Join us for an in-person event presented by Reel Asian with DGC National and DGC Ontario. This event offers a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from filmmakers about their DGC journey. Learn how the guild has opened doors, secured jobs, and shaped careers. Our lineup includes Sherren Lee, Adrien Yiptong, Michelle Michals, and Hans Engel, excited to share their experiences and insights on the benefits of a DGC membership.
We’ll also delve into the Guild Apprenticeship Program (GAP) by DGC Ontario, known for its transformative impact, featuring:
A detailed overview of GAP’s program
Testimonials and success stories from past participants
How the GAP program can propel your career in the screen industry
This event is a great opportunity to learn more about the advantages of DGC National membership, tailored specifically for film-based professionals looking to elevate their careers. Discover hidden advantages and how DGC National can open new opportunities for you.
Our speakers will share personal stories of their journeys with DGC National, offering firsthand experiences on why guild membership was pivotal in their long-term success. Gain insights into leveraging DGC National for career growth, opportunities, and security.
Engage in an interactive Q&A session with panellists and industry insiders.
Hear firsthand how guild membership has levelled up careers and provided benefits to sustain a successful career in the screen industry. Join us to learn what you don’t know about the guild and why it could be for you in your career in the screen-based industry.
Complimentary catering and non-alcoholic refreshments are included. Walk-up admissions are welcome (subject to capacity) but registration at the door will be required.
The Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) is a national labour organization that represents over 7,000 key creative and logistical personnel in the screen-based industry covering all areas of direction, design, production and editing. The DGC negotiates and administers collective agreements and lobbies extensively on issues of concern for members including Canadian content conditions, CRTC regulations and ensuring that funding is maintained for Canadian film & television programming.
The Directors Guild of Canada in Ontario is a provincial labour organization representing over 3,500 key creative and operational specialists in the following categories: Directors, Assistant Directors, Production Managers, Location Managers, Production Designers & Art Directors, Accountants, Picture & Sound Editors, Post Production Supervisors, and their respective departmental assistants.
DGC Ontario negotiates and administers the DGC/CMPA Standard Agreement for Ontario and advocates extensively on issues of concern for Members. Our Professional Development and Training programs are among the most extensive in the industry. In 2023, DGC Ontario conducted over 200 courses, panels and outreach events, as well as training in leadership, DEI, and sustainability practices. Our Members are making and contributing to some of the world’s best and most critically acclaimed content, and we are proud of the quality of work coming out of Ontario’s production community. Read more at www.thewiderlens.ca
DGC Ontario’s mission is to be a proactive, inclusive, and visionary leader for our Members and the screen-based industry community.
Monday, June 17, 2024
4– 6PM ET
FREE TO ATTEND
The Commons @ 401 Richmond
401 Richmond, 4th Floor
Michelle Michals
Director of Member Services
Michelle Michals is the Director of Member Services at DGC Ontario where she oversees Membership intake, Professional Development and Training, The Guild Apprenticeship Program and Outreach. A Member of the Directors Guild since 1996, Michelle’s experience as a 2nd Assistant Director allows her to contribute first-hand knowledge of how production works, to her current role. Prior to returning to the Guild, Michelle left production to become an Acquisitions Officer at TVO, Ontario’s public broadcaster. There she negotiated deals to acquire adult and kids content from around the world. In addition to her industry experience, Michelle holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of British Columbia.
Hans Engel
Director of the National Directors Division
Hans Engel is the Director of the National Directors Division (NDD) at the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) where he has worked since 2006. The DGC is a Canadian national labour organization that represents over 7000 key creative and logistical personnel in the screen-based industry covering all areas of direction, design, production, and editing. The DGC negotiates and administers collective agreements and lobbies extensively on issues of concern for members including Canadian content conditions, CRTC regulations and ensuring that funding is maintained for Canadian film & television programming. The National Directors Division focuses specifically on the engagement and advancement of the more than 1000 Director members across the country. Through high-level training, significant professional engagement opportunities, and extensive outreach initiatives, the NDD works to ensure DGC Directors are elevated to the height of their creative potential and recognized for the incredible work they do.
Sherren Lee
Writer-Director
Sherren Lee is a Canadian Writer-Director born in Taiwan and raised in Montreal. She most recently directed her first feature film, FLOAT, for Lionsgate, which premiered at the 2023 Vancouver International Film Festival. This adaptation of the wildly successful Wattpad Webtoon novel of the same name starred Andrea Bang and Robbie Amell. In addition, Sherren co-wrote the feature CODE 8: PART II for Collective Pictures (Jeff Chan and Robbie Amell’s company) and can now be streamed on Netflix. Several of her short films had their premieres at notable film festivals, including TIFF and SXSW. In television, Sherren’s extensive credits include MURDOCH MYSTERIES, CORONER, HUDSON & REX, RUN THE BURBS, and the hit comedy KIM’S CONVENIENCE, for which her episode ‘Field of Schemes’ was nominated for Outstanding Directing for Comedy at the 2021 Directors Guild of Canada Awards. In 2018, she was listed as one of The Hollywood Reporter’s 15 Rising Stars of Canada. Her love of acting and performing as a kid led her to the world of directing which she finds more exciting and purposeful. Her work as a director combines a poignant sense of intention while also invoking the feeling of watching a private moment you’ve accidentally intruded upon. When not directing, Sherren can be found practicing riding her motorcycle, singing karaoke, and traveling.
Adrien Yiptong
Editor, DGC Ontario
Adrien attended Humber College where he completed the 3-year Advanced Diploma program in Film & Television Production. Upon graduation he spent time working a few freelance colourist, DIT and editing jobs before being hired full-time as Lab Technician.
After a few years doing dailies for several productions Adrien decided to pursue editorial through the DGC with the goal of eventually becoming a Picture Editor. He is currently working as an Assistant Editor and editing in his spare time.
Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival is a unique showcase of contemporary Asian cinema and work from Asia and the Asian diaspora. Works include films and videos by artists in Canada, the U.S., Asia and all over the world. As Canada’s largest pan-Asian film festival, Reel Asian provides a public forum for Asian media artists and their work, and fuels the growing appreciation for Asian cinema in Canada.
401 Richmond Street West, The Commons (Suite 448)
Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3A8 Canada
(416) 703 – 9333
info@reelasian.com
Charitable number: 870021383RR0001
