DGA Monthly

M A R C H 2 0 2 5 I 3 1 See more detailed descriptions and additional photos, where available, online at www.dga.org. DGA Events Roundup Photos: 1. Event mentors and CCC members pose for a photo. 2. Chicago-area DGA members engage in one-on-one meetings with experienced dramatic professionals. 2 1 photos by Jeff Kash Chicago Coordinating Committee Hosts Professional Development Event Recent Visual History Addition View more excerpts and interviews in the Visual History Collection via the link on the homepage of www.dga.org. Director Louis Horvitz shares his experiences directing variety specials, how preparation is tantamount to running a successful production, and what it was like accepting an award while directing the same show. Horvitz on the importance of preparation: "Pre-production, our best laid plans of mice and men. We like to be in control, then all of a sudden something goes awry. Somebody stands up, a camera goes down, somebody doesn't show up, the acts swap, people don't do what they're supposed to do, and it all begins to fall apart. You could say to yourself, 'Well, what a waste of time that I did all this preparation.' It has nothing to do with that. You are in a better position when things go wrong to improvise because you know what it's meant to be and where it eventually will end up. When you hit the commercial break, then you can regroup, but if you plan nothing, you will never have anything to vamp because your show for three and a half hours without pre-production is gonna be one gigantic wing, and it's going to look like it. The issue throws a lot of journeymen Directors off. They know what they want it to look like in their head, but they haven't told the people that have to make it — the camera crew, audio crew, Stage Managers, lighting crew — where they're going to be. If the whole crew is not completely in sync and know exactly what the picture is meant to be, you're nowhere." The DGA's Visual History Program website contains hundreds of hours of videotaped interviews with Directors and Director's team members discussing their careers and reflections on all aspects of the creative process in film, television and other media. These interviews are indexed for quick retrieval of segments pertaining to specific topics of interest within a particular interview or across the entire collection. Louis Horvitz interviewed by Don Mischer About the Committee: The Chicago Coordinating Committee was formed in the mid-1960s to coordinate Guild activities in the Chicago Area, including acting as liaison between members and the Guild, disseminating information, and promoting public awareness of the Guild. For more information visit their webpage on www.dga.org. On January 18, Assistant Directors, Location Managers and Assistant Location Managers in the greater Chicago area were invited to meet one-on-one with local DGA members who are experienced dramatic entertainment professionals and have hiring authority. Presented by the Chicago Coordinating Committee (CCC) as part of its mission to facilitate the exchange of ideas, and further professional opportunities for all Midwestern DGA members, this special event was designed to give attendees a chance to ask questions, seek guidance and discuss their own personal career growth. After the attendees were checked in by CCC Co-Chair Rich Lederer and DGA Field Rep Brett Wise, Lederer spoke about the Committee's efforts towards building, strengthening and supporting the Chicago DGA community through professional development and member support. In illustration of that mission, he then welcomed the more than 50 Chicago-area members to the CCC's Speed Mentoring sessions. During the sessions, all attendees were matched with experienced mentors for brief 20-minute sessions, during which they discussed topics including professional development, best practices for seeking employment and general tips for working on set and working in higher categories. The mentors for this event included: • Directors Joe Chappelle, Bob Hercules, Rick Lefevour • UPMs Demetra Diamontopoulos, Brett Hays, Kevin McGrail, Rich Lederer • 1st ADs Senica Billingsley, Jim Giovanneti, Stefan Rand, Chris DeAngelis, Tim Harris • Location Managers: Nick Rafferty and Mono Wilborn • 2nd AD: Jason Dusenske

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