Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1015313
4 I D G A M O N T H L Y The DGA On Capitol Hill: Creative Rights Caucus, Film and Television Industry Representatives Stage First-of-its-kind Interactive Event On July 24, the DGA and other film and television industry organizations joined Creative Rights Caucus Co-Chairs Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) and Representative Doug Collins (R-GA) for a first-of-its-kind interactive event featuring a working production set on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. DGA National Vice President and Director Vincent Misiano, together with Board Alternate and UPM Mary Rae Thewlis joined with artists and technicians to stage a working production set for lawmakers on Capitol Hill. The event was hosted by Creative Rights Caucus Co-Chairs Representative Judy Chu (CA-27) and Representative Doug Collins (GA-9) to raise awareness of the range of film and television industry jobs that are dependent on strong copyright protections. Also participating in the On Location: A Film and Television Interactive Experience event were representatives from IATSE, SAG-AFTRA, Independent Film & Television Alliance, Motion Picture Association of America, AMC Networks, Copyright Alliance, CreativeFuture, and National Association of Theatre Owners. The working set included a green screen background from AMC Networks' hit series, The Walking Dead; a production crew and professional actors. "This event helps Members of Congress understand the contributions of all workers whether they are in front of or behind the camera," said Chu. "I'm privileged to represent many of these hard workers and I know that copyright infringement is a direct assault on their livelihoods. The Creative Rights Caucus is proud to raise awareness on these issues in Washington and we are committed to helping them protect their copyrighted works." "Intellectual property rights have been a priority for our democracy since its inception, and they've never been more crucial to our economic success than they are today," said Collins. "Strong copyright protections allow the film and television industry to continue creating jobs and business opportunities in my home of Georgia and across the country, and I hope this collaboration reminds all of us how protecting creative rights helps drive the 21st-Century economy." "Copyright is the engine fueling our nation's world-renowned film and television productions, and countless American jobs" said DGA National Executive Director Russell Hollander. "On Location brought the action of a set to Capitol Hill, providing lawmakers with a first-hand look at the work performed by so many talented women and men on film and television productions — jobs that are dependent upon the enforcement of our nation's copyright laws." photos: 1. DGA National Vice President Vince Misiano, Board Alternate Mary Rae Thewlis and other attendees kick off the event. 2. Creative Rights Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) and Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) give opening remarks. 3. Misiano directs Chu in a sample scene. 4. Thewlis poses for a photo with SAG-AFTRA's Sarah Howes. See more photos and coverage from this event online at www.dga.org. 2 1 4 3 photos by Jessica Kourkounis