DGA Monthly

J U N E 2 0 2 4 I 3 9 On May 8, new and veteran Associate Directors, Stage Managers and Production Associates gathered in the DGA's New York boardroom to receive valuable information about the workings of their Guild during a Navigating the DGA orientation event. Hosted by the Eastern AD/SM/PA Council, the orientation was the opportunity for newer members to hear instructive and educational discussions about a variety of issues that affect AD/SM/PAs, delivered by Council members and DGA staff. Following a welcome from Council Member/Former Chair Dennis W. Mazzocco, the reports included: Associate Eastern Executive Director Michael Berger on the organization of the Guild as well as the Pension and Health Plans and the rights of DGA members; Council Member April Smith on the history of the Guild; Council Member/DGA Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Joyce Thomas on governance of the Guild and its committees; Council Member Jeffrey Pearl on member privileges and benefits; Council Secretary-Treasurer Amanda Rodriguez on the responsibilities of DGA members; Council Member Terry Benson on the DGA PAC and how the PAC has been successful in its ongoing mission to fight for the rights of the Guild's membership through legislative efforts; and DGA Communications Manager Becca Nadler gave the attendees a brief tour of the services available on the DGA website. The orientation concluded with a Q&A session where the participants were able to have their questions addressed by experienced members and DGA staff. Afterwards, everyone was also invited to stay for the monthly Council meeting that followed. Photo: New and veteran members, Council members and DGA Staff pose for a photo at the Eastern AD/SM/PA Council's Navigating the DGA orientation. Navigating the DGA: A Member Orientation An Eastern AD/SM/PA Council Event See more detailed descriptions, additional photos and video, where available, online at www.dga.org. DGA Events Roundup Every job has a starting point. For most, that journey begins by making a connection. On April 27, Stage Managers and Associate Director members gathered online and in the Guild's New York offices for the Eastern AD/SM/PA Council's networking event, Expanding Your Reach. Following a welcome from Education and Events Commitee Chair Tony DeSanti, the event featured a panel discussion on finding new opportunities and evolving throughout a career as an AD/SM/PA with Director Brett Holey (NBC News), Stage Manager/Eastern AD/SM/PA Council Chair Garry W. Hood (The 76th Annual Tony Awards), Associate Directors Alanna Campbell (CBS Sports) and Dawn DiCicco (NBC Nightly News) and LinkedIn Head of Customer Insights for North America Nicole Moreo, moderated by Stage Manager April Smith (Last Week Tonight with John Oliver). During the discussion, Holey spoke about how working hard even on smaller jobs could lead to more opportunities in the future and shared an example from his past. "I happened to be walking down the hall and saw a producer I had worked for two years earlier. I thought he wouldn't remember me, but he stopped me, and said, 'I need someone like you. We're doing the elections. Are you available to work for me?' That's why I'm in news today." Hood shared what he looks for in a Stage Manager. "I'm always looking for new faces, new thoughts, and new abilities. I have a core group I work with in each city, but you always need to complement the team, so I'd ask people, 'I need somebody specifically for this kind of job.' When I have someone new working with us on the show, I tell them, 'Come ask questions. Walk around. Learn what each position does. There are multiple positions on a variety show.'" Campbell revealed that sports television is like a bootcamp. "There's remote production, there's studio productions. Sports is sort of on its own island, but I think at times it gets overlooked because the skillsets that you need: the turnaround times — the deadlines because you're in the middle of playoffs and you only have four days to go out and shoot a piece. If they win, that has to be on the air in 24 hours or less." DiCicco spoke about how she handles misconceptions about the industry. "I think there's plenty of opportunities for training or growth, and they might be different than they were 20 or 30 years ago. We just have to be able to grow with the technology and with how the industry is changing." Moreo shared her expertise on utilizing online platforms and suggested improving your personal brand. "What's the first thing you do when you want to learn about someone? You search for them. You can start controlling your personal brand early on if you have a strong presence." The discussion was followed by a reception where the attending members were encouraged to network with their peers. Photo: (L-R) Stage Manager April Smith (moderator), Associate Directors Alanna Campbell & Dawn DiCicco and (Onscreen) Stage Manager Garry W. Hood & Director Brett Holey. Expanding Your Reach: A Networking Event — An Eastern AD/SM/PA Council Event photo by Ryan Jensen photo by Marcie Revens

• Cover