DGA Monthly

J U N E 2 0 2 4 I 3 7 On May 11, DGA members seeking ways to demystify the budgeting process were the recipients of valuable information during the online event, Budgeting Feature Films. Presented by the Eastern AD/UPM Council's Member Education Committee, the two-part workshop was guided by UPM Sirad Balducci (Down Low, Hide & Seek) and offered insights into script breakdown, scheduling and fundamental budgeting basics. The fi rst session, The Production Plan, Scheduling, Budget Set Up & Above- the-Line, featured an exploration of how to effectively collaborate with Directors, Producers and Department Heads and impart strategies to align a movie's production plan with the creative vision for the project. During the session Balducci discussed the importance of understanding the fi lm's story. Per her experience, considering the story while budgeting allows those tasked with budgeting the fi lm to prioritize the spending on key moments and allow them to look for places where they can make small tweaks and save costs, all while preserving the heart of the story and achieving the Director's vision. Following a brief break, Balducci led the participants through the second session, Below-the-Line, Post & General Budgeting, where she delved into the mechanics of budgeting software, such as the Movie Magic Budgeting trial software which was provided to the participants prior to the start of the class. She also discussed how to accomplish the accounting needs for the unique provisions of various unions, and how to budget a fi lm with state tax incentives in mind. Although the workshop was geared toward independent feature fi lms, the concepts discussed can also apply to other genres and budget tiers as well. In addition to the Movie Magic Budgeting trial software, a sample script and a sample pre-coded budget were distributed to give the participants a simulated 'hands-on' experience with the budgeting process. Each session was followed by a brief Q&A period where Balducci answered questions from the online audience. Image: UPM Sirad Balducci leads the Eastern AD/UPM Council's Member Education Committee's two-part workshop, Budgeting Feature Films. Budgeting Feature Films An Eastern AD/UPM Eastern AD/UPM Council Member Education Committee Event See more detailed descriptions, additional photos and video, where available, online at www.dga.org. DGA Events Roundup On May 5, Second Assistant Directors from the Eastern region came together for a half day of conversation and exploration when the Eastern AD/UPM Council's Second AD Committee hosted their 11th annual Second AD Tea in the Guild's New York offi ces. Under the clever title CommuniTEA, the event provided an opportunity for members of this category to discuss current topics that affect the 2nd AD community. Following a welcome from 2nd AD Committee Co-Chair Steven Lafferty, DGA Assistant Executive Director Mary Hatch gave a brief production report on New York productions. Lafferty concluded the introductory segment by outlining how the day would proceed. The attendees then separated into breakout rooms for roundtable discussions. The "Contracts" breakout room explored what members of this category need to know about the new DGA Contract during a discussion moderated by 2nd AD Committee members Joy Kim- Crilley, Jack McKenna and Sussan Cordero with the assistance of DGA Contracts Coordinator Maura De Rose and Business Representative Michael Mintz. The "Networking" room attendees took part in a discussion moderated by Committee Secretary Alana Bonilla and members Dan Ogorzalek and Matt O'Shea that explored the art of networking and included what 2nd ADs might want to request for their next contract. There was also a breakout room with former 2nd AD Committee Co-Chair Dana Zolli, who shared her path to AUPM and answered members questions about taking their careers in that direction. The event concluded with the breakout groups reassembling for a wrap-up session with closing remarks by Lafferty. Photo: Current and former Eastern AD/UPM Council Second AD Committee members Dan Ogorzalek, Jeff Sedwick, Matthew O'Shea, Sussan Cordero, Dan Majkut, Alana Bonilla (Secretary), Jack McKenna, Anastasia Folorunso and Steven Lafferty (Co-Chairs), Dana Zolli (former Co-Chair), Jason Messeri and Joy Kim-Crilley. CommuniTEA, the 11th Annual 2nd AD Tea An Eastern AD/UPM Council 2nd AD Committee Event photo by Ryan Jensen

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