Guild Updates and Safety Focus
It’s hard to believe we are halfway through the year already, and again COVID is on our doorstep. Hopefully, this time we will be left unscathed from the latest news, but it is a clear reminder that even though we have had some time out of the COVID limelight, we still need to be vigilant when it comes to our sets. Remember to use the COVID tracer app and register your production on the ScreenSafe COVID 19 registration on screensafe.co.nz This is for everyone’s safety and ensures all contacts can be traced if necessary.
On the SIGANZ/ScreenSafe home front, we have been finalising the Working with Children documentation with Safeguard the Children. These include NZ Child Safety Guidelines, Code of Conduct, Disclosures Guide, and Incidents Procedure documentation. These will be released in the next month to the wider sector. We encourage all crew to review these so everyone is on the same page and seriously takes child safety.
The Blue Book subcommittee is now reviewing the feedback from the poll we released earlier in the month. We will have an update for you in the coming weeks.
In mid-June, we hosted four branch meetings across the country. Thank you to all of you that attended and contributed to the discussions. It’s really important that we hear from our members to work with you to deliver necessary training, share information, and see what you require the guild to focus on in the future. If you have anything else you would like to share, please email me at info@screenguild.co.nz. Another big thank you to the executive committee and branch chairs for taking the time to host these meetings. Please remember our committee is full of volunteers, and they gift their time to support the guild.
The Professional Respect Training workshops are available for free to all crew that would like to attend. This one-day workshop works towards creating safer, more respectful work environments for all of the screen sector. We focus on sexual harassment, bullying, and racism, giving you the tools to build a safe set for your crew and yourself. The following July workshop is in Auckland on Friday 16th July, if you would like to attend email: workshops@screenguild.co.nz
The rate card review is still underway, and we will be moving into the following departments, so you may receive an email from me requesting your support of this project. It is really important we revise the current rate card and create an up-to-date reflection of the sector.
Just a reminder - your contracts, if you have a query about your contract that you may want a legal eye over, please contact me before you sign your contract. We have a lawyer to support our members and give the best advice regarding your rights.
In this final wrap for another quarter, we will be partnering with Screen Skills run by Marg Slater to run the first pilot program for the Set Ready Go workshops. These workshops are for newbies coming into the sector and are an extensive overview of the industry; please get in touch when we call out to our members or contact me at info@screenguild.co.nz for further information.
So that’s it for now; please take care out there and remember your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Take time out with friends and family as much as you can.
Ngā mihi nui,
Kelly.
