Joining a Film Union · Directors Guild of America
Director: how to join the DGA
The director is the creative lead of the production, turning the script into what ends up on screen and steering every department to get there. On signatory features and TV it's DGA work, and most directors join the moment a signatory company hires them to direct rather than by racking up days.
Good to know
Directors usually join the DGA the moment a signatory company hires them to direct, not by banking days the way ADs do. If features are not the near-term path, episodic television is more reachable through DGA shadowing and diversity programs that put new directors next to working ones on covered shows.
Roles in this craft
The jobs that make up this craft, each with its own page on pay, the day-to-day, and how to break in.
How to join, step by step
Know your union
- Directing signatory features and television is DGA work.
- Directors usually join on hire, not by banking days the way ADs do.
Build a body of directed work
- Shorts, indie features, music videos, and commercials are how you prove you can direct.
- A festival run and a reel are what get you the meeting.
Land a signatory project or a program
- A signatory company hiring you to direct is the trigger to join.
- Episodic TV is more reachable through DGA shadowing and diversity programs that place new directors on covered shows.
Join on the deal
- When a signatory hires you, you join the DGA as part of the deal.
- Budget for the initiation fee and dues.
What you’ll need
- Directors: a deal memo or signatory paperwork for the project hiring you
- ADs/UPMs: a qualifying day log (e.g. about 400 days for the SC 2nd AD list, 300+ with the shooting company), call sheets + pay stubs
- Initiation funds for your category (director initiation about $5,000–$15,320)
- Application to the right category Council
Find your local
Directors Guild of America membership runs through a local for your market. Look up the one that covers where you work on the union’s site.