Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/810786
M A Y 2 0 1 7 I 5 DGA NEWS Effective July 1, 2017, when a 'first-time Director' is to direct an episode of a dramatic television or a High Budget SVOD series, the individual must, prior to commencement of employment, attend a Television Director Orientation Course on Professional Standards for Episodic Directors. For the purposes of this provision, a 'first-time Director' means an individual who has not previously been employed as a Director of a dramatic motion picture, which includes a theatrical motion picture, an episode (including a pilot) of not less than twenty minutes in length of a dramatic series (including a mini-series) made for free television, pay television, basic cable or new media, a long-form television motion picture or a made- for-home video production. The one-day orientation program, will be targeted towards educating participants about the responsibilities of a dramatic episodic television Director, and shall only be available to individuals who have been offered employment by an Employer as a 'first- time Director.' The Guild will offer orientation programs both in Los Angeles and New York on multiple dates starting in July 2017. Alternative classes will be considered for members who reside outside of Los Angeles and New York who are not able to attend a course in LA or NY. Eligible Directors will be contacted by the Guild when notice of their employment is received from the Employer. Should you have questions please contact Jenni Bell (jbell@dga.org) 310-289-5383. A Special Notice for First-Time Directors This series of articles is designed to help raise awareness of your rights, which span all phases of production. Whether you are a veteran director or new to the Guild, we encourage you to take a few moments and acquaint yourself with these provisions, which are outlined in the Creative Rights Handbook. These creative rights are codified in Article 7 of the DGA Basic Agreement. In this installment we take a look at Principal Photography for Directors and Added Scenes/Re-shoots: • In episodic television and theatrical motion pictures, the Director has the right to direct all originally scheduled principal photography. The Producer may not schedule principal photography in such a way to deprive the Director of this critical right. • In addition, as long as the Director directed 100% of the originally scheduled principal photography, the Director also has the right to direct all added scenes or retakes. The Employer must invite the Director back to shoot such material and the Director is entitled to direct the material, subject only to the Director's availability. • If the Director is not available, the Employer must give the Director the opportunity to consult with the substituting Director about such photography. The Employer may not use as a replacement Director a person who is already employed on the project in another capacity other than Director absent a waiver from the DGA, with the exception of bona fide career directors. The protection of the creative rights of our members is one of the founding principles our Guild. It is important for every member to understand that these are "use them or lose them" rights; each time we choose not to exercise them, we further the chances of their erosion. If you find yourself with any creative rights questions or problems, please consult a DGA Field Representative or call the DGA Contracts Line at 310-289-2010. Know Your Rights: Principal Photography for Directors and Added Scenes/Re-shoots Giving Your Work Your Imprimatur A PDF copy of the Creative Rights Handbook is available online at www.dga.org