consultation with experts, took careful steps to once again offer our members one of the perks that come with a DGA card.
The Guild resumed membership screenings in April of 2021 in New York and Los Angeles, when conditions required strict social distancing and theater capacity restrictions. At that time, in order to offer this service to the membership, the DGA adopted a registration requirement for all screenings in order to safely monitor and control the conditions.
The DGA Theaters were envisioned by Directors to bring out the best in the feature film experience. The Los Angeles theater was revamped in 2019 when the Guild unveiled its new state-of-the-art theater, a 600-seat high-tech motion picture exhibition space at DGA headquarters. The new DGA theater was conceived with the future of cinema in mind and reflected the vision of a committee of top filmmakers – including Michael Apted, Jon Favreau, Shawn Levy, Michael Mann, Christopher Nolan, and Betty Thomas – who were involved in every phase of the process alongside the best theater architects and consultants, in order to create a theater by filmmakers for filmmakers, something never before done anywhere on such a scale.
The Los Angeles theater revamp included new features such as: a custom-built, state-of-the-art Dolby Vision laser projection system; a custom Dolby Atmos immersive sound system, equipped with over 70 newly installed Meyer speakers for the optimal sound experience; upgraded 35mm and 70mm capabilities and; a new top-of-the-line 50-foot projection screen. Since the pandemic, both the Los Angeles and New York Theater spaces have developed extensive cleaning and disinfection enhancements with EPA approved electrostatic spraying on all seating and high-touch areas before and after each screening, along with sanitation stations spread throughout the lobby. The Guild’s 436-seat New York Theater is recognized throughout the entertainment industry as one of the preeminent screening, private reception, and film premiere facilities in the city and features both film and digital projection capacities and Dolby Digital Cinema Sound.
Please note these modifications are subject to change as necessitated by conditions, and registrations and RSVPs are still required for all DGA special events and meetings. The Guild will continue to monitor the situation regarding the resumption of membership screenings in other cities as conditions allow.
For the latest updates on DGA Membership Screenings, please visit the Events Section.