The AD/UPM Council West held a Navigating the DGA seminar for all Western Assistant Director and Unit Production Manager members on September 24 in the boardroom of the Guild’s Los Angeles headquarters.

The morning began with a mixer where attendees were able to network over breakfast. Then AD/UPM Council West First Vice-Chair Cleve Landsberg welcomed participants and introduced a line-up of speakers who gave comprehensive information on topics directly affecting ADs and UPMs. The presentations included: 

• Jose Verdida and Merri McAvoy from the DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans, who delivered updates about the plans.
• AD/UPM Council Member Tim Engle presented a concise but complete history of the Guild.
• DGA Associate Executive Director, Government & International Affairs Kathy Garmezy updated the audience on legislative news such as the continuing fight against Internet theft and the prospects for tax incentives designed to spur film and television production.
• Landsberg then gave a rundown on DGA Membership events that the attendees could look forward to.
• DGA Assistant Executive Director, Communications Morgan Rumpf then demonstrated the recently revamped DGA website and the many ways members can use it to interact with the Guild online.
• Recently elected AD/UPM Council West Chair Marie Cantin gave the assembly some important tips on satisfying Guild requirements before, during and after a job.
• Commercial Committee Chair Lee Blaine revealed how the Guild supports members working in commercials.
• 1st AD Bob Lewis demystified the Qualifications Lists (QL), Availability Lists, and Low-Budget Agreements, and explained how Residency and Production Centers affect members' employment.
• DGA Field Rep Jon Drew spoke about how the DGA Contracts Department and Field Reps work together to protect the membership.

The morning also featured a special presentation by Director Rod Holcomb, Co-Chair of the Television Subcommittee of the DGA Creative Rights Committee. In a candid conversation moderated by Landsberg, Holcomb discussed director’s team relations and the impact of creative rights issues on members across categories.

Following the presentations, the floor was opened to questions from the audience.