While not every reuse generates a residuals payment, our Claims and Policing Department researches activity to determine if a residuals payment is due/past due. Teri Benton, Residuals Department Executive, outlined some of the methods used by the department.

1. Company Policing: We target specific companies and canvas the entire library for activity and past due residuals

2. Project Type Policing: We target certain picture types (i.e. low-budget theatricals, network prime-time product, made-for-basic-cable product, etc.) and review activity and payment data for all projects within the genre.

3. Internet Policing: We do extensive review of websites that stream video of DGA-covered product.

4. Computer Policing: We have developed new software which: a) tracks split rights on a single title which are distributed by multiple companies and b) ferrets out production companies who may have met residuals obligations in the past, but stopped for one reason or another.

5. Member Call-ins: We are pleased to hear from our members when they see their work being reused. Members know their work best and it is important that we talk to members.

6. Tri-Guild Audit Committee: We target companies and pinpoint sample titles within large libraries to audit and make claims.

7. Yearly Deal Memo Review: On an annual basis, we review all DGA-covered projects which have been released on video to ensure appropriate payment has been made.

Because the technology within the industry is ever changing, residuals policing is an ongoing and dynamic situation. Please call the Residuals Department at (310) 289-2060 should you have any questions regarding your residuals payments.

LEMI to Host Sixth Annual Latin Heat Conference 

The Latino Entertainment Media Institute (LEMI) is presently gearing up to host its Sixth Annual Latin Heat Entertainment Industry Conference, October 12-14 at the historic Roosevelt Hotel nestled in the heart of Hollywood. This year's celebrity chair is actor John Leguizamo.

Under the theme of "The Future Is Now: Diversity in Entertainment," this year's conference will feature panels with top industry professionals, the "Mini Fest 2000" trailer competition, a screenwriting competition, a gala awards dinner and multitudes of networking opportunities that seek to further LEMI's mission of keeping Latino film professionals at the top of their game.

Over the years these highly successful conferences have also featured DGA-sponsored directing seminars with director members Felix Enriquez Alcala, Taylor Hackford, Warrington Hudlin, Leon Ichaso, Sylvia Morales, Gregory Nava and Miguel Arteta. In addition, last year's conference featured a production seminar with UPMs Laura J. Medina, Bob Manning, David Valdes and director member Ralph Singleton. 

For more information about the Sixth Annual Latin Heat Conference, contact LEMI at (818) 464-3470 or log onto their website at http://www.latinheat.com/