photos by Krista Kennell
On October 15, DGA members gathered in the Guild’s New York offices for the seminar, Second Life: A Skills Training for Second Assistant Directors. Presented by the AD/UPM Council East’s Second AD Committee, the event was designed to help members brush up on the essential skills required to successfully do the job of a Key Second Assistant Director, Second Second Assistant Director or Additional Second Assistant Director.
The all-day event kicked off with a meet and greet in the Boardroom where Committee Co-Chairs Arianne Apicelli, John Silvestri and Dana Zolli welcomed the participants and explained how the day would proceed.
Following the welcome, the morning session covered the role of the Second Second AD. The participants separated into breakout groups where guest speakers Catherine Feeny, Jason Fesel and Steve Lafferty led the exploration of a number of subjects including: Setting and Managing Background Talent, Set Responsibilities, and the Role of the Second Second AD and Additional Second ADs within the Department and the Management Team.
After the lunch break, Abbey Hansen conducted a special session covering the role of the Second AD on commercial shoots.
The afternoon session covered the job of the Key Second AD and featured guest speakers Matt Lake, Matt Mason, Michael Reichman, Chris Vendetti, Heather Verbeke, and Derek Wimble. Once again breaking the attendees into smaller groups, these veterans led the conversations that explored subjects including: Prep, Communicating with Actors, Agents and Managers, and Effectively Running a Department and Working with First Assistant Directors.
Both the morning and afternoon sessions were constructed so that all the attendees had the opportunity to participate in each breakout group. While designed for DGA Second Assistant Director members, this event was also open to DGA Trainees.
About the Committee
The AD/UPM Council East Second Assistant Directors Committee addresses issues that concern the members of this category and encourages dialogue amongst members in an effort to bring awareness, devise solutions to problems and continue education and growth. The Committee is co-chaired by Arianne Apicelli, John Silvestri, and Dana Zolli. The members include: Adam Bernard, Kate Bogle, Jason Booth, Steven Bruno, Erica Fishman, Sarah Rae Garrett, Jason Hightower, Shane Kalman, Matt Lake, Jeremy Marks, Les McDonough, Brian Papworth, and Alison Rosa.
