May 27, 2014
The 2014 DGA Annual Membership Meetings were held at Guild headquarters in Los Angeles on Tuesday, May 13, and at the DGA’s Theatre in New York on Wednesday, May 21. DGA President Paris Barclay presided over both meetings.
A new addition to this year’s meetings was the inclusion of multimedia presentations that gave speakers the opportunity to add visual elements to their reports. Barclay’s State-of-the-Guild address was done in the form of a series of predictions about the years ahead for the DGA, including stability and prosperity due to the substantial gains made in the recent cycle of negotiations, the continued growth of new media, the Guild’s efforts to improve diversity, the strengthening of the Contracts Department to increase the Guild’s capacity to enforce its members’ creative and economic rights, and the outlook for the upcoming Commercials Contract negotiations. Barclay additionally called on members to get more involved, recognizing that the primary source of the Guild’s strength is member engagement, and he took a moment to acknowledge and thank the Guild’s councils and committees and the professional staff led by National Executive Director Jay D. Roth.
“I’m proud of all the incredible gains the DGA has achieved in collective bargaining, including world-class pension and health plans; residuals payments for the reuse of our work in supplemental markets; and the creative rights that allow the phrase ‘director’s vision’ to really mean something,” said Barclay. “I’m proud that we cover you – wherever you are, in whatever genre you’re working in. I’m proud that we put so much emphasis on research, so that we can stay abreast of changes in the world and make sure you are protected. I’m proud that we’re pushing for a Guild and an industry that is diverse and interesting and representative of our society. And I’m amazed that all of this – everything I’ve spoken about tonight – isn’t just wishful thinking, but is reflected in our fantastic contracts – truly our road to the future.”
In addition to President Barclay’s State-of-the-Guild report, attendees of the New York meeting also heard a special address from DGA National Vice President Vincent Misiano that covered items of specific interest to members on the East Coast. The meetings in both locations also featured the following series of reports from Guild officials:
- Secretary/Treasurer’s Report Los Angeles - DGA Secretary-Treasurer Michael Apted
- Secretary/Treasurer’s Report New York - DGA Fourth Vice President Jace Alexander
- PAC Report Los Angeles – DGA PAC Co-Chair Carl Weathers
- PAC Report New York - DGA Second Vice President Gary Donatelli
- AD/UPM Council West Report - Council West Chair Marie Cantin
- AD/UPM Council East Report - Council East Chair Thomas J. Whelan
- AD/SM/PA Council West Report - Council Member Dency Nelson
- AD/SM/PA Council East Report - Associate National Board Member Dennis W. Mazzocco
- Special Projects Committee Report Los Angeles - Committee Chair Jeremy Kagan
- Special Projects Committee Report New York - DGA Second Vice President Gary Donatelli
- Directors Guild Foundation Report Los Angeles - DGF Second Vice Chair Todd Holland
- Pension and Health Plans Report (both locations) - DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans CEO Lisa Read
In closing, Barclay took a moment to reflect on being elected DGA president. “I’m proud that you’ve asked me to represent you – the highest honor in my life – and to follow in the footsteps of great leaders of the past like Capra, and Stevens, and Wise, and more recently Shea, Hiller and Cates and my friends Michael Apted and Taylor Hackford. It’s a big deal, and one I don’t take lightly. I will continue to protect your future – because I’m all about tomorrow. Thank you for allowing me to serve the greatest Guild in the industry.”
Prior to adjournment, the floor was opened to questions from the membership. Members of the Guild’s senior executive team were present at both meetings to provide answers and insight. Both events ended with a cocktail reception, giving attendees an opportunity to catch up with their colleagues.