INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
MCA-I, A Video Producers' Trade Group,
Fades To Black As Membership Declines
August 24, 2016
 (VOXtra) - If you've been in the voice over biz a while, you likely know about the MCA-I - or Media Communications Association - International (formerly the ITVA), a trade organization for video producers. Many voice talents joined its local chapters to network with producers and work with them on projects.
Yet earlier this month, MCA-I's Board of Directors voted to dissolve the 47-year old association, citing "many years of declining membership and sponsorship dollars." However, several strong chapters are expected to reform independently
Below are details from MCA-I about the decision to fade to black - and about the new independent groups you can join now.
MCA-I TELLS WHAT HAPPENED ...
MCA-I was founded as
the National Industrial Television Association (NITA) in 1970. Renamed
the IITVA (International Industrial Television Association) in 1973, and
then shortened to the ITVA (International Television Association) in
1978.
It assumed its current name in 2001 to reflect the growing
diversity of its membership, a result of the expansion and convergence
of communications technologies in the previous decade.
However,
the turn of the century brought a changing business climate that shut
down many in-house video departments, forcing hundreds of members to
become independent.
Membership dues were now coming out of reduced
incomes, causing a dramatic decrease in renewals. Simultaneously, the
Internet began to create other opportunities for people entering the
profession to seek technical support and business advice.
This
is not unique to MCA-I, as many professional associations are seeing
the same decline in memberships.
In the case of MCA-I, several of the
remaining active MCA-I chapters will transition to independent status.
The www.mca-i.org website will be shut down at the end of August 2016. Renewals and new memberships will no longer be available to process via the website effective immediately.
The
stronger chapters plan to continue on as independent organizations. If
you are interested in continuing to support face-to-face networking a
professional development, please contact these chapters - Atlanta,
Orange County/Los Angeles, San Diego, New Jersey, Madison, Central
Carolina and St. Louis.
Until the end of August 2016, you will find their contact information on the MCA-I website. http://www.mca-i.org/find-a-chapter.
The
MCA-I Board of Directors is regretful that this action had to be taken.
ITVA/MCA-I has a long and rich history, bringing together many people
to build businesses and nurture new media communications professionals,
forging lifetime friendships in the process.
Bye, bye, MCA-I. But best wishes to the continuing independent chapters in carrying on educational projects - and networking!
Your Daily Resource For Voice-Over Success
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WoVO would like to extend an invitation to any MCA-I members. We're not perfect either, but our ranks are growing, and as the only industry trade association for voice actors, you can become an Industry Partner.
Thanks for this notice, John.
Dave Courvoisier