ICG appoints new regional directors

The International Cinematographers Guild (ICG, IATSE Local 600) has appointed two new regional directors as it prepares for contract negotiations later this year.

Michaella “Micki” Bursalyan joins ICG as Western Region Director, while ICG veteran John Amman is promoted to Eastern Region Director.

“We are fortunate to have two labor leaders like John and Micki step into these important roles as region directors, and I’m looking forward to working with them,” says ICG National Executive Director Alex Tonisson. “Their skills and experience will help Local 600 grow and thrive during the upcoming Basic Agreement negotiations and beyond.”

With 16 years of experience in the labor movement, Bursalyan is a dedicated advocate for workers’ rights. Prior to joining ICG, Bursalyan served as the Staff Director for SEIU Local 221 and as Senior Coordinator for SEIU International, a 2-million-member international labor organization. She also worked as a television business representative with AFTRA and then SAG/AFTRA early in her career.

“I’m excited to welcome Micki to the Western region directorship. She’s been a stalwart in the labor movement, she’s experienced, she’s enthusiastic and she’s returning to her roots in our industry,” says Mark Weingartner, ASC, 2nd national vice president.

Amman is a 34-year veteran of Local 600, serving as Assistant Eastern Region Director and Senior Business Representative in the New York office, before being appointed Eastern Region Director. He brings more than three decades of experience managing the needs of the Eastern region membership.

“I’m thrilled John is deepening his commitment to the ICG membership by taking on this new role,” says Chris Silano, national vice president. “He is an integral part of our community, having earned the respect of our members as well as the productions he has organised. I’m confident his leadership skills will greatly benefit us as we enter an exciting new era.”

Bursalyan and Amman complete a roster of three region directors, alongside Central Region Director Theresa Khouri.