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Notes from the Reel World: The Board President's Column, December 1997

By David Haugland


It gives me great pleasure to announce another "first" for the IDA as we conclude one of our most active years in history. Through the tireless and greatly appreciated efforts of former board member Ann Hassett, IDA and the Getty Center partner this month in premiering Concert of Wills: Making the Getty Center.

Concert of Wills is a 100 min. documentary which has been 11 years in the making. In this film, IDA Career Achievement Awardee Al Maysles and filmmakers Susan Froemke and Bob Eisenhardt chronicle the conception, planning and construction of the Getty Center for the Arts and Humanities. The filmmakers will be on hand for the premiere screening Saturday, December 6, at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. Early in '98, IDA and the Getty Center will repeat this event in New York for our east coast members. Watch the ID broadcast/cable listings for public television airings of Concert of Wills in your area.

'Tis the holiday season, and for those of you who are looking for the perfect gift for the documentarian on your list, I recommend the new and improved '97-98 edition of the IDA Survival Guide and Membership Directory. If you haven't received your copy, you're in for a delightful surprise. Editor Tim Lyons has produced the IDA's finest edition of this valuable resource, an invaluable aid for everyone working in the field. Kudos to Tim for a job well done!

This year IDA partnered with an ever-increasing number of organizations to provide new opportunities to members in a variety of locales, from New York to San Francisco and points in between. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the IDA staff, Betsy, Grace, Tim, Apple, Dale, Traci, Kim and dozens of volunteers, IDA had a banner year with an unprecedented number of successful seminars, screenings and special events. Special thanks to Board member Thelma Vickroy for her stalwart efforts in making DOCtober a success.

Most recently our annual IDA Awards Gala brought out the documentary stars of 1997 resulting in a solid success as our sole annual fundraising event. This success and events throughout the year are made possible by the generous support of our Trustees - please take a moment to thank them whenever you attend an IDA event.

The success of the past year can be measured in many ways, but it is especially noteworthy that in recent months, IDA membership has grown at an unprecedented rate: more than 100 new members monthly! We value your support and your participation. Welcome to all new and returning IDA members.

As the year draws to a close, I want to personally thank IDA members and supporters for your dedication, commitment and involvement with IDA and the documentary form. I look forward to meeting and talking with more of you in the months ahead. To all of you, I extend my personal greetings for a joyful Holiday Season and all the best in the New Year!

 

David Haugland
IDA President

P.S. See you all at the IDA holiday party, December 17, at the Robertson Production Center!