MPEG Honors Short

The Motion Picture Editors Guild (MPEG) recently honored Tom Short, International President Emeritus of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), with the MPEG Fellowship and Service Award. The award salutes individuals who embody the values that the Guild holds most dear, namely, professionalism, collaboration, mentorship, generosity of spirit and commitment to the labor movement.
MPEG executive director Ron Kutak made the presentation during the Guild’s annual installation dinner, January 10 at the Loew’s Hotel in Santa Monica, Calif. Since 1988, when Kutak was a young business agent and Short was first coming onto the international scene, the two men have worked closely together to advance the cause of labor in the entertainment industry.
In accepting the award, Short stressed the importance of loyalty and sticking together, and explained some of his philosophy in negotiating, “It’s all about bargaining strength. Anybody with any sense can tell you, these are not benevolent employers that we’re dealing with. They’re publicly owned corporations. They’ll give you what you’re able to take out of their pocket. It’s as simple as that.”
The event also introduced 2009’s newly installed board of directors: editors Mark Goldblatt, A.C.E., Daniel Cahn, A.C.E., and Suzanne Hines; assistant editors Stephanie Brown, John M. Vitale and Jeremy Weinstein; Eastern region rep Peter C. Frank, A.C.E. and Alexa Zimmerman (alternate); and music editor Angie Rubin.
Recognized for 20 years of service to the guild were executive administrator Lisa Dosch and membership administrator Adriana Iglesias-Dietl. Departing board members David Gaines, Suhail Kafity, Stephanie Lowry, Jake Riel and Kevin Ross, were presented with plaques for their service.