DAMA held its annual General Assembly this past Thursday, July 16, in which the Management Report and the entity’s Annual Accounts were approved, as well as the Transparency Report for the year.

This past year, 2019 was again a year of growth for DAMA. The collection of rights increased to 24.5 million euros, with an increase of 63.3%. As for the number of members, the increase was 18.7%, up to 1,287 professionals, after the arrival of some of the most recognized names in the audiovisual scene. The arrival of new professionals continued in the first months of 2020, in such a way that DAMA already exceeds 1,600 members.

This increase in the number of associates and the trust in DAMA´s management extends to entities of countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Japan and Korea, among others, ratified DAMA as the benchmark. of the management of audiovisual works. The collection of the rights of the partners of DAMA abroad grew last year by 69.3%, with Italy and France, in that order, being the main markets.

Another issue discussed during the General Assembly was the consolidation and expansion of the Social Aid Program for members that the entity launched in mid-2019. It already has five lines of action: therapeutic treatments; purchases, repair or renovation of work tools; for the birth or adoption of children, to finance optical equipment and hearing aids and in situations of economic or social emergency.

In addition, given the impact of Covid-19, DAMA launched a specific Aid Plan last March, based on the results of a survey that was done by members on their needs and prospects in the face of the complicated situation. These lines of action include direct financial aid in the event of loss of income, aid to large families, an advisory service and procedures for requesting public aid and an extraordinary advance on future rights.