On December 7, new and veteran Associate Directors, Stage Managers and Production Associates received valuable information about the workings of their Guild during a Navigating the DGA orientation. Hosted by the Eastern AD/SM/PA Council, members came to the seventh floor boardroom of the Guild’s New York offices to hear informative discussions about a variety of issues that affect these categories, delivered by Council members and DGA staff.
The session began with an introduction and welcome from Council Chair Joyce Thomas, who invited each of the attendees to introduce themselves. DGA Assistant Executive Director Michael Berger spoke briefly about the operations and procedures of the Guild and explained how the DGA’s contracts and field reps protect the membership. Associate National Board Member Dennis W. Mazzocco presented a brief tutorial on the governance of the Guild with information about its Constitution, National Board and the other Councils and Committees. DGA Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Scott Berger covered the benefits of the DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans. Council member Terry Benson discussed the importance of supporting the DGA PAC in its ongoing mission to fight for the rights of DGA membership through legislative efforts. The subject of the privileges and responsibilities of DGA membership were covered by Eastern AD/SM/PA Council 2nd Vice Chair Glenna Meeks and Council Alternate Esperanza “Candy” Martinez. The final report came from Council Alternate David Cooper, who gave a primer on the many services available online via the DGA website. The orientation ended with a Q&A session, moderated by Thomas where new members could ask questions of the Council members and DGA staff.