| On Thursday, May 19 and Tuesday, May 23, 2006, the DGA held its annual membership meetings at Guild headquarters in Los Angeles and the New York. The focus of both meetings was to provide members of all categories with the most up-to-date information about their Guild, while simultaneously giving them the opportunity to share their thoughts with the National Board. |
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DGA President Michael Apted in New York.
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DGA President Michael Apted presided over both meetings, delivering his annual report on the overall status of the Guild. His remarks covered a wide array of issues facing the Guild, including the challenges stemming from new technological advances, preparations for upcoming contract negotiations and the ongoing battle to stem the tide of runaway production. Apted also announced the names of the continuing and newly elected council members. (click here for Council Election Results)
In addition to President Apted’s State-of-the-Guild report, attendees of the New York meeting also heard a special address from DGA National Vice President Steven Soderbergh that touched upon the need to increase diversity in the industry, the success of the New York State and City tax incentives, and this year's upcoming DGA Honors.
The financial reports were given by DGA Secretary Treasurer Gil Cates in Los Angeles and Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Scott Berger in New York. On the East Coast, AD/UPM Secretary/Treasurer Les McDonough and AD/SM/PA Chair Dennis W. Mazzocco reported on their councils and announced the names of their newly elected council members. AD/UPM/TC Chair Cleve Landsberg and AD/SM/PA Chair Scott Rindenow delivered their respective reports so on the West Coast. DGA Board Member/Special Projects Committee Chair Jeremy Kagan outlined the past year’s accomplishments and the future plans of the Special Projects Committee to the Los Angeles members, and East Coast Special Projects Committee Debbie Elbin delivered the New York version. DGA First Vice President/PAC Leadership Council Co-Chair Paris Barclay brought West Coast attendees up to date on the activities and plans of the DGA PAC, a subject that was covered by DGA Board Alternate Member Vincent Misiano in New York. Board Member John Rich and DGA Fourth Vice President William M. Brady reported on the DGA Foundation activities in Los Angeles and New York respectively. DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans CEO Mack Clapp gave the attendees an overview of the status and future of the Pension and Health Plans at both meetings. As always, National Executive Director Jay D. Roth, and other members of the Guild's management team and staff were present to provide answers and insight to inquiries from members attending the meetings.
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National Vice President Steven Soderbergh
addresses the New York meeting.
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Both events were followed by a cocktail reception and a chance for members to catch-up with their colleagues. In spite of the constant challenges, the future looks bright for the Guild. And the spirit with which the DGA will face these challenges and move into that future seems best summed up by President Apted’s statements in the closing of his report.
“Henry Longfellow once said, ‘If you would hit the mark, you must aim a little above it,’ Apted quoted. “In the year ahead, tough challenges will buffet us and we may find our goals difficult to reach. But through thoughtful, intensive and careful planning by our board, councils, committees and professional staff, and the unity of membership, I believe that our arrows will hit the target, protecting and extending the creative and economic rights of our membership for many years to come.
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