While most of us are focused on the current WGA and SAG strikes, the DGA has some internal issues it is working on fixing. Currently, DGA members who have to take time off to care for their newborn children, are being penalized for it. These members are working to get the DGA to change their policies in order to have a more equitable and just industry.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman and director Jessica Dimmock discuss:

The reason Jessica started the DGA Parenthood Penalty campaign
The changes the DGA is making to their contracts
Why you should be active in your guild
Realizing the DGA wasn’t asking their members for feedback
Recent strike updates
How creatives take big risks just like the studios do
Pressure testing your script by anonymously submitting for feedback
Finding out how much money your film will cost to make
Supporting films with big marketing budgets

Memorable Quotes

“What’s astounding to me, is that these battles had to be fought in 2017 and not 1977.” [6:33]
“Unions and guilds set their policy based on the will of their membership.” [15:59]
“It shouldn’t be surprising that people have children…People are going to have families.” [21:38]
“The first thing you should be doing is writing 6 more feature scripts.” [42:44]