DGA Monthly

4 I D G A M O N T H L Y photos: 1. DGA Location Managers, Teamsters 817 Location Coordinators and representatives from MOME introduce themselves. 2. MOME Deputy Commissioner Kwame Amoaku, DGA Associate National Executive Director/Eastern Executive Director/Production Industry Council Co-Chair Neil Dudich, MOME Commissioner Pat Swinney Kaufman and Production Industry Council Co-Chair/DGA UPM member Santiago Quinones. 3. Attendees of the New York Film and Television Production Industry Council Meet & Greet engage in a breakout session during the event hosted in the DGA's New York boardroom. On January 10, more than 50 individuals assembled in the Guild's New York Boardroom during a "meet & greet" spearheaded by the New York Film and Television Production Industry Council. The goal of the meeting was to develop and foster relationships between those who work in production and in city government to coordinate location shooting in New York City. The meeting was attended by representatives from the NY Mayor's Office of Media & Entertainment (MOME), DGA Location Managers and Teamsters 817 Location Coordinators. Following a welcome from the Council Co-Chair, UPM/Producer Santiago Quinones, the attendees heard remarks from DGA Associate National Executive Director/Eastern Executive Director Neil Dudich, who also serves as a Co-Chair of the Council, as well as MOME Commissioner Pat Swinney Kaufman and Deputy Commissioner, Film Office Kwame Amoaku. Created in 2022 to strengthen New York City's film and television industry, the Council serves as an important communication channel between the production industry and New York City government and advises the city's production policies and programs. The DGA's leadership role in the Council serves to strengthen our ongoing commitment to keeping productions where our members work and live. DGA Hosts Film & Television Production Industry Council Meet & Greet DGA Advocates for Stronger Anti-Piracy Protections at Congressional Roundtable At a congressional roundtable hosted by Rep. Darrell Issa, Mike Stoever, Director of Government Affairs for the DGA, advocated for stronger IP protections and support for entertainment industry workers, emphasizing the critical role of federal policies in safeguarding creative and economic rights of Directors and members of their teams. Stoever first expressed the DGA's gratitude for Rep. Issa's commitment to federal disaster aid in the wake of the recent wildfire emergency in Los Angeles. Recognizing the impact on the entertainment industry and its workers, he underscored the importance of continued support for the re-building efforts across the region. Stoever then stressed that guarding against IP theft and piracy remains a major threat to filmmakers at all levels. For independent Directors who finance their own projects and own the copyright, he noted that "after borrowing money from friends and family, taking on second mortgages, and betting on themselves, these filmmakers have little ability to fight piracy." Without strong enforcement mechanisms, Directors' hard work can be stolen and misused, undermining their ability to sustain their careers. And piracy is not just an issue for small, independent filmmakers. They are often top of mind for Directors because piracy can erode vital industry safeguards. Thanks to decades of DGA- negotiated contracts, Directors receive guaranteed residuals from sales and licensing. In 2023 alone, the DGA collected $550 million in residuals, providing crucial financial support for members in an industry defined by freelance employment. "When copyright enforcement fails, the economic safety net that Directors rely on is weakened," Stoever warned. In closing, Stoever voiced strong support for a no-fault injunctive regime to combat piracy, urging Congress to act. He emphasized the DGA's commitment to collaborating with other guilds, studios, and policymakers to protect creative works and defend the livelihoods of filmmakers. 2 3 1 photos by DGA Staff

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