Posts by Simon Bennett
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Equity still not talking to SPADA, apparently.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10679085&ref=rss
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There are many examples on Shortland Street. I believe that Van/Jethro were written with Antony Starr in mind, and I'm fairly certain that Diplomatic Immunity was conceived as a Dave Fane vehicle. Sione's Wedding was always intended to be inhabited by the Naked Samoans troupe.
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If anyone wants to take the pulse of the situation, then the comments under Chris Trotter's article are a good place to start. Many of them posted by actors. I think they clearly reflect the level of emotion, and flexible grip on the 'facts'. This doesn't bode well for a rational settlement.
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Russell, are you thinking of doing anything on Media7 about this?
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NZ actors need to commence discussions with SPADA immediately. They need to be able to clearly articulate what they are seeking in terms of reform, and a coherent strategy to achieve that. They need help in the form of proper PR advice - at present they are coming across as muddled and incompetent.
They should also dispense with the services of Frances Walsh and Simon Whipp, who are doing them no favours.
They should try to understand all sides of the equation, rather than demonising people or organisations. Otherwise no meaningful compromise can be reached.
The open letter from the Wellington actor makes me very cross. If it's true, what kind of way is this to behave?
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AFAIK there have been no discussions between MEAA and SPADA yet - so I suspect the actors' issues are far from resolved.
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I haven't been in the industry long enough to know the history. Since I have been producing TV (1997), cast, crew, writers and directors have always been independent contractors.
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I stand corrected. Many thanks Rick and Kyle.
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Although, from amongst all the bluster, a fairly consistent message has been that NZ Actors want parity with the kind of agreement their Australian colleagues enjoy. Actors in Australia are employees.
Entering into fixed term emplyment contracts for actors is one option the NZ industry could consider. However this has drawbacks for both actors and producers. And would irrevocably change the way the industry works in practice.
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Kyle, I don't think this dispute is about The Hobbit or Warners. It's about grievances that working actors have been nursing for some time about perceived injustices in terms and conditions of contracts in New Zealand.
The MEAA tried unsuccessfully to target Outrageous Fortune Series 6 as a way of introducing standard contracts of engagement for all NZ performers. SPP was not in a position to deliver on the actors' demands for an industry-wide agreement, and pointed to SPADA as the appropriate group to negotiate with. MEAA elected not to negotiate with SPADA, and faced with the prospect of Series 6 being cancelled, the cast backed down on their demands.
The Hobbit is being targeted now because of its profile. However the goals of MEAA/Actors' Equity remain the same - the imposition of an MEAA-approved NZ-wide standard contract.
The only way a binding contract can legally be imposed is if NZ actors forgo their independent contractor status and become employees on fixed-term contracts. I suspect that most NZ actors haven't really considered the ramifications of this approach.
As employees, actors would be taxed on a PAYE basis, no longer able to claim for expenses against income. Their rates would be likely to drop, as employers would be responsible for ACC payments and holiday pay. They wouldn't be able to 'moonlight' or juggle multiple engagements at the same time - an employee status implies specific commitment to one job and one place of work - goodbye voiceovers, TVCs and public speaking engagements juggled around shooting schedules. As employees, they could be required to attend the workplace for the full working week, whether required on set or not. All things to think about, and downsides of employee status that I'm sure no-one has pointed out to the members of NZ Actors' Equity. I'm pretty sure they don't understand this. And I'm certain the Australian MEAA aren't clarifying this for their NZ members.