Today at the Directors
Guild of America’s National Biennial Convention today in Los Angeles, veteran
TV director and producer Paris Barclay (Sons Of Anarchy, Glee
along with some 130 other TV episodes and series), was elected President of the DGA.

He is the first African-American director ever to hold
the title.

The outgoing DGA president, Taylor Hackford, said about Barclay, that “There are few members who have
served the Guild as thoroughly and in as many capacities as Paris Barclay – and
all while maintaining an impressive career as one of the most active television
directors in the business I’m thrilled to see him take his place as the next
DGA president and I know he’ll do a terrific job navigating the DGA through
whatever terrain may lie ahead.”

In addition, past DGA president, Michael Apted, said that, “Paris’
qualifications for DGA president are exceptional. His understanding of the
issues facing directors and their teams is outstanding and his ability to
resolve problems and create solutions is beyond compare.”

And director Steven
Soderbergh, who seconded Barclay for nomination, stated that, “This
is a great moment for our Guild; Paris will be a phenomenal leader as we move
into the future.”

After he was elected, Barclay addressed the members in which he said that he was “profoundly
honored to be elected President of the DGA.  The DGA has worked for more than
three-quarters of a century to advance the creative and economic rights of
directors and their teams and I look forward to continuing this strong
tradition of service.  As the son of a
glass blower and a tile maker from Chicago, I am extremely humbled to have the
honor to serve in the footsteps of legendary leaders of the DGA like Frank
Capra, Robert Wise and Gil Cates.”