On Tuesday, August 11, DGA President Taylor Hackford, National Executive Director Jay D. Roth, Eastern Executive Director Russ Hollander and Special Assignments Executive Lisa Layer joined Midwestern Executive Director Daniel Moore and members of the Chicago Coordinating Committee (CCC) for their monthly meeting at the Windy City's 410 Club Restaurant.
Thirty-one local members welcomed Hackford back to the Midwest where he had filmed portions of his documentary Chuck Berry Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll. Hackford, Roth and other members of the DGA staff heard concerns from the membership about work opportunities and technological changes affecting local TV stations. Hollander reported on the state of network and local television, Layer commented on organizing efforts in the area of Reality TV and Moore provided an update on efforts underway to improve Illinois film incentives and developments concerning a possible new multi-stage soundstage facility in the Chicago area. Roth and Hackford reviewed the 2008 negotiations and prospects for 2011 and the health of the DGA Pension and Health Plans. They also explored some of the challenges facing the Guild including international piracy and steps the Guild is taking to address these concerns.
Founded in the mid-1960s the CCC is an elected body of Chicago-area members representing all categories of membership. The CCC was created to represent the interests of Chicago-area Guild members and provide a forum for the exchange of information and discussion of problems that concern them. The CCC is co-chaired by Director Jef Kos and UPM/1st AD Richard Lederer.