Guild Progress and Challenges

We’re still standing (standing tall that is)

Kia ora all. Well 2013 is nearly over and it’s time for a little reflection on the year that was and a little soapbox rant from Karla. Let’s start with The Techos’ Guild membership. For the second year in a row membership has grown, not as dramatically as last year but in this current climate a brilliant result as many other organisations struggle with declining membership. This leads me to a phrase I am sure many of you have heard from non-guild members “the Guild does nothing for me”. This short sightedness bothers me, so it’s time for a little history lesson.

First is the establishment of the Guild. In 1988 with the rapid growth of the NZ film industry an Auckland guild was established to focus on the interests of upholding and creating a framework for safe and fair practices for all within the industry. Prior to this, it had been like the wild-west. Shortly thereafter, the Wellington guild was established and in 1995 the guild amalgamated into a national organisation as it stands today with three branches in Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown.

Enter the birth of The Blue Book. The original ‘spark’ and core to create an organisation was to establish best industry practices for all. Agreed and created by producers and technicians at the time (later between The Techos’ Guild and The Screen Production and Development Association aka SPADA) The Blue Book became and has remained the guide and way to work within the film industry. It is unique. Very few other self-employed contractors have guidelines from which both parties (the employer and contractor) have an established platform from which to negotiate their working conditions. I certainly don’t have this kind of agreement with my plumber or electrician and I certainly don’t see them ever sitting down to a catered lunch. Independent contractors are not protected by many standard NZ labour laws. Contractors are responsible for their own terms and conditions. We are lucky as our basic terms are set in The Blue Book. So for those who know technicians who say the Guild does nothing for them I suggest we refer them to the inside cover of this magazine. An examination of their conscience may be in order as to whether they feel comfortable piggy backing on the contributions of paid-up members who keep the Guild alive, allowing predetermined terms and conditions for the majority of ‘their’ contracts. Without the established and agreed terms and conditions achieved many years ago, working conditions in the film industry would be a very poor cousin to what they are today.

To continue a little more, I don’t usually rant but that felt good. As with each year there is never a dull moment in the world of film industry politics. This year has been the year for titanic battles with vaudeville comedic lunacy that is coined bureaucracy. The immigration review finally came around (it was late). In the face of bureaucrats who too often have little understanding of our industry it is frustrating at best. To be asked by Immigration NZ about actors on Weta Digital immigration applications makes me despair. I often have to talk sternly to myself to remain positive. So I pray the bureaucratic messengers will not re-word or abbreviate my carefully researched submission of incidences, arguments and evidence into a one page “the techos are not happy” before they present to the minister. This will of course depend on the swarm of minions who surround the minister, their level of industry understanding, self-aggrandizement, ambition (mustn’t make the minister grumpy) or basic IQ. Cynicism aside, on behalf of the Guild a very compelling, carefully crafted, well-researched document was submitted for the immigration review and I thank all those who took the time from the coalface to report incidence that in some cases boarded on breaching human rights. In the meantime we continue to thwart the odd dodgy immigration application and have held Immigration NZ accountable for some very questionable immigration decisions (this has been addressed in the immigration review).

The other major issue facing the industry and falling onto the Guild was the release of the screen industry review and the shocking news that the NZ screen incentive was not to rise. Initially there were meetings with a strong group of industry organisations who all wrote to Ministers Steven Joyce and **Chris Finlayson along with several other heads at the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. I received a very benign letter back from Minister Joyce. He referred to how much the Government supported the NZ film industry, stating monies that went to NZ On Air, New Zealand Film Commission, local industry organisations and as we all know are of no consequence to overseas productions coming to NZ. Did he not get the difference between local subsidies and the incentive scheme? The response was unacceptable to the Guild and with the drive and hard work from many in the industry especially Brendon Durey **and Sioux Macdonald representing the Guild, the momentum has continued forward. A new Pan Industry Group will continue the fight for an incentive change. Not only has this group been formed to address the incentives but to be a collective voice to Government. Lots of small voices are easier to ignore en mass but this is not a small voice.

Another positive result over the year was a submission to NZFC for core funding. As the Guild had never secured significant core funding from the NZFC (their mandate predominately focused on above the line) I felt we had nothing to lose and decided to go for gold. In 2013 we struck gold, in fact I think we scored platinum with core funding secured for three years. With the loss in immigration revenue, this is a much needed boost to the Guild’s financial position.

Additionally negotiated with NZFC is support in reviewing and republishing both the Safety Code of Practice (SCOP) and The Blue Book. Reviewing SCOP is complex and multilayered requiring expertise in government legislation. The expertise and financial requirement to do this is beyond the coffers of the Guild. The plan is the Guild’s safety committee will work with NZFC and MED and also Occupational Safety and Health down the track. While it is complex and will take time, the review will definitely be to an international standard when realised. Support from the NZFC will then continue with review of The Blue Book.

So all in all a tough but productive year with some major achievements. Definitely two steps forward.

Well that’s me for the year. Hoping you can all make the Christmas parties in Auckland, Wellington or Queenstown, you’ll find details at the back of the magazine. Also, we’re hoping to add to your Christmas stash of goodies with a few more member benefits from the Guild before the end of the year. Happy and safe holidays to all.