Founded in
1960, as a union that seeks to organize an individual profession rather than
multiple professions across an industry, the Director Guild of America was
born. The organization represents directors and member of the directorial team
such as assistant’s directors, unit production managers, and stage, production,
location managers; who representation includes all sorts of media, like film,
documentaries, news, sports, commercials and videography.
When it
comes to the entertainment media publishing and distribution aspect, it is important
to brand ones self in order to promote or publish anything dealing with ones
company. I believe as a director or an active member within the film industry
it is important to network and gain exposure, in order to widen the audience
base for future projects.
LineProducing
feels that “the DGA can be a complex, harrowing, and lengthy ordeal. Yet, This
is an 'elite' program where individuals learn the fine art of being an
assistant director.” After doing some research, I found that the organization
could be extremely beneficial and rewarding. When it comes to working on
projects, and being in the union of the DGA you are covered completely.
Meaning, there is a strict finical baseline in which the company cannot go
below when it come to payout, therefore, one is not being under paid. Once
apart of the DGA you have health, legal benefits, pension, and other residual
benefits.
However, on the other end something’s steer individuals
away when considering joining the DGA. For some visual artist they like to work
on low budget or no-budget feature, documentary or new media projects. However,
because they are apart of the union there are contracts in which one must abide
by and to determine if the DGA covers such projects. Once apart of the union,
there are initial initiation fees, monthly and annual dues. For example,
according to the Director
Guild of America, Guild dues are based on DGA earnings. Earnings are
reportable, and the corollary dues payable, quarterly. In addition, each Guild
member also pays dues on one percent (1%) of the total residuals of all types
he or she receives pursuant to employment under a DGA collective bargaining
agreement. Nonetheless, I believe that The Directors Guild of America is a
powerful force that can help you realize your vision regardless of budget.
Just based off the small information giving, I simply
promote for one to thoroughly research such unions as well as other pertaining
to the field of choice before either joining and or disregarding. In order to
become successful in ones field, one must strategically gain industry and
online presence.
