DGA Monthly

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 5 I 5 5 See more detailed descriptions and additional photos, where available, online at www.dga.org. DGA Events Roundup During the DGA LGBTQ+ Committee's Celebration event in his honor, Director Greg Berlanti shared stories from his 25-year legacy of breaking boundaries for authentic representation of the LGBTQ+ community in film and television. The bi-coastal event, held in the Guild's Los Angeles theater and live streamed to the DGA Boardroom in New York on October 18, celebrated Berlanti's enduring vision and the resilience behind the stories that continue to inspire and transform. LGBTQ+ Activities & Events Subcommittee Co-Chairs C. Fitz and Jessica Lowrey began the evening by welcoming attendees and emphasizing the event's significance during such challenging times, showcasing the collective resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. In his introduction of the honoree, DGA Secretary Treasurer Paris Barclay highlighted Berlanti's artistic heroism in his consistent use of television to battle the hate prevalent in society by showcasing community and commended his dedication to portraying LGBTQ+ people with accuracy, respect, and love. Illustrated by clips from his work, Berlanti spoke about his career during a conversation moderated by former LGBTQ+ Committee Co-Chair John Krokidas. Recounting a pivotal moment in his career, Berlanti shared how he was invited to run the third season of Dawson's Creek. Though he initially declined, he later agreed on the condition he could include the first gay kiss on television. The studio agreed in order to bring him on but later backtracked leading Berlanti to quit on the spot. The studio called to apologize the following day and agreed to let it air but said there would be restrictions; the camera would be across the street and there wouldn't be a close-up. Berlanti made sure to get a close-up of the kiss regardless and showed the studio a clip reel he put together of all the gratuitous violence aired during the same timeslot, successfully convincing the studio to air the first gay kiss on television in a close-up. Berlanti encouraged Directors to have more faith in themselves that they can make a great show, and to focus on building a community of people you can rely on, referencing his long-time partnership with Producer Sarah Schechter. In Times Like These: Greg Berlanti's Legacy of LGBTQ+ Storytelling A DGA LGBTQ+ Committee Event 2 photos by Elisa Haber (LA) and Marcie Revens (NY) 3 1 4 After the moderated discussion and questions from the audience, LGBTQ+ Committee Co-Chairs Mark Hansson and Kimberly Peirce encouraged LGBTQ+ DGA members to self-identify publicly or privately on the Guild's website. A DGA member since 2009, few have changed the television and film landscape as Berlanti did when stepped behind the camera. Over more than two decades, he has brought queer stories from the margins to the mainstream, redefining what's possible in broadcast, streaming and in theaters marked by groundbreaking moments from Dawson's Creek, to Love, Simon, Supergirl, Brilliant Minds and beyond. His work was recognized by the Guild with a 2012 DGA Movies for Television and Mini-Series Award nomination for his pilot episode of Political Animals. Berlanti has built more than hit shows and films — he has built space. Space for queer love stories, trans visibility, and authentic representation for BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and emerging Directors to thrive. Through his unwavering commitment to inclusive storytelling and assembling some of the most diverse creative teams in Hollywood, he has opened doors, shifted culture, and amplified the voices of generations of viewers, creators, and crews. Photos: 1. Directors Greg Berlanti (right) and John Krokidas (moderator) discuss Berlanti's life and career. 2. Berlanti addresses questions from the audience. 3. Jessica Lowrey and C. Fitz welcome the audience. 4. Paris Barclay introduces Berlanti. 5. Mark Hansson, Paris Barclay, John Krokidas, Greg Berlanti, C. Fitz, Jessica Lowrey and Kimberly Peirce pose for a photo. 6. DGA members applaud the LGBTQ+ Committee event in the Guild's Los Angeles Theater. 5 6

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