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President's Report
President Jack Shea
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Once again we're at that special time of year where we celebrate the accomplishments of talented people who make up our Guild. Of course, I'm talking about the DGA Awards.
This is the time when we recognize the contributions made by our members not only to the craft of directing film and television, but also to the motion picture industry and the Guild. Looking at those whom we honor, I am reminded of how far we've come as a Guild, and how many leaders we have to thank.
This year we're paying special tribute to director Robert Wise by presenting him with our President's Award for his long-standing devotion to the Guild. Bob is only the second person to receive this award.
Bob was the DGA's President during one of the key periods in our history, and during a time when he was also actively producing and directing major theatrical motion pictures. Despite the workload, Bob took charge.
Then, in 1976 he presented Elia Kazan's concept of a Special Projects Committee to the National Board. Bob spoke passionately about how Special Projects could present workshops, seminars, special screenings and become an industry example of preserving and sharing our rich filmmaking heritage. He not only succeeded in having Special Projects become an integral part of our lives, but also served as its Chairman since its inception. For nearly five decades, beginning as a member of the National Board in 1954, Bob gave of himself and enriched us all.
We're also honoring MPAA President Jack Valenti by making him an Honorary Life Member. Jack has stood on the forefront of issues such as video piracy, copyright infringement, unregulated exploitation of our artistic craft, and looks forever forward to see the impact of new technologies upon our business.
Robert Butler and Tom Donovan will be receiving the Robert B. Aldrich Award in recognition for their long service to the Guild and Robert Van Ry will receive the Franklin J. Schaffner Award for not only his craft achievements, but also his service to the Guild.
When I look at our honorees, I realize that the strength and unity of our organization and the health of our industry really does depend upon the contributions of individuals. Therefore, if you're not doing so, I urge you to get involved by attending council meetings, listening to the issues and helping to play a part in the guidance of this wonderful organization. We need your input. There are so many issues that will impact our lives.
For instance, runaway production. The Department of Commerce recently released an independent study [see related story] confirming what we alerted you to a year and a half ago in the Monitor Report. Both studies verify the alarming loss of jobs and revenue because productions are fleeing across the borders for tax incentives. This Commerce Department study is more ammunition for our legislative fight to seek similar incentives so that we can keep the production, and the corresponding jobs and revenue, here. We've found many allies in Congress, and it is heartening to see legislators joining in to find solutions to this most troubling situation.
In addition, there continues to be concern over a potential strike by both SAG and the WGA. Directors share the view with writers that compensation needs to be realigned to take into account changes brought about by technology and our widening international audience. However, we remain resolute in our insistence that these gains do not come at the expense of a director's creative rights.
So as we celebrate this Awards season, take time to reflect on what some of these honors represent. They are not only for excellence in craft, but some are also for commitment to the idea that we work to enrich the lives of all members, on the job and in life as well.
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