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Eastern AD/SM/PA Council

The Eastern AD/SM/PA Council is the elected body that represents the more than 1,100 Guild members who reside in the Eastern region and work in television as Associate Directors, Stage Managers or Production Associates. The Council is made up of 16 elected members and 10 alternate members from these categories.
This section provides members with information that is specific to their categories; and the public with information about the activities of this council. DGA Members, log in for meeting times and other Council information.

A Welcome Message from Council Chair Tony DeSanti

It is the responsibility of your elected Council to represent the interests and issues of all of our category members. These issues and matters are openly discussed at monthly meetings to which all are invited and encouraged to attend. There is always a lively exchange concerning the Guild and its role in today's evolving workplace.

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Meetings are usually held the second Monday of the month; the actual dates will be posted here.

There is a wealth of material on this website. It is your resource for category specific information. It is also a work in progress so I encourage you to check back often to see how it develops, and please share any ideas you may have for ways it can be improved.

DGA members, please remember to log in to access the full range of information reserved for members only. By logging in you will find a list of your elected council members along with contact information and other materials posted within. Please do not hesitate to contact any Guild member with questions regarding the Guild, Council, Committees, work-related problems you may be having, or situations you feel need to be discussed. If they cannot help you, they will be glad to direct you to someone who can.

Guild staff is also here to assist you. Should you have contract questions or grievances, contact your field representative, DGA Associate Eastern Executive Director Michael Berger or Administrative Assistant Mina Bodden (212) 258-0806 [email: mbodden@dga.org]. Discussions about grievances can usually be kept in confidence.

Your Council coordinates the activities of several committees. Issues such as workplace safety, new technology, mentoring, or membership orientation are addressed through these committees. I encourage you to become involved on an existing committee or to recommend the formation of a committee that you would consider helpful or interesting.

Our monthly meetings are designed to accommodate our busy schedules. We provide you an opportunity to attend in a hybrid platform…either in person for great networking opportunities or via zoom. We offer great workshops throughout the year that are designed to keep all of us better informed. Take advantage of the wealth of knowledge available on our DGA website as well.

The Council is stronger with new ideas and opinions and your participation is always encouraged.

Our dedicated council is here to serve you, and I am always available via email to help with anything that arises. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

All my best,

Tony DeSanti

Eastern AD/SM/PA Council Chairperson

Reminder: New Mandatory Safety Requirements for AD/UPMs and AD/SMs Coming in 2025

As part of the Guild’s ongoing efforts to elevate the importance of safety in your workplaces, the 2023-2026 Basic Agreement (BA) and Freelance Live and Tape Television Agreement (FLTTA) include requirements for DGA employees to complete additional training courses.

Capturing Olympics Gold

The broadcasts of the Olympic games from Paris and abroad, would not be possible without the hard work of DGA members. See this gallery of them at work.

Navigating the DGA: A Member Orientation

An Eastern AD/SM/PA Council Event

Associate Directors, Stage Managers and Production Associates learned more about the workings of their Guild at the Eastern AD/SM/PA Council's Navigating the DGA member orientation.

Expanding Your Reach: A Networking Event

An Eastern AD/SM/PA Council Event

Director Brett Holey, Stage Manager Garry W. Hood, Associate Directors Alanna Campbell and Dawn DiCicco and LinkedIn's Nicole Moreo shared information on finding new opportunities and evolving throughout a career as an AD/SM/PA in a conversation moderated by Stage Manager April Smith.

Gary Natoli : 2024 Franklin J. Schaffner Achievement Award

76th Annual DGA Awards

Associate Director/Stage Manager Gary Natoli will become the 33rd recipient of the Franklin J. Schaffner Achievement Award, which is given to an Associate Director or Stage Manager in recognition of their service to the industry and the DGA.

DGA Update: New York State Paid Sick Leave

Under a new New York State law, DGA Freelancers who work in New York State under the Network Agreement (ABC, CBS, NBC Network and Local Stations) will be eligible for up to 7 days of paid sick leave.

Navigating the DGA: A Member Orientation

An Eastern AD/SM/PA Council Event

Associate Directors, Stage Managers and Production Associates learned more about the workings of their Guild at the Eastern AD/SM/PA Council's Navigating the DGA member orientation.

Directing Late-Night Talk Shows

Late-night talk shows are responding to a constantly shifting news cycle, and directors must think on their feet.

Corraling a Capricious News Cycle

Network news directors Sarah Carlson Brooke, Brian Nalesnik, Rob Vint, Brent Holey and David Distinti must not only stay ahead of fast-breaking developments but also frame reporting in ways that underscore the human drama.

Contact

Michael Berger
Associate Eastern Executive Director (212) 258-0802
MBerger@dga.org

Mina Bodden
Administrative Assistant (212) 258-0806
mbodden@dga.org

Council Links

Home

How To Sign A Show

Employing DGA Directors, Associate Directors and Stage Managers under the Guild’s non-dramatic basic cable television contracts provides you with the nation’s best talent through cost-effective individual show agreements that fit your production budget.

Safety Training

Information about the mandatory Safety Passport Training Course.

2017 FLTTA Enhanced Provisions

Gains that were made for Associate Directors and Stage Managers in our last round of negotiations.

Joyce Thomas

This is a Visual History Recording

Associate Director Joyce Thomas reflects on her 30-year career as an Associate Director with CBS and her distinguished service as a Guild leader.

Garry Marshall

This is a Visual History Recording

Visual History Interview

Garry Marshall discusses his career as a writer, producer and director on shows like Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley, and on feature films like Beaches (1988), Pretty Woman (1990), and The Princess Diaries (2001). Marshall also discusses his service with the DGA, working to protect the director’s creative vision.

Biff Henderson

This is a Visual History Recording

Visual History Interview

Biff Henderson discusses his 38-year stage manager career, starting out in the NBC-Radio Sales Department, and his 35-year association with David Letterman.