Guild Celebrates 75 Years, Opens New HQ
Members, Politicians, Stars Celebrate at Gala Event
(see pictures below or view gallery)

Over 1,200 people gathered at the Guild’s new national headquarters on Nov. 8 to celebrate our 75th Anniversary.

The celebration – which honored Guild President George Spiro Dibie, ASC, filmmaker Ron Howard and IATSE President Tom Short – allowed members to rub shoulders with prominent politicians and with some of Hollywood’s elite.

Among the speakers and guests were U.S. Congressmen Howard Berman and Adam Schiff; Los Angeles City Councilmembers Tom La Bonge, Martin Ludlow, Wendy Greuel and Eric Garcetti; actress-director Joanna Kearns and actor Hal Linden, among others.

La Bonge came bearing a proclamation from the City Council declaring Nov. 8, 2003 as International Cinematographers Day. California Assemblyman Paul Koretz presented proclamation from the state congratulating the honorees for their dedication and commitment to issues that affect Guild members and all entertainment industry workers.

“This was a really remarkable opportunity for the Guild to showcase itself to the industry and to the community of Los Angeles,” said Stephen Lighthill, chair of the 75th Anniversary/New Building Committee. “Tonight, we were able to build and develop some relationships that will help sustain us for the next 75 years.”

But the real star of the gala event was the new building itself – situated at 7755 Sunset Boulevard, directly across the street from our old facility.

“The new office is just stunning,” said Danny Feld, who served on the Building Committee. “We finally have enough room for members to meet with each other, to meet with staff and to really get some great things done for the Guild. It’s everything we hoped it would be and more.”

Amidst all of the rejoicing, the event marked the beginning of the end of an era. President Dibie – president of the Guild since 1984 and the only president of Local 600 since the merger in 1996 – announced that he will retire in May to spend more time with his family.

“I have been proud to do my duty serving the Guild, but it is time for me to move on,” noted Dibie. “I love our members and I’ll always work for them. Now, I’m going to spend a little more time working for my family.”

Dibie leaves a rich legacy – assisting with the merger of the three camera locals, opening membership rolls, instituting an unparalleled training program and opening the new national headquarters.

Stephen Lighthill, ASC presents a Lifetime Achievement Award to IATSE President Tom Short.	Hal Linden shares a joke with Guild President and honoree George Spiro Dibie, ASC.
LA City Councilman Tom La Bonge declares Nov. 8, 2003 International Cinematographers’ Guild Day.	Ron Howard accepts his Lifetime Achievement Award.
Presenter Joanna Kearns.	Congressmen Adam Schiff and Howard Berman.
Photos by Still Photographer Paul MacCallum