Both new and veteran AD/UPM members had the opportunty to network with peers, while learning more about their Guild during during the Western AD/UPM Council’s Navigating the DGA seminar on Saturday, April 17, 2010. The breakfast event in the Guild’s Los Angeles boardroom gave detailed information about DGA benefits, Guild activities and issues directly affecting ADs and UPMs, presented by experienced members and DGA staff.

Western AD/UPM Council Chair Cleve Landsberg welcomed the participants and introduced the Council members and DGA staffers responsible for the day’s programming. First up was a presentation detailing the benefits available to DGA members given by DGA-Producer Pension & Health Plans representatives Merri McAvoy and Crystal Tran.

Landsberg then detailed information about DGA member events. Next, Council Secretary-Treasurer/UPM Herb Adelman gave a brief history of the Guild, which was followed by another presentation by Landsberg that explained how to satisfy Guild requirements before, during and after a job.

Mentor Committee Co-Chair Peter Jackson distributed a list of information sources.

An FAQ session featured 1st AD Lee Blaine who explained how the Guild helps members working in commercials.

1st AD Bob Lewis spoke about the Availability Lists, Qualifications Lists (QL), and Low-Budget Agreements, and explained how the QL, Residency and Production Centers affect members.

In the final presentation, DGA Field Rep Roberta Hutcheson spoke about how the the DGA Contracts Department and Field Reps work together to protect the membership.

Council Chair Cleve Landsberg opened the floor for general questions from the audience before the event concluded with an informal mixer.