Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1141579
2 I D G A M O N T H L Y "It is my honor to once again accept the position of President of the Directors Guild of America," said Schlamme. "It's a privilege I don't take lightly. We're in a time of immense change, and the next few years will be critical for the DGA and for our industry. I am focused and ready to lead us through our next negotiations, and to ensure that the creative and economic rights of directors and their teams are protected for years to come. And I am fortunate that serving alongside me is a dedicated, experienced team of fellow officers elected to represent our members." Schlamme was first elected President in June 2017, and has been on the National Board since 2005 – previously serving as Third Vice President, and before that as Fifth Vice President. He was the DGA's BA/FLTTA Negotiations Committee Co-Chair in 2017 and 2014, and was also a member of the Negotiations Committee in 2008. He has been a member of the Western Directors Council since 2003, a member of the Creative Rights Committee since 2001, and is also a founding member of the DGA Political Action Committee's Leadership Council. At the 2017 DGA Awards, Schlamme was honored with the Robert B. Aldrich Achievement Award for extraordinary service to the Guild and its membership. "It is my privilege and pleasure to nominate such a highly qualified candidate for President," said director and DGA Negotiating Committee Co-Chair Jon Avnet, who placed Schlamme's name in nomination. "Time and time again, he's put in the hard work of serving the DGA while maintaining his demanding day job as a director. He is a leader who not only honors our past, but fights for our membership now and into the future." Following his re-election, Schlamme took a moment to recognize past President and long-serving Guild leader Michael Apted, who announced he would not be seeking re-election for the role of Secretary-Treasurer: "Michael's history of Guild service is immeasurable. Suffice it to say, the 21st century of this Guild is because of Michael Apted, and because of his work. We all stand on his shoulders." As a director, Schlamme is known for his work on groundbreaking shows that have shaped the landscape of modern television, and expertise creating the look and tone of series. His body of work includes a long-lasting partnership with writer Aaron Sorkin spanning three series – West Wing, Sports Night and Studio 60 – which he directed and executive produced, receiving multiple Emmy Awards. Other series he directed and established the look for include Spin City, The Larry Sanders Show, Parenthood, Pan Am and Manhattan. Earlier in his career, Schlamme directed numerous episodes of successful comedy and drama series including Mad About You, Friends, The Practice, and ER, for which he received an Emmy nomination for direction of his remarkable live episode. He also produced and directed Tracey Ullman's critically acclaimed series Tracey Takes On..., for which he received an Emmy Award. His feature film directing credits include So I Married an Axe Murderer, starring Mike Myers; You So Crazy, starring Martin Lawrence; and Miss Firecracker, starring Holly Hunter and Tim Robbins. Telefilm credits include Kingfish: A Story of Huey P. Long, starring John Goodman, and Crazy from the Heart, starring Christine Lahti, both for TNT. Thomas Schlamme Re-Elected DGA President: National Board and Officers Elected Director Thomas Schlamme was re-elected President of the Directors Guild of America by acclamation of the delegates at the Guild's National Biennial Convention held on June 22 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. Additionally, 155 delegates representing 18,000 members of the DGA elected a new slate of officers and members of the National Board of Directors. DGA President Thomas Schlamme