November 14, 2019
On November 14, the DGA and other film and television industry organizations joined Creative Rights Caucus Co-Chairs Representative Judy Chu (CA-27) and Representative Doug Collins (GA-9) for Exhibits and Live Demonstrations of Movie and TV Magic on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
Washington, DC -- The DGA joined with leaders from the film and television industry and Creative Rights Caucus Co-Chairs Representative Judy Chu and Representative Doug Collins to host “Beyond the Red Carpet: Movie & TV Magic Day.” The event demonstrated the power of strong copyright protections, offering lawmakers a behind-the-scenes look at the creativity, talent and innovation at the core of the American film and television industry. Among the featured exhibits was the opportunity to act in a scene from The West Wing directed by former DGA National Vice-President Vince Misiano and featuring other show alumni.
Co-Chairs Chu and Collins kicked off the event.
Creative Rights Caucus Co-Chair Representative Judy Chu:
“I am thrilled to once again bring Hollywood to life in Washington, DC with the annual Beyond the Red Carpet event. We often talk about ‘movie magic,’ but in reality, the on-screen moments we love are the result of hard working below-the-line craftspeople from costumers to prop masters to digital effects artists and more. These are good jobs in all 50 states, and that is why I’m proud to support creators and intellectual property rights. With today’s event, the Creative Rights Caucus is continuing our proud bipartisan work of exposing more Members of Congress to the $1.3 trillion creative industries, and the millions of workers that make it possible.”
Creative Rights Caucus Co-Chair Representative Doug Collins:
“The entertainment industry touches the lives of people in every corner of the world, and Beyond the Red Carpet gives us the rare opportunity to recognize the creative men and women working behind the scenes. I appreciate the talented individuals who drive this industry forward—many of whom live in my home state of Georgia—and I am thankful for the chance to partner with them to ensure our copyright protections keep this industry thriving in every corner of the U.S.”
Also on hand to lend support was House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, who spoke about the importance of creative rights.
Other lawmakers in attendance were House Judiciary Chair Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Rep. Brendan Boyle (PA-2), Rep. Mike Burgess (TX-26), Rep. David Cicilline (RI-1), Rep. Ben Cline (VA-6), Rep. Lou Correa (CA-46), Rep. Charlie Crist (FL-13), Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13), Rep. William Keating (MA-9), Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-1), Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-36), and Rep. Dina Titus (NV-1).
The event featured a variety of interactive booths highlighting how effective copyright policies support creative industry jobs. Included among the live demonstrations were creators, artists, technicians, and other experts from Copyright Alliance, CreativeFuture, Directors Guild of America, Independent Film & Television Alliance, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Motion Picture Association of America, National Association of Theatre Owners, and Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
Directors Guild of America National Executive Director Russell Hollander:
“America's leadership in the entertainment industry is the result of our nation's commitment to strong copyright protections for the artists who create the best film and television programs enjoyed the world over. Without such critical safeguards, these works, and the countless jobs that fuel them, would simply not exist. We thank the Co-Chairs of the Creative Rights Caucus for amplifying creators' voices in Washington, not only at this event, but through their ongoing efforts to ensure that America's copyright laws effectively protect and support the thousands of artists and craftspeople that bring these stories to life.”
Copyright Alliance CEO Keith Kupferschmid:
“We always look forward to participating in Beyond the Red Carpet, an outstanding event that enables us to collaborate with members and partners in celebrating the creativity that happens both in front of the cameras as well as behind the scenes. This year, we’re especially fortunate to showcase the work of Veterans in Media & Entertainment (VME), a nonprofit organization that unites current and former members of the military working in the film and television industry.”
CreativeFuture CEO Ruth Vitale:
“The stories we create – whether through film, television, music, books, photography, or other mediums – are part of the universal human experience. They can inspire us, guide us, and teach us to empathize with and understand each other. They also support the livelihoods of millions of Americans. Beyond the Red Carpet does a remarkable job of communicating the importance of creativity to policymakers in our nation’s capital. We are honored to again participate in this event with the Creative Rights Caucus and all of the organizations who share our passion for this cause.”
Independent Film & Television Alliance President & CEO Jean Prewitt:
“We thank Representatives Chu and Collins, and the Creative Rights Caucus, for giving us the opportunity to tell our industry’s story in the best way possible – by introducing the creative people and skills who drive America’s film and television production and by highlighting the extraordinary economic contribution resulting from those efforts. Beyond the Red Carpet has become an annual tradition that celebrates the public interest in and need to protect creative rights now and for the future.”
Motion Picture Association Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin:
“Beyond the Red Carpet brings the magic of the creative economy to life on Capitol Hill. The film, television, and streaming industry creates and supports millions of American jobs and pays out $44 billion per year to more than 250,000 businesses. It is a truly an economic engine that drives growth in every state. I am incredibly appreciative of Representatives Chu and Collins, and all Members who participated, for continuing to champion the rights of creators in this country.”
National Association of Theatre Owners President and CEO John Fithian:
“Moviegoing is a fundamental part of American culture and movie theaters are key hubs of employment and vibrant economic activity in communities across the country.”
SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris:
“We’re so appreciative of Representatives Judy Chu and Doug Collins’s constant support and understanding of the work we do within our industry and the contributions the creative arts make in our communities. Sponsoring Beyond the Red Carpet provides an opportunity to showcase the artistry and innovation driving this industry forward. Connecting with legislators and industry partners is imperative as we confront the technological shifts that we’re experiencing both in front of and behind the camera, and what they mean for our members and the creative community as a whole.”
Event photos by Frank McPartland