NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Directors Guild of America and the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) have reached a tentative agreement for a new national commercial contract, DGA President Michael Apted announced today. The existing commercial agreement, which was extended for one additional year, will expire on October 31, 2005. The DGA National Board, which meets in Los Angeles on Saturday, September 24, is expected to review the agreement and determine whether it will be sent to the membership for ratification.
"I am proud of the results achieved by the Commercial Negotiating Committee. This agreement has important new protections and benefits, including substantial increases in health plan contributions and minimum rates for directors and assistant directors," said Apted.
"The Guild's negotiating committee was intent on finding creative solutions that benefit our members, while simultaneously enabling production companies to compete in the global marketplace," said Eastern Executive Director Russ Hollander. "Working together with the AICP, we were able to reach a deal that will benefit both sides of the bargaining table -- it means more work for the companies and more jobs for our members."
"We're extremely pleased that we were able to reach tentative agreement with the DGA on this contract," said Matt Miller, President and CEO of the AICP. "In many ways our negotiations with the Guild reflects the close working relationship that commercial producers share with our Directorial partners every day. Thanks to that relationship, and the Guild's understanding of the unique nature of commercial production, we were able to make headway on issues that will allow our member companies to better compete in the global marketplace while continuing to afford members of the Guild important protections in the workplace."
"The efforts of the DGA Negotiations Committee: Tim Abshire, Lee Blaine, Fred Childress, Rob Jackson, David Jellison, Rob Lieberman, Jon Lowe, Michael Schlenker, Neil Tardio Sr. -- as well as the AICP negotiators -- are to be commended," said DGA National Executive Director Jay D. Roth. "They have done an excellent job of negotiating important new provisions that will protect our members' rights and improve commercial production."
Founded in 1936 by 13 of Hollywood's leading filmmakers, including the legendary John Ford and King Vidor, the Directors Guild of America is the nation's pre-eminent organization representing directors and members of the directorial team. The Directors Guild of America represents 13,000 members who work in feature film; filmed, taped and live television; commercials; and documentaries; including Directors, Unit Production Managers, Assistant Directors, Associate Directors, Technical Coordinators, Stage Managers and Production Associates.