Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/820551
36 P E R S P E C T I V E | M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 7 ADG SERVICE AWARD SCOTT ROTH The Art Directors Guild extended to Scott Roth, the Guild's Executive Director for nineteen years, a rarely bestowed but well-deserved honor, its Service Award. Scott, a labor lawyer who had previously worked for the Directors Guild and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, began serving as Executive Director of the SMPTAD, Local 876, in September 1997 and was responsible for negotiating and enforcing the Guild's contracts and administering its business affairs for nearly two decades. He early on championed the re-branding of the organization to the simpler and more memorable Art Directors Guild. Beginning in rented office space with a staff of three, Scott was the principal steward overseeing the purchase and expansion of the ADG's headquarters and staff, the creation of its first website, the launch of its professional journal PERSPECTIVE, the founding of the ADG Film Society, the establishment of a vibrant artist's Gallery 800 in North Hollywood's NoHo Arts District, and numerous training and educational programs for all members. Twenty years ago, the Guild worked for one craft, Art Directors, and its 650 members. Fast-forward to 2017, and the staff of twenty now represents 2,500 artists in a wide range of crafts—Production Designers and Art Directors, Scenic and Graphic Artists, Set Designers and Model Makers, Illustrators and Matte Artists. New programs and activities that were implemented during Scott's stewardship include regional field representatives outside of California, support for members in financial need, an apprenticeship program, public relations professionals to promote the Guild and its artists, an archives department to preserve the ADG's history and members' work, and many others. Mergers in 2003 and 2008, under Scott's leadership, resulted in Hollywood's first true Art Department local, joining the Guild's current crafts into the dynamic union of Art Department professionals it is today. Well respected by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Scott was a key player in the labor/ industry coalition, which worked to pass California's AB 1839, the landmark tax incentive program which has brought thousands of industry jobs back to California. As a primary negotiator of the industry-wide Basic Agreement, a member of the Board of Directors of the MPI Pension and Health Plan, and co-chair of its Benefits Committee, Scott oversaw significant improvements in benefits and contributions to the Basic Agreements and Individual Account Plans. He maintained traditional Guild jurisdictions and added representation for previs artists, protecting and enhancing members' rights in the workplace. Scott prides himself on being a dedicated servant and leader in the American labor movement. His meticulous and passionate supervision and professionalism in the management of the members' business affairs and its greater welfare is celebrated tonight through this special recognition. Scott's vision on behalf of the Guild and its members was transformative, in the most positive sense; the Guild's Service Award is testament to that vision. SPECIAL AWARDS