Following their regular monthly meeting, the AD/SM/PA Council East held a Navigating the DGA orientation on June 8. Held in the seventh floor boardroom of the Guild’s New York offices, the event provided both new and veteran Associate Directors, Stage Managers and Production Associates with valuable information about the workings of their Guild and an opportunity to hear informative discussions about a variety of issues that affect their categories, delivered by Council members and DGA staff.
The orientation began with a welcome from Council Chair Joyce Thomas, who prompted everyone to introduce themselves.Then DGA Assistant Executive Director Michael Berger spoke about the operations, organization and procedures of the Guild; introduced the Field Reps and explained how they and the DGA’s Contracts Department work together protect the membership. Council Member and DGA Associate National Board Member Dennis W. Mazzocco explained the governance of the Guild and gave information about its Constitution, National Board the other Councils and Committees and the DGA Staff. Council First Vice Chair Keith Greer, Second Vice Chair Patty Smith and Council Members Vince DeDario and Bruce Martin led a discussion on member responsibilities such as dues and working only for signatory companies, and detailed member privileges such as how the Guild protects economic, legal, and creative rights, the DGA publications, screenings and special events and many of the other perks that come with a DGA card. Council Member and DGA National Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Scott Berger presented information on the DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans, explained how the Plans function and how members can employ these benefits.Council Secretary-Treasurer 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 and revealed how the PAC has worked to maintain relationships with officials who have demonstrated their concern for issues facing the DGA membership.
In the final report, Council member Amanda Rodriguez gave a live demonstration of the many services available online via the DGA website such as how members can report work and pay dues online, see what’s going on at the Guild via the events section, and make use of the many forms and deal memos available in the contracts and employers sections. The orientation ended with a Q&A session, moderated by Thomas, where new members could ask questions of the Council members and DGA staff.
On May 18, the AD/SM/PA Council East also participated in a joint meeting with the AD/UPM Council East where DGA President Paris Barclay and DGA National Executive Director Jay D. Roth were on hand to answer questions.
About the Council:
The Eastern AD/SM/PA Council is the elected body that represents the Guild members who reside in the Eastern region and work in television as Associate Directors, Stage Managers or Production Associates.