On June 9, new and veteran Assistant Directors and Unit Production Managers got a basic primer on the workings of their Guild during the AD/UPM Council East’s Navigating the DGA orientation. Held in the seventh floor boardroom of the Guild’s New York offices, the event also provided a forum for these members to discuss a variety of issues that affect ADs and UPMs with veteran members and have their questions answered by DGA staff.
The session began with an introduction and welcome from AD/UPM Council East Member Education Committee Chair Michael Reichman who asked all attendees to introduce themselves.
DGA Associate Eastern Executive Director Neil Dudich presented an overview of the operations and procedures of the Guild and explained how the collective bargaining agreements and DGA Field Reps protect the members, and expounded on the other ways the Guild protects the legal ad artistic rights and creative freedom of its members.
1st AD Steve Glanzrock spoke about the governance of the Guild and discussed its Constitution, the makeup of the National Board, the upcoming National Convention and recent Annual Meetings, and explained how any member may bring an item to the Board’s or Councils’ attention.
Council Member Jennifer Truelove covered the responsibilities that come with DGA membership, such as only working for Guild signatory employers and safety training; and Council Alternate Les McDonough outlined the benefits and privileges that come with a DGA card, such as the protections provided by the DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans, as well as other Guild perks such as free screenings, publications and events.
Council member Michael Kriaris spoke about the importance of maintaining good community relations on the job and DGA Second Vice President Gary Donatelli explained the importance of supporting the DGA PAC in its ongoing battle for the rights of DGA members.
In the final presentation, DGA Administrative Assistant Yara Gharib led members on a brief tutorial of the services available via the DGA website. The orientation ended with a Q&A session moderated by Reichman where new members could ask questions of the Council members and DGA staff. All attendees were invited to stay for the Eastern AD/UPM Council meeting which immediately followed.
On May 18, the AD/UPM Council East also participated in a joint meeting with the AD/SM/PA 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/UPM Council is the elected body that represents the Assistant Director and Unit Production Manager members of the Guild who reside and/or work in film, television, commercials and new media the East and Midwest regions.
- For more information about the Council, click here to visit their page.