New and veteran Associate Directors, Stage Managers and Production Associates received valuable information about the workings of their Guild during a Navigating the DGA orientation. Hosted by the Eastern AD/SM/PA Council on April 9, members gathered in the boardroom of the Guild’s New York offices to hear instructive and educational discussions about a variety of issues that affect these categories, delivered by Council members and DGA staff.
Council Chair Joyce Thomas welcomed the attendees and spoke about the importance of attending the monthly Council meetings before she outlined the agenda for the evening.
DGA Assistant Executive Director Michael Berger gave the first report of the night: the history, organization and procedures of the Guild. Berger also explained how the DGA’s contracts are designed to protect the members and how the Field Reps work in concert with the Contracts Department to maintain that protection.
Council Member and DGA Associate National Board Member Dennis W. Mazzocco delivered a brief tutorial on the structure and governance of the Guild, from its Constitution and National Board, to the other Councils and Committees and the DGA Staff.
Council member Bruce Martin spoke about the benefits that come with a DGA card such as economic and creative protections and the responsibilities of membership, such as why members should work only for signatory companies, the importance of deal memos and reporting income and what to do when starting a new job.
Council member and DGA Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Scott Berger gave information about the DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans and the benefits members can derive from them.
In the final report, Council member Terry Benson presented information on the DGA PAC and explained how the PAC has been successful in its ongoing mission to fight for the rights of DGA membership through legislative efforts, but needs the support of members.
The orientation ended with a Q&A session, moderated by Thomas, where the attending orientation participants could have their questions addressed by the Council members and DGA staff.
About the Council:
The Eastern AD/SM/PA Council is the elected body that represents the Guild members who reside in the Eastern region and work in television as Associate Directors, Stage Managers or Production Associates.