FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Membership

When I have a completed membership application in the DGC Ontario office, how long must I wait before I can start work on a Guild production?
You may start work immediately only after the DGC Ontario receives a completed membership application. You will be "on application" and your application will sit for the next review date.However, you may ONLY work in the category you have applied for, until such time as the National Membership and Admissions Committee (NMAC) have reviewed and approved your application).

(I.E. You have applied to the DGC as a 3rd AD, therefore you may only work as a 3rd AD until your application has been approved. Once it has been approved, you may then work out of category, if you so desire.)

When will the application be reviewed?
Reviews are held four times a year. Please call the Ontario office for the next office deadline and the NMAC review date.

Who reviews my application?
It is first reviewed by the Department Representative (elected member); then the Ontario Membership Chairperson (elected member); and then it goes to NMAC where it is reviewed by a committee of members.

What happens if I am working on a Guild production and my application to the Guild is denied?
If you are working on a Guild production, in a Guild category and your application is denied two things may happen. You will have to pay permit fees for each day worked and/or you must reapply at a later date when you have met the qualifications to join. Each application will be dealt with individually depending on the circumstances.

If you have not worked on a Guild production and your application is denied, your money will be returned to you.

Do CFC credits counts towards membership or an upgrade?
Only once you have called the DGC office to request dispensation to work on a CFC film. YES, all CFC (both long and short formats) days will count towards the completion of the 50 GAP days.

Must I include a certified cheque/money order with the membership application?
YES. No exceptions. An application without the certified cheque/money order is considered an incomplete application and will not be processed. Please note, the National office will only accept certified cheques or money orders.

May I pay the membership application fee in installments?
NO. No exceptions.

Must the two letters of recommendation be from Guild members?
YES. No exceptions. Only members of the Guild in FULL Active Good Standing may write you letters of recommendation. NOT DGA members, not members who are suspended, terminated or on Honourable Withdrawal.

You may want to give the Membership Coordinator a call to confirm before you ask members for letters. Please note, they must also sign the application form as well.

Will I get a receipt from the DGC office for the membership application fee?
NO. The National Office will issue you a receipt when they have cashed the cheque (only after your application has been approved).

Will I be restricted to working only in the category I've been approved in?
NO. When your application has been approved by NMAC, members may work in any category the Guild covers. For example, a Production Assistant may be hired as Director if the Producer so chooses.

If I am approved in one category, how do I change or add another category?
When you meet the qualifications stipulated in the upgrade/addition application you may then upgrade or add a 2nd job category.

Who administers the Health and Welfare plan?
The National Office administers the plan. They will send you the forms to complete only after your application has been approved. Please call the National Office at (416) 482-6640 for details.

Where do I find Claim Forms for Medical and Dental benefits?
You can click here to find Standard Claim Forms on the Great West Life web site.
For forms and information customized to the DGC plan, click here to go to the DGC National site and find instructions about logging into the GroupNet for Plan Members area of the Great West Life web site.

Can I transfer to a different district council should I move?
YES. Just let the DGC Ontario office and the District Council to which you will be moving know of the change. Let both know the new address, phone number etc.

If I am a previous Guild member (who was terminated or resigned) who wishes to rejoin, what do I need to do?
All members who have been terminated or who have resigned, must reapply for membership to the DGC. Included with the completed membership application must be the membership joining fee, and all outstanding dues with the National office. No exceptions.

If you have any further questions that have not been answered, please feel free to call the Guild office at (416) 925-8200 or email at ljanuska@dgcodc.ca