Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/756468
72 CINEMONTAGE / Q4 2016 72 CINEMONTAGE / Q4 2016 Kutak later recalled for the Editors Guild Magazine, "When I began in the film business, I saw too many people much older than I struggling to make benefits with the freelance life — and a future that looked like they would have nothing to show for it. The union changed my life… Without the union, especially since our business is popular and 'glamorous,' producers would continually pressure employees to the lowest common denominator they could establish and still get the job done." Soon, Kutak became more familiar with the workings of his union employer. Along with his field-organizing responsibilities, he was able to observe board meetings, planning sessions, contract negotiations, and attend the 1984 IATSE Convention. He also focused on the technical advances being made in editorial. With the support of the State of California Employment Development Department, he started a Guild training program. Recalling this event, Kutak said, "When I worked camera, I wanted to be on the cutting edge of technology. I saw it was going to be just as important for editors." In 1984, the Guild's Executive Director position became vacant. The Board began accepting applications for the job. Kutak did not apply; he didn't feel right about doing so. He had not been at the Guild very long and his current job was lower on the totem pole than others whom he thought would be applying. He was surprised, then, when someone on the Board asked him to submit an application, which he did. After the interview process was concluded, he was even more surprised when he was hired. In turn, the then 35-year-old new union leader surprised Asst. Executive Director Tony Butka, left, and Ron Kutak (Video- tape Organizer), 1981. Right: Guild President Irv Rosenblum, 1983-87, and Ron Kutak (Installation Dinner 1988). Below: IATSE Rally in Burbank, CA. Kutak addressing over 5000 IA members regarding difficult negotiations with the AMPTP.