 It seems to me that a Guild is essentially an organization of artists. Like the director himself it has two faces. One is stern, vigilant and protective, it is fully armed and it is unyielding. The other face is open and welcoming, curious, naive, even child-like, which is to say learning. Or you can say that a Guild is like a good parent. Its duty is to protect its members. But -- and here is where it differs from a Union whose duty is purely protective -- it has the obligation to inspire its every member to better work, not only to show him he can do better but perhaps suggest how and where he might learn more and develop himself further. This last function applies particularly to the younger members. A Guild passes on its traditions, sees that they do not die, that the lessons of experience are not ignored, that achievement builds on achievement. The Guild keeps the pride of its members alive, and that pride is the pride in their craft and their work, in their profession.
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Elia Kazan, Formation of DGA Special Projects
MISSION STATEMENT:
Special Projects is the educational and cultural arm of the Directors Guild of America. It provides opportunities for creative exchange with programs for members and industry colleagues to celebrate the history and achievements of its members, advance their professionalism, and prepare them for the technological changes of the future. The following are some of the many ongoing Special Projects programs provided for members on the east and west coasts. Unless otherwise indicated, these programs are open only to DGA members and invited guests:
- Special Event Screenings: “The Global Cinema Series”
Presentations of independent films, classic features, and foreign films, often followed by conversations with the directors.
- Workshops and Seminars: “Directing for Professionals” and the “Working With… Collaboration Series”
Continuing Education series designed to keep members up-to-date on developments in the industry and deepen their understanding of their craft. Workshops and seminars on directing, working with creative collaborators and other topics are offered throughout the year.
- New Technology Demonstrations: “Digital Day” and New Tech Seminars
Symposia and demonstrations of the latest in film, television, and new media technology, including digital production and Hi-Definition and 3-D projection presented by experts in the field.
- Tributes and Memorials
Screenings, Q&A’s and other gatherings honoring the Guild’s master filmmakers.
- DGA Directors Retreat
An annual weekend event offering directors the opportunity to socialize with peers and explore directing issues in depth.
- New Member Orientation
A bi-annual reception introducing new members to the Guild’s president, executives, councils, committees, Pension & Health programs, and history.
- Student Open House & Student Videoconferencing Program
A biennial event for students from local film programs to obtain first-hand information from DGA directors and director’s team members on career matters and Guild membership. The Videoconferencing Program provides students from around the country the opportunity to talk to working directors and director’s team members based in Hollywood.
- The Robert E. Wise Library
A repository of books, tapes, and magazines on the art and craft of directing, as well as a DVD collection of in-depth interviews from the DGA Visual History Program available for viewing by appointment on-site by DGA members and researchers.
For more information, please call: Cassandra Pettiford in the Special Projects Department at 310-289-2088.
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