DGA Monthly

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4 I 5 5 On October 26, the Atlanta Coordinating Committee (ATLCC) and the DGA Assistant Director Training Programs of Los Angeles and New York (ADTP) presented the seminar, Working with Background Actors in Georgia. Held at Central Casting's offices in Atlanta, DGA members and trainees from the area were able to learn about hiring and working with background actors during an event that featured a presentation from DGA Senior Field Rep Bart Daudelin, Central Casting New York's Executive Vice President Jennifer Bender, Central Casting New Georgia's Vice President Adam Hochfeld and Casting Director Toni Avalos, and ADTP Administrators Lila Mayes from Los Angeles and Sandra Forman from New York. The seminar focused on background actor employment in Georgia and covered topics including: best practices for booking and hold days and minors work rules. Photo: (L-R) DGA Members & Staff, Trainees, and ADTP and Central Casting representatives pose for a photo during the Atlanta Coordinating Committee and Assistant Director Training Program event, Working with Background Actors in Georgia. Working with Background Actors in Georgia An ATLCC and LA & NY ADTP Seminar DGA members seeking advice on how episodic television Directors can collaborate with Actors on set to create their best work heard a variety of approaches during the Director Development Initiative (DDI) live workshop, Working with Actors. Held in the atrium of the Guild's Los Angeles headquarters, the workshop was led by Directors Daniel Attias, Michael D. Cohen, Jenée LaMarque, Tara Miele and Daniel Scheinert, the session explored strategies they use to support performances that best serve the story. Adding visual impact to their discussion, the panelists traded off as Directors and cast members to demonstrate how one can adapt to an Actor's method of reaching their goals as well as revealing workshop techniques that can inspire an the best performances. During the demonstrations, the panelists all remarked that a high level of vulnerability is often required of Actors and offered tips for how to support and guide their cast members. LaMarque shared that she approaches her Actors with an unconditional positive regard to build a trusting relationship, inspire confidence and foster respect. Attias emphasized the importance of doing research before going on set by familiarizing as much as you can with the characters and the storyline to truly understand what Actors might require in the way of guidance. Cohen explained that his pre-production process of working with performers begins by reading the script through the characters' voice and perspective. Miele noted that she likes to also spend time with her Actors off set to understand them as people. Scheinert divulged his penchant for playing out the parts of the characters first to help him get closer to his Actors and how adding humor is essential to ease up the work vibes. During the Q&A following the discussion and demonstrations, the panelists shared the importance of finding balance as Directors—making sure to come to the show incredibly prepared and ready to lead but also being amenable and willing to work together with everyone on set. Photo: (L-R) Directors Daniel Scheinert, Tara Miele, Jenée LaMarque, Michael D. Cohen and Daniel Attias. Working with Actors A Director Development Initiative Live Workshop photo by Quintin Lundy 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 photo by Andrew Alonso

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