DGA Appoints Negotiations Committee Leadership

Los Angeles – At its most recent meeting, the DGA National Board voted to name Director Jon Avnet as Chair and Director Karen Gaviola as Vice Chair of the BA/FLTTA Negotiations Committee.

“In these challenging times, it’s hard to believe that we are already gearing up for the next round of negotiations with the Studios,” said DGA President Lesli Linka Glatter. “As we do in every round, the DGA spends an enormous amount of time and resources conducting thorough research to understand the issues facing our members and our industry, while preparing to best represent their economic and creative interests at the bargaining table.”

“An important part of getting ready is to appoint leaders who will help guide us, and we are thrilled to have two of our most experienced feature and television Directors, Jon Avnet and Karen Gaviola, back to head the 2026 committee,” continued Glatter. “Jon and Karen were instrumental to helping steer the Guild in our most recent round, which resulted in major economic gains and creative protections. Our entire membership will once again have the benefit of their experience and deep understanding of the industry.”

The DGA’s current three-year contract with the major studios expires on June 30, 2026.

Jon Avnet has served on the DGA Negotiations Committee for the past five cycles and was Chair during the Guild’s last two negotiations. He currently serves as a National Board member and on the Western Directors Council, and is Co-Chair of the DGA’s AI Committee and a Trustee for the DGA Pension and Health Plans. He is a veteran Director and Producer of more than 60 movies for the theaters and TV including films such as Risky Business, Fried Green Tomatoes, Black Swan, and Uprising, as well as Justified and Sneaky Pete for TV and streaming. Avnet is a two-time DGA Award nominee.

Karen Gaviola has served on the DGA Negotiations Committee for the past six negotiations cycles and was a Co-Chair during the last round. She currently serves as an Alternate on the DGA National Board and the Western Directors Council. She is Chair of the DGA Safety Committee and is a member of the TV Director Creative Rights Committee, Diversity Task Force, and serves as a Trustee for the DGA Pension and Health Plans. Gaviola has directed over 140 television episodes across all genres including The Boys, The Walking Dead and Paper Girls. She has also served as a Producer-Director on five series, including Hawaii 5-0 and Lucifer.

The Guild will appoint its full Negotiations Committee, made up of Directors, Assistant Directors, Unit Production Managers, Associate Directors and Stage Managers working in all genres, later this year.

National Executive Director Russell Hollander will serve as the DGA’s Chief Negotiator.