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
