On February 26, DGA members in the Eastern region had the opportunity to undergo a safety training course, specifically designed for the film and television industry. The class was the first of its kind offered to DGA members in the East and was presented by the New York Assistant Director Training Program (ADTPNY) and the Contract Services Administration Trust Fund (CSATF), and co-sponsored by the Eastern AD/UPM and AD/SM/PA Councils.

Held at the DGA offices in New York, CSATF instructor Bob Lewis, a member of the DGA, led the participants in a seminar on the industry-mandated rules regarding workplace safety that will allow them to be aware of the information needed to protect their crew. In addition to the regular course that covers general safety training, injury and illness prevention, state and federal safety laws and legal obligations, this course included a specifically crafted section designed to cover issues common to shooting in New York and New Jersey such as traffic control, subways and extreme weather conditions. At the end of the day, the participants who finished the training will receive their Safety Passport Training certification cards.

The next Safety Passport Training class in New York is scheduled for June 18, 2011. The listing will be published in DGA Monthly and on the DGA website.