Both new and veteran AD/UPM members had the opportunity to network with peers, while learning more about their Guild during the Western AD/UPM Council’s Navigating the DGA seminar on September 29. The breakfast event in the Guild’s Los Angeles boardroom gave detailed information about DGA benefits, Guild activities and issues directly affecting ADs and UPMs, presented by experienced members and DGA staff.
The morning began with a mixer where attendees were able to network over breakfast. Then AD/UPM Council West First Vice-Chair Cleve Landsberg welcomed participants and introduced the line-up of speakers who would be delivering the day’s programming.
Landsberg himself kicked off the presentations with recent news of the Guild and a look forward to member events on the Council’s drawing board for the near future.
UPM Phil Goldfarb delivered updates about the DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans and information regarding the benefits available to DGA members.
Director and DGA Board Member Donald Petrie gave a Powerpoint presentation detailing the history of the Guild from its founding through today.
DGA Associate Executive Director, Communications Morgan Rumpf presented an overview of the DGA website and clarified how members can get the most out of its many capabilities.
AD/UPM Council West Chair Marie Cantin spoke about the Council, described how it is structured and touched on its mission to be the voice of the AD/UPMs of the Guild.
DGA Field Rep Matt Antonucci explained how the DGA Contracts Department and Field Reps work together to protect the membership.
1st AD Bob Lewis talked about the Availability Lists, Qualifications Lists (QL), and Low-Budget Agreements, and revealed how the QL, Residency and Production Centers affect members.
1st AD Lee Blaine gave details about how the Guild helps members working in commercials.
The morning also featured a special presentation by Producer/UPM and DGA Board Member Duncan Henderson, who discussed his career and gave insights on the craft of ADs and UPMs in a conversation moderated by Landsberg.
Following the presentations, the floor was opened to questions from the audience.