Auckland Film Industry Update
This winter has crept upon us in rather a stealthy way, with much of Auckland only just now starting to slow down for its winter breather period. This is a time we note annually that a lot of the long form productions tend to either end or have a mid-winter hiatus so that cast and crew can recover somewhat before the Spring regrowth begins the chaos all over again.
We have been lucky enough to dodge a lot of the Covid bullets, and no one can point the finger at productions for being sloppy or disregarding the extra health and safety measures being adopted around the country. We should be proud although this is not a time to slacken off, so once again we would urge anyone who is feeling unwell to get cover, and to stay at home, get tested and minimise their exposure to other crew.
The Film Industry Working Group has met again in the last quarter to assist the new Minister in his understanding of how the new Bill (if passed) will affect contractors (for the better) and how our collective bargaining with producers moving forward. A lot of the hard graft has already been done to this end, with the production of our nationally recognised ‘Blue Book’. Although the Blue Book is not a legally binding document, it is of course a great place for screen industry workers and producers to begin their negotiations regarding working conditions (this is not about the amount of money you earn per hour, rather about the way in which you are expected to earn it healthily and safely). It is a document that from time to time will need to be adjusted to allow for technology changes, trends and different ways in which contractors are able or expected to work. This is not a simple process and requires engagement from our members (to advise the Guild executive of concerns or ideas) so that they can then discuss options with SPADA and the NZAPG (NZ Advertising and Producers Group….those that produce commercials) and come to a mutual understanding that both parties can accept as being ‘best practice’.
I would urge as many of you as possible encourage any other crew members you work with that enjoy the terms and conditions of the Blue Book (such as overtime, travel time, midnight loading etc) to join our membership. They are gaining from the work done by our hard-working team of executive committee and also benefitting from you paying your membership fees, so try and get them to join up too and be a part of the ongoing support network that is available for freelance crew (no matter what department you are in).
We look forward to the return of some of the large productions to Auckland in the coming year, such as Evil Dead, Sweet Tooth and Cowboy Bebop, along with the continuation of the GSR/UAP production that has been underway for some months already.
Sioux Macdonald, Guild vice president and executive committee member
