Recommendations for screen sector workplace relations unveiled

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Media release

17 October 2018

A recommended model to allow collective bargaining for contractors in the screen sector has today been unveiled by the Government-convened Film Industry Working Group.

The recommendations, which will now be considered by Government, offer a new path forward for the screen sector, following 2010 law changes to workplace relations in the industry.

“This has been an exercise in collaboration and compromise, and we believe it sets the screen sector on a much stronger footing going forward,” says Group Facilitator Linda Clark.

“The screen industry is unlike any other. The nature of filming means producers require certainty of cost and flexibility of conditions in order to complete a production on time and on budget. Project durations are often fixed, and one worker can be involved in multiple productions during a year.

“The working group is proposing a model that reflects the sector’s uniqueness. It retains parts of the current law, but also allows contractors to bargain collectively and it establishes principles that promote strong, productive relationships. To keep up with current trends, it also applies more appropriately to the overall screen sector, rather than film productions alone.”

The recommendations include:

  • keeping the part of the current law that says film workers are only employees if they have a written employment agreement. This provides the certainty of cost and flexibility of conditions needed in the screen industry.
  • allowing contractors to bargain collectively at an occupation level within the screen industry, such as amongst actors or technicians. The process will be supported by principles, set requirements, and a dispute resolution system. Any resulting collective contracts should apply to all contract work in that occupation.
  • establishing principles that govern relationships in the screen industry, including good faith, protection from bullying, discrimination and harassment, reasonable termination of contracts, and fair rates of pay.
  • applying the model to all screen production work, including film and television, to accurately reflect the industry in New Zealand. The screen sector is increasingly fluid for workers and producers, due to changes in technology and viewing habits. Many workers frequently move between the two, and projects increasingly do not fall neatly into either the ‘film’ or ‘television’ productions.

Ms Clark says the recommendations have the full support of all members of the working group.

“As a sector, the group’s members are committed to a vibrant, strong and world-leading screen industry. All of the members valued the opportunity to work together constructively to develop a model that works for the sector.

“We look forward to the Government’s response.”

The working group’s full recommendations are available on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website at https://www.mbie.govt.nz/business-and-employment/employment-and-skills/employment-legislation-reviews/workplace-relations-in-the-screen-sector/background/

The Film Industry Working Group was convened by the Government earlier this year. Its members are:

  • Alex Lee, Film Auckland
  • Alice Shearman, New Zealand Writers Guild
  • Augie Davis, Stunt Guild of New Zealand
  • Barrie Osborne, film producer
  • Brendan Keys, Weta Digital
  • Erina Tamepo, Ngā Aho Whakaari
  • Melissa Ansell-Bridges, Equity New Zealand
  • Michael Brook, Regional Film Offices New Zealand
  • Paul Mackay, BusinessNZ
  • Richard Fletcher, Screen Production and Development Association
  • Richard Wagstaff, New Zealand Council of Trade Unions
  • Sioux Macdonald, Screen Industry Guild
  • Tui Ruwhiu, Directors and Editors Guild of New Zealand

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For further information, contact:

Linda Clark
Facilitator, Film Industry Working Group
linda.clark@kensingtonswan.com
027 490 7942

Melissa Ansell-Bridges
Director, Equity New Zealand
melissa.ansell-bridges@actorsequity.org.nz
027 360 1980

Richard Fletcher
Co-President, Screen Production and Development Association
richard@libertinepictures.com
021 655 339

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Coming up: Yellow Is Forbidden Film Talk

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At-work-on-the-Legend-collection-Beijing

Film Talk at Rialto Cinemas is where filmmakers and film fans meet. After each Film Talk screening, members of the creative team will join a moderator from the Directors & Editors Guild to discuss their work.

Join us on October 31 for Yellow is Forbidden. Director Pietra Brettkelly will be present for an audience Q&A at the end.

Yellow is Forbidden is NZ filmmaker Pietra Brettkelly’s latest documentary about Chinese fashion designer Guo Pei. A brave designer chases the dream – to be crowned haute couture. But she comes from China, the land of knock offs and production lines. Will her Cinderella story end at the Met Ball?

Brettkelly finds just the right sweet spot between pie-eyed flattery and sober appraisal of Guo and her methods — The Hollywood Reporter

Watch the trailer

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Auckland – Rehearsal & Performance with Actor/Director Kathy McRae

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Rehearsal & Performance logo

Rehearsal & Performance is a hands-on workshop focused on assisting directors and actors to work better collaboratively to achieve great on screen performances.

Guided by actor/director Kathy McRae, participants will explore a workshop scene in groups (one director, two actors) in a safe and non-pressured environment. Lunch is provided.

We are excited to have Kathy back to lead Rehearsal & Performance in Auckland following fantastic response to her facilitation in Christchurch earlier this year.

Kathy McRaeKathy McRae has over 20 years of directing experience under her belt. Initially trained as an actor at Toi Whakaari, Kathy began directing theatre in 1997. She directed for South Pacific Pictures for seven years working on Shortland Street, Go Girls and Nothing Trivial and she directed for the second series of Filthy Rich. Her short film Abandon Ship was chosen for TIFFKids as well as other international festivals.

She recently made a return to acting, portraying convicted murderer Helen Milner in telefeature Catching the Black Widow, and in 2017 she directed A Doll’s House at Circa Theatre, Emily Perkin’s modern adaptation of Ibsen’s original play. Over the last few years she has also been writing and teaching directing and screen-acting.

When: Sun 4 November, 9am – 2pm
Where: DEGNZ, Level 2, 66 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn, Auckland

Register your interest

Registrations close Wednesday 24 October, 10AM.

Spots are limited to four directors and eight actors. If your name is selected, DEGNZ will contact you directly to confirm your participation. Only members of DEGNZ and Equity NZ are eligible to register.

Preparation

Selected directors and actors will be expected to do some script prep beforehand. DEGNZ will provide the scene at least one week in advance.

 

The Rehearsal & Performance series is hosted by Directors & Editors Guild of NZ with the support of Equity New Zealand and funding from the New Zealand Film Commission.

 

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Table Reads Final 2018 Round Now Open

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A core cast – max six actors – together with a writer+director team OR writer/director will collaborate on each script-in-development table read.

The script must have a director attached and have been through a development process.

Four Table Reads per year on Saturdays @NZWG HQ in Grey Lynn.

How to Submit a Script

DEGNZ and NZWG members are invited to apply for the script component.

Submit a full-length draft feature film script for your name to go into the draw for a day-long table read (names remain for subsequent draws).

WRITER + DIRECTOR* (OR WRITER/DIRECTOR) – Submit script via email to GuildHQ@nzwg.org.nz – Please check these details before you enter:

*Either/both must be a member(s) of NZWG/DEGNZ:

  • A solo Writer/Director must be a member of either NZWG or DEGNZ.
  • In a Writer-Director team, the Writer must be a member of NZWG, AND the Director must be a member of DEGNZ.

When you enter, please include this information:

  • name of writer, and if they belong to NZWG
  • name of director, and if they belong to DEGNZ

Actors: Call for Applicants for Table Read #4

We are looking for actors to work together with writers and directors on a script-in-development table read. Actors must be members of Equity New Zealand.

Actors, please register your interest below and the NZWG will contact you if you are cast. You will be paid a nominal fee for your participation.

 

Table Read #4

Open: 24 September
Close: 29 October
Table Read: 10 November

A Joint Initiative brought to you by:
NZWG, DEGNZ & EQUITY Foundation
With warm thanks to the New Zealand Film Commission

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Screenlink: Cutting it as a Commercials Director

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Come join us for networking drinks at Screenlink on October 10, hosted by Directors & Editors Guild of NZ with New Zealand Advertising Producers Group and Ngā Aho Whakaari.

Director Robin Walters will share on his career in commercials, spanning over 25 years in New Zealand and abroad, and reflect on the changing nature of the industry. 

Robin has been providing his unique approach to commercials for over a decade, having worked with brands including Ebay, NZTA, Hyundai, Nibble, McDonald’s and Spark. He joined Black Stump Films and later Curious and Robber’s Dog. Earlier this year, Robin started TUTU FILMS with wife Sam.

Known for both comedy and drama, Robins’ work has been commended throughout the industry as some of the most honest and funniest to come out of Australasia in recent years.

WHEN  Wed 10 October, 6 – 8PM. Talk kicks off at 6:30PM.
WHERE  Longroom (Short Rm), 114 Ponsonby Rd, Auckland

Cash Bar // Nibbles provided

DEGNZ, NZAPG & NAW members – Free
Non-members – $5 koha appreciated

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