Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1527953
N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 I 2 3 See more detailed descriptions, additional photos and video, where available, online at www.dga.org. On September 24, Associate Directors, Stage Managers and Production Associates interested in working in sports got valuable information on where to begin when the Eastern AD/SM/PA Council hosted the online panel discussion, Getting into the Game: How to Break into the World of Sports Production. In a conversation moderated by Associate Director/Production Associate Amanda Rodriguez, Directors Linda Malino Coppola (CBS Sports) and Annetta Marion (Master Class), Associate Director Bryan Kosowski (CBS Sports, NFL Slimetime), Stage Managers Dan Frank (FOX Sports) and Jeffrey Pearl (Madison Square Garden Network), Former CBS Sports Broadcast Operations Vice President Arthur Harris and FOX Sports – College Basketball Senior Coordinating Producer Steve Scheer, shared their experiences working on sports coverage both in the studio and in the field from both the staff and freelance perspectives. Malino took attendees through what prep looks like while she is working on college football coverage. Marion advised members to utilize the DGA as a resource to learn about their fellows who already work in specific fields. Pearl shared how making connections as a stagehand at Showtime at the Apollo led to him getting his first job in sports television. Harris acknowledged that sports is a traveling circus and suggested that someone looking to get their start in the genre begin with local productions. Kosowski recalled how asking a question at a CBS golf tournament in his hometown of Dearborn, Michigan got him a job at that tournament, which eventually led to working for CBS in New York. Scheer encouraged members to be inquisitive when searching for a position because the worst answer someone could give is "no." Frank revealed the workings of a typical day on the prep for the MLB playoffs, from meeting with the National Anthem singer to dress rehearsals and emphasized that being a calm and steady presence in the midst of all the tension as a vital skill of the job. Image: (L-R Top Row) Directors Linda Malino Coppola and Annetta Marion, Associate Director Bryan Kosowski and Stage Manager Dan Frank. (Bottom Row) Stage Manager Jeffrey Pearl, Former CBS Sports Broadcast Operations Vice President Arthur Harris and FOX Sports – College Basketball Senior Coordinating Producer Steve Scheer and Associate Director/ Production Associate Amanda Rodriguez (moderator). Getting into the Game: How to Break into the World of Sports Production An Eastern AD/SM/PA Council Panel Discussion See more detailed descriptions, additional photos and video, where available, online at www.dga.org. See more detailed descriptions, additional photos and video, where available, online at www.dga.org. DGA Events Roundup On September 21, Unit Production Managers gathered for the Eastern AD/UPM Council's UPM Committee annual breakfast gathering. Held both online and in the Guild's New York boardroom, the invitation-only event, Crossing the Hudson: An Overview of Filming in New Jersey, gave them an opportunity to learn from their peers, network and ask questions. Noting that production is on the rise in the state of New Jersey, this year's breakfast featured a discussion about members' recent experiences shooting there. In a conversation moderated by UPM Committee Member Daniel Hank, special guests Jon Crowley and David Schoner of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, and production tax credit consultant John Hadity shared information about the New Jersey Film Commission and the State's recently raised tax incentives designed to bring more production jobs to the area. The participants spoke about New Jersey's "Film Ready" program which educates local municipalities on the benefits of welcoming film and television productions. They also shared information about the extensive availability of friendly filming locations, new soundstage construction, and the state-sponsored industry training programs. UPM Committee members Michael Kriaris and Thomas Whelan, who have also filmed in New Jersey, shared their experiences with the tax credit diversity bonus, the successful sourcing of crew and equipment, and shared advice on how to navigate state compliance. Photos: 1. L-R: Eastern AD/UPM Council UPM Committee Co-Chairs Leslie Gyson, Patricia Doherty Hess and Lynn Appelle, tax credit consultant John Hadity, NJ Motion Picture & Television Commission representative Jon Crowley, UPM Committee member Daniel Hank (moderator) and NJ Motion Picture & Television Commission representative David Schoner. 2. DGA UPM members learn about film production outside of New York 3-4. UPMs Thomas Whelan and Michael Kriaris, share their experiences filming in NJ. 5. UPM Kelsi Russell attends the event. Crossing the Hudson: An Overview of Filming in New Jersey An Eastern AD/UPM Council UPM Committee Event photos by Ryan Jensen 1 4 3 5 2