This month the DGA will be holding our Annual Membership Meetings in both New York and Los Angeles. I hope that every member will take advantage of this opportunity to come hear what the Guild has accomplished this past year and the challenges that lie ahead for our membership.

Although we concluded highly successful negotiations last fall and secured the passage of federal tax-incentives in our fight against runaway production, we cannot rest on our laurels. Piracy, "indecency," media consolidation, reality television, and the effects of new technology are but a few of the potential challenges we face and will be discussing at the meetings. In addition, these meetings are an opportunity for you to reconnect with your fellow Guild members during the receptions held before and after the meetings.

On a less pleasant note, you may have read in recent press that Congress passed the "Family Entertainment and Copyright Act of 2005." On the positive side, FECA included several anti-piracy provisions for which we and the MPAA have been pushing for several years. It imposes federal criminal penalties for videotaping a movie in theaters, and provides law enforcement officials with additional tools to combat the distribution of music and movies through file-sharing networks.

Unfortunately, it also included a provision called the Family Movie Act, which effectively will end the DGA's and the Studios' legal challenge to companies (such as ClearPlay) that distribute filtering software that skips and mutes "objectionable" portions of audio or video content of a film on DVD.

We previously have reported to you on the DGA's significant and persistent efforts to defeat the Family Movie Act. DGA representatives and Board members have met with Congressional leaders, and the DGA submitted testimony during hearings on the proposed legislation. However, last fall, the FMA was appended to the anti-piracy bill which the MPAA was pushing through Congress and much of our support evaporated.

This issue is but one of the many important topics we will be informing members about at the annual meetings. I hope that you will be joining us this June to share your thoughts and reactions with Guild leadership and your fellow members.

Sincerely,
Michael Apted
President
Directors Guild of America