The Directors Guild of America (DGA) has announced that their members have voted to ratify the agreement reached between union negotiators and studios and streamers in early June. The deal received the support of 87% of the union, with only 13% voting against it. The voting turnout was 41% of the union’s eligible members, which includes directors, assistant directors, unit production managers, and stage managers, among others.
The President of the DGA, Lesli Linka Glatter, expressed pride in the ratification of the new contract, stating that it will allow every member in various roles to share in the success of their creations. She highlighted the gains achieved in wages, global streaming residuals, safety measures, diversity, and creative rights. Glatter acknowledged the hard work of the Negotiations Committee and the outstanding professional staff in securing these benefits for the guild.
During the voting period, there were mixed reactions among union members regarding the details of the agreement. Some members were excited about the broad reach of the gains and how they would positively impact different constituencies within the union. However, others expressed concerns about the provisions on artificial intelligence, streamer data transparency, and missed opportunities during the negotiations.
Director Peter Atencio, for example, emphasized the need to address the gaps in the agreement and return to an industry that rewards performance and success rather than a one-size-fits-all revenue model. These concerns reflect the diverse perspectives within the union and highlight the complexity of negotiating contracts that satisfy all members.
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The DGA negotiations took place amid the backdrop of contract talks for the Writers Guild of America, which resulted in a strike, and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, which held a strike authorization vote. The pressure to secure a favorable deal for DGA members was immense, and the tentative pact with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers was reached close to midnight on June 3 after a long day of negotiations. The proposed changes in the contract were considered historic by DGA negotiations committee chair Jon Avnet.
DGA President Lesli Linka Glatter commented on the significance of the deal, recognizing the global future of the industry and the essential role of directors and their teams in shaping that future. The union’s preparation for the negotiations included canceling early, informal discussions with AMPTP and warning members of the challenging environment they would face. The DGA also formed an “outreach team” to mobilize its members during the talks, signaling a preparedness to fight for their interests.
The DGA’s negotiation team consisted of national executive director Russell Hollander, negotiations chair Jon Avnet, co-chairs Karen Gaviola and Todd Holland, and a committee of over 80 members. Discussions on creative rights were led by Thomas Schlamme and Nicole Kassell, while AMPTP president Carol Lombardini represented the entertainment companies.
In conclusion, the ratification of the agreement by the Directors Guild of America members signifies the achievement of gains in various areas, including wages, streaming residuals, safety, diversity, and creative rights. While the agreement received majority support, there were dissenting voices among union members who expressed concerns about specific provisions. The negotiations took place in a challenging environment and demonstrated the DGA’s commitment to securing favorable terms for its members.
