November 16, 2023
On November 16, DGA members living in the Midwest came together to network with their peers and hear updates about the Guild’s during the general membership meeting in Chicago. Hosted by the Chicago Coordinating Committee (CCC), the evening was part of the Guild’s ongoing efforts to serve members residing outside Los Angeles and New York and provided an opportunity to meet DGA National Vice President Laura Belsey, who served as the keynote speaker. The gathering was also attended by DGA National Executive Director Russell Hollander, Associate Western Executive Director Lisa Layer, Field Representative Brett Wise and Theater and Events Manager Ian Stewart.
Following a cocktail reception and welcomes by CCC Co-Chairs Director Thomas Wekony, Jr. and UPM Richard S. Lederer, Belsey addressed the attendees and started by thanking the Committee for their work on behalf of the membership. She also acknowledged the work of Hollander and the rest of the DGA staff in supporting DGA members both there in Chicago and around the globe, and spoke briefly about the DGA's successful recent negotiations.
After covering more area-specific details such as the recent AD/UPM Training Day in April and a Gun Safety training in August held locally by the CCC, Belsey went into detail with information about getting back to work after the end of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes and what the Guild has done to assist members who were affected by the work stoppages.
“When production went down, the DGA jumped into action – as we all know this has been a very difficult time in our industry and many of our members have faced significant adversity in the form of professional uncertainty and economic hardship. And even though the strikes have ended, because of industry contraction – not everyone will be back to work quickly and many will continue to need financial assistance. We are proud that the work of the Directors Guild Foundation has been able to help alleviate the burden for many DGA members and others in our industry.
“During this time, the DGA has been vigilant in making sure that your economic rights are being addressed and that payments are being paid accordingly. We are doing this by expediting the average time for residuals payments, filing arbitrations, challenging self-dealing and fighting for more control to make sure you are being compensated appropriately. And we will continue to do so.”
In her opening, Belsey told the audience, “Although only recently elected your national Vice President, I have been fortunate to have been involved in leadership on the National Board and Eastern Directors Council for many years. And one of the things I have appreciated the opportunity to hear from and learn from members directly about what they think about their Guild – what you love and appreciate – and what you would like to see improved.” In her closing, she called upon them to join her in service to their fellow members.
“I’d like to close by inviting you to be a part of changing our future for the next generation. We welcome and want your feedback, advice and counsel as we move forward.”
Belsey then turned the lectern over to National Executive Director Hollander, who invited attendees to come forward with their questions that he, Belsey, Hollander, Layer and Wise addressed.
About the Committee:
The Chicago Coordinating Committee was formed in the mid-1960s to coordinate Guild activities in the Chicago Area, including acting as liaison between members and the Guild, disseminating information, and promoting public awareness of the Guild. The Committee is Co-Chaired by Director Thomas Wekony, Jr. and UPM Richard S. Lederer.
photos by Jeff Kash