Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1394948
2 I D G A M O N T H L Y On June 29, the DGA announced that at its recent meeting, the Guild's National Board at its recent meeting unanimously approved reinstating its requirement of an exclusive theatrical run for the Guild's top award and that the 74th Annual DGA Awards will take place on March 12, 2022. To be eligible for the DGA's Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film Award, films released after June 15, 2021 must have an exclusive theatrical run of at least 7 days prior to any other exhibition. Under the rule, which was first introduced in 2019, feature films released through other distribution platforms on the same 'day and date' as they premiere in theaters are not eligible for the DGA Theatrical Feature Film Award. The DGA temporarily suspended the rule for its most recent Awards due to pandemic-related theater closures. At that time, the Guild announced it would reinstate the requirement when theaters reopened. "After over a year of darkness, theater marquees lighting up across our nation have been a welcome sight for our healing communities," said DGA President Thomas Schlamme. "We celebrate the return of the important role that theatrical cinema plays in bringing together audiences as they collectively experience films as the filmmakers intended them to be viewed." The 74th Annual DGA Awards will take place on March 12, 2022, with the eligibility period running from March 1 – December 31, 2021. The first-run theatrical exhibition requirement will apply to all theatrical feature films released June 15, 2021 or later, which is when movie theaters were once again operating at full capacity in both Los Angeles and New York. For theatrical feature films released March 1 – June 14, 2021, the limited exception will still apply. Precise eligibility rules and entry forms, together with the full 74th Annual DGA Awards schedule will be released later this summer. DGA Reinstates Theatrical First-Run Rule for Top Award; Announces 74th Annual Awards Date On June 24, DGA President Thomas Schlamme announced the newest graduating class of the DGA Mentorship Program. Part of the DGA's diversity and inclusion initiative focused on education and career development, the in-depth program pairs seasoned episodic television directors with members seeking to develop TV- directing careers. "Today we shine a light on our graduating class for their talent, commitment and hard work – and extend our heartfelt gratitude to this exceptional group of accomplished mentors who dedicated so much of their time to teach, to listen, and to set their protégés up for success," said Schlamme. "Seeking to build a career as an aspiring episodic television director in the middle of a pandemic couldn't be more challenging, but every one of our graduates chose to take that time to further their education and development so that they can be ready for their moment." DGA Presents Newest Class of TV Director Mentorship Program Graduates Graduating Protégés: • Allan Arkush • Norberto Barba • Paris Barclay • Mary Lou Belli • Jeffrey Blitz • Mark Cendrowski • Mel Damski • Roxann Dawson • Rodrigo García • Michael Goi • Karen Gaviola • Todd Holland • Bob Koherr • Michael Lembeck • Melanie Mayron • Ed Ornelas • Bethany Rooney • Lee Rose • Oz Scott • Mark Tinker • Tom Verica • Ron Underwood • Andy Wolk Mentors: A number of DGA Mentorship Program graduates have gone on to work as episodic television directors. Graduate bios can be found on the DGA Member Directory at: www.dga.org/The-Guild/Members. The DGA has been pressing studios, networks, and producers to be more inclusive in hiring for four decades. The Guild's efforts include: collective bargaining gains requiring television studios to operate TV director diversity programs; ongoing meetings with studios, networks and individual series regarding their hiring records; and publicized reports detailing employer hiring patterns. In addition, the Guild itself has initiated a variety of TV director mentorship and educational programs to support the career development of its members. For more information about the DGA's mentorship program and diversity and inclusion efforts, visit: www.dga.org/The-Guild/Diversity. • Abdul Malik Abbott • John P. Aguirre • Maureen Bharoocha • Anna Ramey Borden • Maria Burton • Alberto Belli Crifo • Devon Gummersall • Julie Herlocker • Michael Kang • Paolo Monico • Leena Pendharkar • Keith Powell • Jabbar Raisani • Drew Ann Rosenberg • Jason Shipman • Evan Silver • Gregg Simon • Javier Soto • Ian Truitner • Melanie Wagor • Alphonzo Wesson