Empowering Members Through Connectivity

Kia ora Screen Guild Whanau,

We're already a quarter of the way through the year, and exciting things are happening here at The Screen Guild! By the time you read this, we will have launched our new website with a host of new initiatives available to you. It has taken a lot of time and planning to put all this together, but we are finally there, and you reap the benefits.

Our focus for 2023 is all things ‘connectivity.’ We decided that part of that process is to deliver a raft of tools that can make your day-to-day life easier. Here is the list of new features you will find on the website; if you can take a minute to have a look, we welcome any feedback so we can keep enhancing our delivery to you all. This is an ongoing process, and we will add and update your information all year.

First of all, our new website features the new tagline 'Better Together,' and we are. Here at The Screen Guild, we see our mission to work with all crew and the wider sector to connect with each of you and what your needs are as a contractor. We are your support! In the absence of HR departments in our day-to-day working life, The Screen Guild is here to offer the help you need, from reviewing contracts to answering questions on The Blue Book, offering crew rep support, guiding you to external mental health support, or just helping you work out your rate and other business questions you may have.

We also have a newly updated Member Discounts program that provides you with fantastic discounts at an extra 47 businesses around New Zealand.

The website features a ‘Crew Zone’ where all members can access resources that include: Member Discounts, The Blue Book, Rate Cards, Screen Industry Workers Act (SIWA) information, Online Workshops and Training, Crew Rep Resources, and a whole new section containing templates that you can download.

Another note is the Crew Rep Resources. This workshop series is underway, and we will release more information in the coming months.

Last but not least is our exciting new Member Discounts aimed at saving you money all year round. Think about it this way, within just a couple of purchases the discounts you receive will have covered the cost of your annual subscription! The added bonus is that these discounts are available for use within both your business or personal spending. We have our usual discounts available, including Bluebridge and Interislander Cook Strait Ferries, Crombie Lockwood Insurance offer, but now we have an additional 47 suppliers covering hardware, fuel and vehicle, appliances and electrical, office products and supplies, car and equipment hire, hotel and accommodation, food, fashion and more! Phew!

We have teamed up with CSC Buying Group who support several amazing charities. So what you spend goes back to a broader community of not-for-profit organizations, which is a fantastic win-win! So whenever you spend using our new member discount offers, you are also supporting our wider NZ community and many needy causes.

Plus, we have another VERY exciting discount program coming, so look at the launch of that too!

As you can see, there has been a lot going on, and another big thank you to Tracey Sharman for leading the charge on getting our website up and running. It's been a massive project, and I’m sure you will agree, a very worthwhile one for everyone that is a member.

The ScreenSafe Professional Respect training workshops are back up and running for the wider industry. If you still need to attend a workshop, please look for the next one in your city. This workshop is helping create safer sets for everyone. Check our events for further details.

In signing off today, a shout-out to all our members for your continued support. Please spread the word within our community about all of our work and what we offer all screen sector technicians. The more people we have on board at The Screen Guild, the more we can do to support our community of NZ screen workers, so jump on the 'Better Together' initiative and spread the word about all our new and exciting new Screen Guild offerings!

We know the last few months have been a trying time for many of our screen community who have been affected by floods and cyclone damage. We just want you to know we’re thinking of you. Kia kaha to all our brave screen soldiers battling the after-effects, please don't hesitate to get in touch if you need any further support.

Ngā mihi

Kelly