DGA Monthly

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 I 1 7 photos by Jeff Kash DGA members in the Midwest came together to hear updates about their Guild during the 2025 general membership meeting in Chicago. Hosted by the Chicago Coordinating Committee (CCC) on November 20, the evening provided an opportunity hear from DGA Associate National Executive Director/Eastern Executive Director Neil Dudich, National Executive Director Russell Hollander and Field Representative Brett Wise. Following welcomes by CCC Co-Chairs Richard S. Lederer and Thomas Wekony, Jr., Dudich expressed his deep appreciation Committee for their efforts on behalf of their fellow members. "The City of Chicago is an excellent representation of the many areas in which DGA members work – a storied history as well as a bright future," said Dudich. "A robust and sustaining community of film, television and commercial production that was built by union workers, it reminds us of what we fight for at the negotiating table and beyond." Bringing the attendees up to speed on what's happening at the DGA, what we're seeing in the industry, and how we're approaching this challenging moment, Dudich continued, "We understand how difficult this moment is for many of our members, and your elected leaders are doing everything in their power to protect your jobs, your earnings, and your ability to build a lasting and meaningful career. Our Guild has weathered profound industry transitions before and through every evolution, the DGA has remained, and has ensured that our members not only survive but share in the success created by new technologies. Today's challenges may look different, but our mission remains the same." Dudich noted the reasons for optimism in Illinois, saying, "As many of you know, the legislature recently passed enhancements to the State's production incentive we believe will attract new projects and solidify the already strong production presence throughout the State. And through our participation in the Illinois Production Alliance, the DGA advocated strongly for enhancements that would generate meaningful new work now while maintaining the guardrails that protect the long-term stability of the program." Sharing details on how the Guild is preparing for the next round of contract negotiations, Dudich assured the members that their Guild will be ready to take up the fight to continue protecting their economic and creative rights. Ending on a note of optimism, Dudich reiterated how Chicago occupies a special place within the DGA and the industry. "As I noted earlier, the city reflects every aspect of the business. When production elsewhere has surged or slowed, Chicago's growth has been steady and resilient, not unlike the city itself. Your community here is active, engaged, and inspiring. The Chicago Coordinating Committee leads with clarity and purpose, our partnerships with other unions in the state remain strong, and your ongoing participation shows just how deeply rooted this Guild is in Chicago. I want to close by inviting each of you to play an active role in shaping the future of this Guild and this industry. Your feedback, your ideas, and your advocacy matter. We welcome your counsel as we move forward into a complex but promising future." Following Dudich's address, the meeting attendees were then able to ask questions of him, National Executive Director Hollander and Field Rep Wise. 1 2 3 2025 DGA Membership Meeting in Chicago 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Photos: 1. Local members hear about the state of the Guild from DGA Associate National Executive Director/Eastern Executive Director Neil Dudich. 2-3. CCC Co- Chairs Richard S. Lederer and Thomas Wekony, Jr. welcome the attendees. 4. Dudich discusses the upcoming challenges and hopes for optimism. 5. National Executive Director Russell Hollander answers member questions. 6-10. Midwest DGA members applaud the reports and enjoy the Chicago-Area General Membership Meeting. See more photos from this event and information about the Chicago Coordinating Committee online at www.dga.org.

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