January 31, 2025
At a congressional roundtable hosted by Rep. Darrell Issa, Mike Stoever, Director of Government Affairs for the DGA, advocated for stronger IP protections and support for entertainment industry workers, emphasizing the critical role of federal policies in safeguarding creative and economic rights of Directors and members of their teams.
Stoever first expressed the DGA’s gratitude for Rep. Issa’s commitment to federal disaster aid in the wake of the recent wildfire emergency in Los Angeles. Recognizing the impact on the entertainment industry and its workers, he underscored the importance of continued support for the re-building efforts across the region.
Stoever then stressed that guarding against IP theft and piracy remains a major threat to filmmakers at all levels. For independent Directors who finance their own projects and own the copyright, he noted that “after borrowing money from friends and family, taking on second mortgages, and betting on themselves, these filmmakers have little ability to fight piracy.” Without strong enforcement mechanisms, Directors’ hard work can be stolen and misused, undermining their ability to sustain their careers. And piracy is not just an issue for small, independent filmmakers. They are often top of mind for Directors because piracy can erode vital industry safeguards. Thanks to decades of DGA-negotiated contracts, Directors receive guaranteed residuals from sales and licensing. In 2023 alone, the DGA collected $550 million in residuals, providing crucial financial support for members in an industry defined by freelance employment. “When copyright enforcement fails, the economic safety net that Directors rely on is weakened,” Stoever warned.
In closing, Stoever voiced strong support for a no-fault injunctive regime to combat piracy, urging Congress to act. He emphasized the DGA’s commitment to collaborating with other guilds, studios, and policymakers to protect creative works and defend the livelihoods of filmmakers.