John Lindley, the National President of the International Cinematographers Guild, has announced that he will not be seeking a second term atop the ICG.
Lindley made the announcement at a recent National Executive Board meeting and repeated it in an email sent to guild members, adding that he was “confident that the next generation of leaders is ready to step up.”
Lindley was elected President of the ICG (IATSE Local 600) in March 2020 following the resignation of Lewis Rothenberg, who completed just six months of his three-year term, which Lindley will soon complete.
“I will use the last six months of my tenure to advance the Local initiatives that remain most important to me: Safety, including safety officers on all sets, Mentorship, Rides and Rooms and a Legislative program that is directly linked to the health and safety of our members,” Lindley wrote in the email.
Lindley is a 34-year member of the ICG who served as its second national VP, and also served on the national executive board for 13 years. He served as the director of photography on Pleasantville and his more recent credits include Castle Rock, Divorce, Snowfall, and Unbelievable.
A spokesperson for the ICG had no further comment regarding Lindley’s announcement.
Lindley’s email is reprinted below in full:
Dear [Redacted],
As you know, nominations are now being accepted for Local 600 National Executive Officers, National Board Members, Financial Trustees and Convention Delegates. There will be a Nominations Meeting on February 6, following the General Membership Meeting, which will include another opportunity to nominate candidates. More information can be found below.
At last weekend’s National Executive Board meeting, I announced that I will not seek a second term as National President. It has been my privilege to work for the membership and with my fellow elected leaders and professional staff. I believe that the union is strongest when working members participate, and I am confident that the next generation of leaders is ready to step up.
Leadership includes planning for the future and encouraging new voices to speak up. The work is demanding and the commitment is significant, but the opportunity to shape the future of our industry and our local is meaningful for those willing to put in the time and energy while also pursuing their careers.
I will use the last six months of my tenure to advance the Local initiatives that remain most important to me: Safety, including safety officers on all sets, Mentorship, Rides and Rooms and a Legislative program that is directly linked to the health and safety of our members.
I also plan to continue the dialogue with members on all sides of complex issues about how we can encourage fact-based discourse, engage in direct conversations, and then, once choices are made, move forward in unity and recognize and celebrate our progress.
With the right group of elected leaders, our Local is ready to take the next steps forward to continued success. With the knowledge that although the work is never done, the last two years have proven that our strength is matched by our will and our tenacity, and we will prevail in our fight for fair wages, safer working conditions, better health and a dignified retirement for all our members.
John Lindley
National President
