Directors Jon Avnet and Todd Holland have been appointed co-chairs of the next Directors Guild of America (DGA) Feature Film and Television Negotiations Committee. The DGA National Board approved the appointments at its board meeting on Sunday, February 3.
“As an important part of our preparation for the next round of negotiations, we have asked two of our experienced feature and television standard-bearers to lead our negotiations and serve as co-chairs,” said DGA president Thomas Schlamme. “Jon and Todd have accepted, and are eager to take on the next chapter of their considerable Guild service. We are fortunate to have the benefit of their experience, industry know-how and negotiating acumen.”
Avnet said, “We don’t yet know when we’ll begin our negotiations, but we’re preparing well in advance as we always do–through extensive research and engaging with our members and staff to determine key priorities. We will be ready when the time is right.”
Holland added, “We are focused on our core mission: the protection and advancement of the creative and economic rights of our members. Working alongside our Negotiations Committee members, our Creative Rights Committee, and the Guild’s professional staff–we’ll be ready to ensure the best outcome for our members.”
The DGA’s current three-year contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) expires on June 30, 2020.
Avnet has served on the DGA Negotiating Committee for the past three negotiations cycles. He is a National Board alternate, first elected in 2013, and has also served on the Western Directors Council as a member or alternate member since that time. Avnet is a trustee to the DGA Pension and Health Plans and a member of the Finance Committee. A veteran film and television director, Avnet is a two-time DGA Award nominee in the Movies For Television/Limited Series category.
Holland has served on the DGA Negotiating Committee for the past six negotiations cycles. He was first elected to the National Board as an alternate in 2009, and has served as a member or alternate member on the Western Directors Council for nearly two decades. He is also co-chair of the Diversity Task Force, a trustee to the DGA Pension and Health Plans, and second vice chair of the Directors Guild Foundation. Holland is a prolific television director. He won the DGA Award in the Television Comedy category in 2001, and is a six-time nominee.
The Guild expects to appoint its full Negotiations Committees, made up of directors, assistant directors, unit production managers, associate directors and stage managers working in all genres, later this year. National executive Russell Hollander will serve as the Guild’s chief professional negotiator.
