The DGA and the American Film Institute (AFI) have an agreement that allows DGA members to work on AFI graduate thesis projects. Modeled on the Guild’s Experimental Agreements, DGA members may work on AFI student projects, which are not intended for commercial release, have budgets of less that $75,000, and have a running time of no more than thirty minutes. The agreement allows DGA members to work with non-members on these projects. 

To that end the AFI is looking for DGA Assistant Directors and Unit Production Managers who would like the opportunity to hone their skills in their specialty, try working in a different category or try moving up the ladder to producing on an AFI thesis films. DGA members will also have the satisfaction of networking with and mentoring the next generation of creative talent. AFI films just took 1st, 2nd and 3rd place at the Student Emmy Awards. The thesis films shoot on 35mm, Super 16mm or HD; have budgets that can go up to $75,000; and shoot for a period of 6 days.

If you are interested in volunteering for one of these projects, please contact Betsy Pollock, AFI Associate Dean and Director of Production Services at (323) 856-7645 or via email at: bpollock@afi.com.