DGA Monthly

M A Y 2 0 2 5 I 2 5 See more detailed descriptions, additional photos and video, where available, online at www.dga.org. DGA Events Roundup Television Directors play a vital role in casting, providing input to ensure the process aligns with their creative vision and the tone of their episode. However, the casting process has evolved over time and what used to be an in-person experience has now become increasingly virtual. On March 20, DGA members received tips on how to work efficiently with casting professionals in prep during the Director Development Initiative (DDI) lab, Casting in the Digital Age. The online event featured Directors Neema Barnette (Reasonable Doubt), Nicole Rubio (Doc) and Shea William Vanderpoort (Harlem) in a conversation moderated by Director Carl Seaton (The Irrational) that explored the responsibilities that Directors have related to casting for television, how to contribute throughout the process, and how to navigate casting online. Seaton set the stage for the conversation by providing foundational information about casting in episodic television and shared more about how Directors can navigate casting callbacks. Barnette and Vanderpoort noted that Directors are hired for their creative vision and emphasized the importance of them clearly communicating their vision and working collaboratively with casting professionals to make decisions. All the panelists shared tips for how to build trust on set and offered advice for how Directors can advocate for themselves, with Rubio highlighting how Producing Directors can also be instrumental in supporting Directors on casting decisions. Image: (Clockwise) Directors Shea William Vanderpoort, Neema Barnette, Nicole Rubio and Carl Seaton (moderator). Casting in the Digital Age A Director Development Initiative Lab On April 5, the DGA's San Francisco Coordinating Committee (SFCC) hosted a gathering of members from all categories to the 2025 edition of their Annual General Membership Meeting and Reception. SFCC Chair Jason Halley welcomed the attendees to the Marquee Lounge of San Francisco's Orpheum Theatre for an afternoon of reports, elections and camaraderie. After Halley's welcome, DGA Director of Commercial Contracts Winona Wacker, the staff liaison for the Committee, delivered a report on the state of the Guild, the membership and production in the Bay Area and with a special focus on the Guild's efforts regarding production incentives, particularly the "Keep California Rolling" campaign. Wacker then turned proceedings over to the day's special guest speaker, DGA Assistant Executive Director Vada Hedgeman, who introduced himself as the new executive working in the west with the FLTTA Agreement. Hedgeman also discussed his previous work in the Residuals Department and how the DGA's enforcement of our residuals provisions have led to meaningful income for members in challenging times. Following Hedgeman's briefing, the official business concluded with the nomination and election of candidates for the SFCC Executive Committee. Directors Steve Condiotti, Amyn Kaderali and Daniel Lozano, 1st AD Rachel Caproni and 2nd AD Jason Halley were elected to serve until 2027. Continuing to serve on the SFCC Executive Committee until 2026 are Director Ted Leonard, UPM Gerald Olson and 2nd ADs John M. Morse and Cindy A. Taylor. Director Jennifer N. Brown, 1st AD Jani Vournas and 2nd AD Jerremy Stewart were elected to serve as Executive Committee Alternates. This was followed by the elections for SFCC officers for the year 2025-2026 with John M. Morse elected as Chair, Ted Leonard as Vice-Chair, and Cindy A. Taylor re-elected as Secretary. photo: Bay Area members and DGA Staff pose for a group photo during the 2025 San Francisco Coordinating Committee General Membership Meeting. 2025 Annual General Membership Meeting A San Francisco Coordinating Committee Event photo by Lawrence Gerald

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