Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1507954
2 6 I D G A M O N T H L Y See more detailed descriptions, additional photos and video, where available, online at www.dga.org. DGA Committee Meeting Events Roundup On August 21, the Diversity Steering Committee's (EDSC) virtual meeting featured the discussion, Spotlight on Stage Managers Arthur Lewis and Valdez Flagg. In a dialogue moderated Director Stan Lathan, Lewis and Flagg spoke about their careers and longtime Guild service that resulted in both having received the DGA's Franklin J. Schaffner Achievement Award. Speaking of working with Lewis, Flagg said, "Our styles are very different, but we both have a finesse that runs a good stage," and Lewis said that stage managing is "like being the best friend at the wedding." Looking to the future, Lewis forecast, "there's always going to be a place for live events. People are always going to want to share that collectively." And Flagg stated, "There's a human element of what we do that has to transfer between humans, and without that, yes it can get done, but there will be some fallout if it is done by technology." Image: (L-R) Stage Managers Valdez Flagg & Arthur E. Lewis and Director Stan Lathan (moderator). Spotlight on SMs Arthur Lewis & Valdez Flagg An Eastern Diversity Steering Committee Event On July 17, the African American Steering Committee (AASC) virtual meeting featured the panel discussion, I Got You: The Director-1st AD Collaboration. In a conversation moderated by Committee Co-Chair Gina Prince-Bythewood, First Assistant Directors H.H. Cooper, Van Hayden and Shawn Pipkin-West discussed the special relationship that creates a successful film or television project. During the discussion, Cooper spoke about delineating clear roles on set, the importance of constant communication and respecting the Director's creative vision. Pipkin-West recalled how she once foresaw a missed shot she deemed was essential and worked with the Director to make sure they got it. Hayden discussed the challenges of putting together a team and shared tips on how to prepare yourself and others to be the best possible assets for a Director. Image: (Clockwise) AASC Co-Chair Gina Prince-Bythewood (moderator), and 1st ADs H.H. Cooper, Shawn Pipkin-West and Van Hayden. I Got You: The Director-1st AD Collaboration An African American Steering Committee Event On August 15, the Women's Steering Committee (WSC) meeting included the panel discussion, Shooting Internationally, an exploration of the logistical and creative concerns of working abroad. Moderated by WSC Co-Chair Tara Miele, Directors Jennifer Arnold, Hanelle Culpepper and Bola Ogun and 1st AD Maria Battle Campbell covered topics such as respect for local customs, cultural sensitivity and highlighted cultural differences when working abroad, spoke about the prioritization of the work life balance outside our shores such as the fact that often productions have a 10-hour workday. They suggested seeking out DGA colleagues who may have worked in the country for their recommendations and stressed it is important to understand if you will be paying additional country taxes or if there are limitations in how long you can stay. Photo: (L-R) Director Jennifer Arnold, WSC Co-Chair Tara Miele (moderator), Directors Hanelle Culpepper and Bola Ogun and 1st AD Maria Battle Campbell. Shooting Internationally A Women's Steering Committee Event DGA Video Portal Updates No matter where you are, you can now conveniently explore the Guild's video collection, brought together in one place in the DGA Video Portal. We have curated some of the best selections from the archives highlighting the craft of the Director. The Video Portal currently features clips and full videos from DGA events including: To see these clips and more, start your exploration of the DGA Video Portal at www.video.dga.org James Burrows advises episodic Directors to "die with their boots on" and be creative as he did on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Karyn Kusama on the importance of "the gaze" in filmmaking and how the gaze that matters is the one you turn on yourself. Gigi Saul Guerrero on how making and listening to playlists are a crucial element of her directorial process. Tom Verica on how Directors can promote sustainability on the set with small changes that help the planet.