About
The ADA is a professional organisation of Directors and DOP Agents who joined together to represent their common interests in establishing a recognised standard of professionalism within the film, television, commercials and music-video industries.
The association acts as a community, offering support for other members as well as establishing a code of conduct for agents and talent.
Although we are all competitors, we strive to work together for a common goal, which is to create the best working environment and conditions for our directors and DOPs.
Mission
The association was officially formed on a beach in Cannes in 2009 but has existed in a much more informal version for many years. The members meet once a year in Cannes to discuss current issues, choose a new president and to find better ways of collaborating and communicating.
A standard contract was created and is used by all ADA members. This helps safeguard our most precious commodity: our directors and DOPs.
The purpose of the Association is to enhance the stature of our profession and present ourselves as a united body whether to assist with advice, payment problems or simple working practices that not only help us as Agents, but also the Directors we represent.
The ADA is committed to pitch reform and changing the industry for the better for all freelance talent.
Whenever a problem occurs with one of our clients, the ADA discretely intervenes and every attempt is made to solve the problem in an amicable way. If the problem cannot be resolved in a way that is acceptable, the other members of the association are informed and the client is put on the 'Blacklist'. No member of the ADA will work with this client again until the matter is resolved. This means that at least 75% of international directors will not work with the company in question until an agreement is reached.
In almost all cases, problems have been resolved without having to resort to the blacklist.
ADA PRESIDENTS
2009-2010 John Spary - John Spary and Associates
2010-2015 Aylene Gardiner - Aylene Gardiner Agency
2015-2022 Yann Brindejont - All About French Directors
2022-Present Scott Pugnetti - Aylene Gardiner Agency
