DGA Monthly

M A Y 2 0 2 6 I 2 7 Membership Screenings Q&As listed in alphabetical order by Director. See more detailed descriptions, additional photos & podcasts online at www.dga.org. DGA Committee Meeting Events On March 3, the Women's Steering Committee meeting featured an insider conversation on how to strategically attract and attach talent to your film or television project during the panel discussion, Packaging Power: How to Attach Talent and Build Momentum. In a conversation moderated by WSC Co-Chair Jade Jenise Dixon, Directors Kestrin Pantera and Bola Ogun, UPM Dahlia Waingort Guigui and Attorney Jackie Ward broke down what really moves projects forward. The panelists covered topics including how and when to approach Actors, Directors and Producers; what makes talent say "yes" to a project; packaging basics such as materials, attachments, and momentum; how to leverage relationships, labs, and fellowships; and some of the common mistakes to avoid when seeking attachments. Clockwise: WSC Co-Chair Jade Jenise Dixon (moderator), Directors Kestrin Pantera and Bola Ogun, and UPM Dahlia Waingort Guigui. How to Attach Talent and Build Momentum A Women's Steering Committee Discussion On March 18, the LGBTQ+ Committee meeting presented an insight on the art of the interview during the panel discussion, Giving Good Meeting. In a conversation moderated by Director/LGBTQ+ Career Advancement Subcommittee Co-Chair Jennifer Arnold, experienced DGA members who've been on both sides of the process: DGA Secretary-Treasurer Paris Barclay, Directors DeMane Davis and Peter Paige, and UPM Hilary Smith shared information about how you present yourself, tell your story, and connect with people who can hire you. During the conversation, Barclay revealed what he looks for when interviewing prospective Directors; Davis noted the importance of knowing the material; Paige acknowledged the danger of one-word-answers; and Smith advised directorial team members to not be dissuaded from going after a job because of a shorter resume. Clockwise: DGA Secretary-Treasurer Paris Barclay, Directors DeMane Davis and Peter Paige, UPM Hilary Smith and Director Jennifer Arnold (moderator). Giving Good Meeting A LGBTQ+ Committee Discussion On March 24, DGA members heard how filmmakers are actively using cinema to challenge historical stereotypes and address critical social issues pertaining to Native and Indigenous peoples when the Eastern Diversity Steering Committee meeting featured the virtual panel Spotlight on Indigenous People and Social Issues Through the Lens of Film and Television. In an insightful conversation moderated by 2005 DGA Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Children's Programs Award-winning Director Chris Eyre, Directors Razelle Benally and Kari Skogland and Attorney/Playwright/ Screenwriter Mary Kathryn Nagle shared how modern Indigenous film is moving beyond stereotypical tropes to highlight past and current issues facing these communities. Clockwise: Directors Chris Eyre (moderator), Razelle Benally and Kari Skogland and Attorney/Playwright/Screenwriter Mary Kathryn Nagle. Spotlight on Indigenous People An Eastern Diversity Steering Committee Meeting Discussion The Focus on Women Committee's (FOWC) virtual meeting on March 25, was prefaced by the panel Spotlight on Women in Local News: Leaders in Stations' Control Rooms and Studios. During a conversation moderated by Stage Manager/FOWC AD/SM/PA Category Representative Erika Wortham, Directors Sherece Brown (WRC), Rebecca Ledewitz (WNJU) and Emily Murphy (WCVB), and Stage Manager Meryl Jaffe (WABC) revealed how they handle working in an environment that runs on precision, timing, quick decision making, and occasionally a bit of controlled chaos when things don't go as planned. They also shared stories about how they arrived at their current positions, how local news differs from network and what makes directing local news unique. Clockwise: Directors Sherece Brown, Rebecca Ledewitz and Emily Murphy, and Stage Managers Meryl Jaffe and Erika Wortham (moderator). Spotlight on Women in Local News A Focus on Women Committee Meeting Discussion

• Cover