The DGA’s Reality Television Committee hosted a brunch on March 19 in Los Angeles. During the event, Guild members working in the genre learned about the DGA’s efforts to increase employment opportunities and met with their peers. DGA Associate National Executive Director Warren Adler and DGA Assistant Executive Director Rodney Mitchell presented an overview of the Guild’s new Reality Television Agreements provided for broadcast on the Network, Pay TV, Syndication and Basic Cable.
“We wanted to pass on the message that organizing reality TV is at the top of the Guild’s 2005 agenda,” said Adler in his opening remarks. “We’ve convinced the networks and the studios that we understand the nature of Reality TV and that there’s not one set of rules that can work for all shows in the genre.”
Adler’s comments were followed by a Q&A session led by Mitchell, one of the chief negotiators of the new Reality Television Agreements. “We recognize that each reality show is very different,” said Mitchell, “and we’re committed to creating agreements that demonstrate our willingness to be flexible in respect to salary, staffing, and other contract terms and conditions.”
According to Mitchell and Adler, the DGA has been witnessing a new level of cooperation from the various producing companies and the networks, thanks to the Guild’s agreements. The Guild has signed 22 new Reality TV shows and initiated conversations with many more. “As the marketplace for Reality shows gets more competitive, producers are more interested in using our members’ talent on their shows,” said Adler. “We are aggressively working to open a dialogue with the shows and producers that haven’t yet stepped up to the plate.”
Members present at the event were pleasantly surprised to learn about the nature of the agreements. “I have to say I’m really encouraged by what I’m hearing here,” said David Parks. “I primarily work as a showrunner myself and I’ve been doing a lot of basic cable work. It’s great to know that becoming DGA doesn’t mean I have to change the number of people I hire and if it’s negotiable, that’s really going to help.”
Mitchell also spoke about the importance of Guild members standing together and refusing to work for non-Guild shows. He mentioned that one production company was compelled to reach an agreement with the Guild after at least three directors refused to direct its Reality show using non-Guild titles. Ultimately the Guild was able to create an agreement to cover two directors and several stage managers on the project. “This example underscores the importance of members working with the Guild, providing valuable information to us so that we can effect agreements,” said Mitchell.
Adler emphasized the way in which DGA members can help Guild staff and committee members make strides in the genre. “You can help by letting us know when you hear of new projects. The earlier we hear of a new show, the better our chances are of signing the show to a Guild agreement. Let us know what works and what doesn’t work in our dealings with companies and on your particular shows especially in regards to staffing.”
Reality Television Committee member Danny Salles pointed out how members could assist in the process by making it on a more personal level. “I think that what we’ve all got to do here is to give it a try. If you’re on a job interview, talk about the Guild. Break the ice. That’s how this whole process is going to start snowballing.”
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