administrative assistant

assistant

contract coordinator

processor

claims representative

Directors Guild of America

Stuck in their own dystopian world, the DGA does not value or treat its' employees fairly and with dignity. A fish rots from the head down and this perfectly describes its CEO and former CEO, who still makes virtually all the decisions. From an outsiders or members' glance, the employees would appear happy, but I can tell you they are far from that. There is a rampant air of entitlement, ego, and viciousness that runs through the halls of the 4-6th floor (primarily the 6th). Do not try to rock the boat and speak your mind as retaliation in the most indirect form will undeniably be waiting. If you think about going to HR, think again. They will do nothing and will reiterate they do not work for you but the company. The only way the DGA can improve its toxic work environment is to communicate better with its employees and value their opinions. There are some departments and executives that do treat their employees well and fight for them, but the overwhelming majority outweigh them. The executives are so out of touch with the individuals that work for them that there is a distinct barrier that needs mending. Also, it would help to completely distance itself from its outrageously paid former CEO and his cringe-worthy former executive assistant.

The most enjoyable part of the job was the coworkers that did not buy into or drink the Kool-Aid. They made coming to work worthwhile. However, most of these employees have been laid off due to COVID.

What is the best part of working at the company?
My manager and assistant manager were both amazing mentors and provided encouragement and support throughout my time with DGA. Honestly, they were some of the best managers I have ever had the pleasure of working with and for.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
At the time of my employment with the guild, the pay was such that I could not afford to go without a second job part-time on weeknights and weekends.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Outside my department, it could get dicey in terms of managers. The executives could be and were routinely petty, and they expected a lot of employees to fill in the gaps for missing personnel.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
We were trusted in my department to be self-starters, so we were usually in before the managers, and I would start with emails and then move over to the majority of my job: processing paperwork for above the line crew.

This is for the DGA-PPHP. I've heard it's the same as the DGA. 

Low pay, low raises. Flat organization, which means very little room for advancement. Not a good place to work for someone who's ambitious. If you're a good employee, you just get more work until you suffer from burn out while you stay underpaid.

Trustees and management do not care to show that they value employees. Awful work culture. Very low morale. No one really takes pride in working for the company. Most people who have stayed for a long time only do so for the benefits. The union fights for the benefits of its members, but no one is fighting for benefits for the employees, not even management. In fact, it just keeps getting worse. No wonder the turnover rate is so high. 

Only good things are health insurance, pension, sick days, and job security, but you won't have any job satisfaction. 

Really not much room for advancment. Micromanaged, to the point where you have to put up Luch/Break/Restroom signs at cubical if you step out. Pay is low for the field. Executives have mentality that low pay will equal more in retirement and pension. Everyone who is not an executive or upper management feels like they are on pins and needles. We were sent to work from home then back to the office then back home then back to office countlees times during covid, executives couldn't make up their minds. 

LOW pay. LOW morale. The only thing I hear is high right now is the turnover rate because employees are realizing this organization does not value them and thinks of their staff as replaceable. The workplace culture is toxic. DGA has out-of-touch leaders who are only looking out for themselves and how the members perceive them... Everyone knows they could care less about staff.

The only thing good here is the health benefits and the screenings.

If you choose to work here, I suggest you stay a couple of months to make ends meet and look for another job in the meantime. Don't stay too long. Trust.

Pros:
- Cool perks
- Coworkers are easy to get along with
- Opportunities to interface with some notable names through working some of the events are cool.
- The main mission of the Guild, protecting creative rights, is still a very important purpose.

Cons:
- Executives are out-of-touch, rarely ever interfacing with employees and offering empty platitudes instead of any tangible rewards or bonuses for good work.
- Almost non-existent employee morale, though the new alternate workweek schedule is a step in the right direction towards improving that.
- Office culture seems dated, especially the aversion to work from home
- LOW pay.
- High employee turnover rate in certain positions.

A typical day as an AD is normally over 14 hours. 
Main job is to run set. Communicate between all departments, which is on average over 19 departments and increases on bigger days. 
Assistant Directors use their team, production assistants, to make sure the day is progressing as efficiently as possible. 

Working in TV/Film is fun, but very time consuming. You see your crew members more than anyone for the most part. 
The working environment isn't harsh. However, it can depend a lot on the type of director, DP or cast you are working with. 

Hardest part: the hours can get tough to manage everyday life
Most enjoyable: the entire experience

What is the best part of working at the company?
The most professional film and television organization to be affiliated. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Film and Television production work is simply stressful. There is a tremendous amount of responsibility which goes into being an assistant director on a film or tv set, but the salary is certainly compensating for the amount of time and energy required. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Very teamwork oriented and overall friendly and supportive.

A typical day at work involves me sitting behind my computer and working on paper work. My co-workers are great, very resourceful and make the environment enjoyable for everyone.My manager is very patient and always helps us with everything we need. I've learned to slow down a little bit. At my previous job at Chase I was in a very fast paced environment and didn't have a chance to sit down for even a second. Now, I've been given a chance to learn to how slow down but also be ready to work non-stop when I need too.

Every day is the same, exactly by the book. Clock in at exactly 8am, no earlier, no later, then take an exactly 30 minute lunch along with two 15 minute breaks. Don't ever be late or early clocking back in, you will be admonished. Wear a tie, dress shirt, and formal slacks to each day at the job, and then sit at your desk quietly and do your work. The health insurance is incredible and the pay is modest, but it's not worth it. It will drain you of your lifeforce.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Administrative assistant 8 salaries reported	$54,375 per year
Assistant 6 salaries reported	$45,000 per year
Contract coordinator 2 salaries reported	$71,500 per year
Processor 5 salaries reported	$45,000 per year
Claims representative 6 salaries reported	$58,000 per year

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