Dear IDA Members:
As we gain distance on the summer discussions between Discovery Channel and Documentary Credits Coalition, their import becomes clearer. By working with the coalition, Discovery came up with a creative, feasible and appropriate solution to the placement of credits.
But the work of the coalition is not over. Both the National Geographic Channel and the Scripps family of cable channels—Better Homes and Gardens, the Food Network, Fine Living and Do It Yourself Channel—have been put on the DCC watch list. But the DCC cannot do it alone; the issue of credits is of concern to filmmakers around the world. It is imperative that each member report any new developments about credits to our e-mail at mcd@donaldsonhart.com or fax us at 310-273-5370. Our limited IDA staff, with the help and support of so many organizations—especially the major unions and AIFV—simply cannot do it themselves, nor should they. So, let us know how to contact you for more details and, in some cases, for some more help. As always, your identity will be protected, unless you specifically desire to “go public.”
The Singapore contingent of IDA members who met in July was especially happy with the good news on credits with Discovery, which had just launched a production initiative in Singapore that will be of significant help to the burgeoning film industry in that region. More regional meetings are planned in Belgium, France and Asia.
By the time you receive this issue of the IDA magazine, you should have received a new set of by-laws that have several important features intended to streamline the IDA in order to prepare it for growth around the world over the next 20 years. The basic intent is to facilitate the involvement of members around the world, and specific provision for international programs has been provided, as well as involvement of the worldwide membership in nominating board members. The board itself will make the final selections, after interviews and assurances that these new board members are aware of, and agree to, the high demands of involvement and participation. On the regional level, board members will facilitate seminars, mixers, screenings and programs. So please cast your vote early. You may vote by e-mail, fax or mail, but your ballot must be in by November 30.
The board approved these by-laws after much hard work by the By-laws Committee, headed by Michael Rose and including Richard Propper, Kathryn Galán and Carol King. However, we would like a high turnout on this vote by the general membership. It is important to the future of IDA as we grow worldwide and serve members in newer and more important ways.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Donaldson
IDA President
In the near future, we will be sending you a new set of by-laws that have several important features intended to streamline the IDA in order to prepare it for growth around the world over the next 20 years. The basic intent is to both bring the by-laws up to where we are now as an organization and to facilitate the involvement of members around the world. So when you receive the by-laws, please read them carefully and cast your vote. You may vote by e-mail, fax or mail, but your ballot must be in by November 30.