by Nancy Jundi
Downtown Los Angeles in and of itself harkens back memories of a time gone by. With so many old theaters in our landscape and architecture that is far from just modern day skyscrapers, it really was the perfect setting for a celebration of 75 years worth of Hollywood Magic. Add in the Millennium Biltmore Hotel and all of its opulence, well, the night was something to remember.
To celebrate 75 years of rich history and vigorous representation of its members in post-production work, the Guild hosted a retrospective affair on October 6th, 2012. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres welcomed guests into an old Hollywood themed soiree with dancing and live music from Jazz Bliss. Donated editing equipment from throughout the years set the atmosphere in addition to many photos and decorative props to add to your ensemble. A complimentary photo booth allowed you to capture the memories that night. Formed with 571 men and women on May 20, 1937 The Society of Motion Picture Film Editors Guild certainly has grown. Today, membership of the Motion Picture Editors Guild, IATSE Local 700 (MPEG), is over 7,300 and includes additional post-production professionals such as Film/Video Lab Technicians, Re-Recording Mixers, Maintenance Engineers and Story Analysts.
Editor’s Guild President, Daniel Cahn, served as the night’s Master of Ceremonies. The look back at MPEG’s history kicked off with a video tribute to its growth and support of its members. Councilman Tom LaBonge of the Fourth Council District presented the Guild with a Proclamation from the City of Los Angeles. Attendees of the celebration were able to take part in a silent auction featuring items from BOSE, Spago, The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Delta Airlines, The Hollywood Renaissance, and the primetime comedy, “Two and a Half Men” as well as many travel getaways. One lucky attendee received an iPad given away during the evening as a door prize. Generous additional sponsors included Avid, Assimilate, Directors Guild of America (DGA), American Cinema Editors (ACE), the International Cinematographers Guild (Local 600 Camera), CBS, NT Audio, and Tribeca West.
MPEG National Executive Director Ron Kutak, presented editors Bill Elias and Diane Adler, A.C.E. with awards for their lifetime commitment to the Guild. Elias and Adler have sat on the MPEG Board of Directors longer than any of their peers and have dedicated their lives to the prosperity of Guild. Other speakers included Mike Miller, International Vice President of IATSE, and Bob Beitcher, President & CEO of the Motion Picture Television Fund.
With a sold out, jam packed night full of laughter and celebration behind us, we look forward to the next 25 years of excellence and the lavish festivities that will surely accompany a century of incredible work and those who edit our memories together.
