Western AD/UPM/TC Council Chair Kim Kurumada welcomed a distinguished panel of Unit Production Managers, Assistant Directors, and a full house of attendees to the Second Annual "Meet the DGA Award-Winning and Nominated Directorial Teams" event held March 5 in the DGA Boardroom in Los Angeles. The panel included UPMs Barbara Hall (Ray) and Tim Moore (Million Dollar Baby); 1st ADs Thomas Burke (Desperate Housewives) and George Parra (Sideways); and 2nd ADs Walter Parry (Desperate Housewives) and Darrell Woodard (Ray). Hosted by the AD/UPM Mentor Committee, the event was moderated by Yudi Bennett, recipient of the DGA's 2003 Frank Capra Award.
Following Kurumada's opening remarks encouraging members' attendance at future DGA events, Bennett added that Guild activities provide valuable opportunities for networking and the exchange of ideas. She then began the panel discussion that covered such diverse topics as salary negotiation, budgeting, technology, and safety concerns.
Asked about effectively working with directors, the panelists agreed on the importance of communication and anticipating needs. "Be upfront about your mistakes," said Woodard, who further offered "success stems from looking beyond the schedule and call sheets." The panelists also concurred that it was vital to get the director involved in budgeting considerations and to be prepared to offer alternatives. "Always give options, never just say 'no,'" said Moore.
Although aware of the quality of their respective projects, some of the panel members seemed surprised by their ultimate success. "I knew the script [for Sideways] was great and that Alexander Payne was an extremely talented director and writer," said Parra, "but a movie can have all that and still flop." While he couldn't have predicted Million Dollar Baby's achievement at the DGA and Academy Awards, Moore stated that even early on, there was a sense of something special. "I knew it was a great movie and everyone on the set knew Hilary would get a nomination from day one."
Discussing ways to move up in the industry, the panelists agreed on the importance of networking. "Relationships are key," said Hall. "Someone's got to go out on a limb and give you a break," Parra noted.
The panelists closed the session with their best piece of advice to the attendees. "Enjoy the time you're not working and if a job is no good for you don't take it," offered Burke. Woodard suggested that people should, "extend professional courtesy as often as possible and remain humble." Perhaps best summary of the morning's tone came from moderator Bennett when she stated, "be good to everyone, treat people well and it will come back to you."
