photos by Marcie Revens
On September 26, 2nd AD DGA members from the Eastern region came together in the Guild’s New York Boardroom and online for the Eastern AD/UPM Council 2nd AD Committee’s event, Moving On Up! Panel Discussions About Navigating the Path in a New Role. Organized as a trio of panels, the event was an opportunity for members of this category to hear from members of other categories how they got their first job in that classification, what they wish they knew ahead of time and what skills helped them move up.
Following a welcome from Committee Co-Chairs Steven Lafferty and Lisa Simon and Committee Secretary Matthew O’Shea, the attendees heard more about these subjects during the first panel which was moderated by O’Shea, where 2nd 2nd ADs Quinn Dooley, Jim Rosario and Forrest Viola discussed their transition from being PAs and Additional ADs to 2nd 2nd ADs, the new skills they had to hone and the duties they had to leave behind.
In the second panel, Key 2nd ADs Jes Norris, Dan Short and Stephanie Fox discussed navigating the relationship between 1st ADs and UPMS and what it’s like to be in prep for the first time, during a conversation moderated by James Feldman.
The event concluded with a conversation moderated by 1st AD Committee member Amy Lynn where 1st ADs Stephen Shepard, Eddie Griffith and Catherine Feeny spoke about their relationship with the Director, scheduling, and balancing relationships with Producers.
Attendees were encouraged to ask questions of the panelists during each of the sessions.
About the Committee
The Eastern AD/UPM Council Second Assistant Directors Committee addresses issues that concern the members of this category and encourages dialogue amongst members in an effort to bring awareness, devise solutions to problems and continue education and growth. The Committee is co-chaired by Steven Lafferty and Lisa Simon with Secretary Matthew O’Shea. The members are Alana Bonilla, Vince Brown, Sussan Cordero, Anastasia Folorunso, Pam Giangreco, Jake Grubb, Rachel Jaros, Felix Jordan, Joy Kim, George Kotsopoulos, Dan Lampkin, Cary Lee, Dan Majkut, Jack McKenna, Jason Messeri , Dan Ogorzalek, Jinny Parron, Nicole Payson, Michael Reichman, Jeff Sedwick, and Aaron Stone.