Reflections on the Film Industry
There’s so much going on in our industry that I always have trouble deciding what to write about. There is often something to gripe about, but that gets boring, so I’ll start by simply writing about how good our industry is.
After more than forty years, I still find film work inspirational. The creative process is incredibly stimulating, and all the more so because of the group input into that process.
It’s not always been easy to make a living as a filmmaker—in fact, it’s sometimes been impossible to make a living, and film work has felt more like a hobby than a job. I know this often still applies, particularly to those starting out in our little industry, but for some reason, we keep doing it regardless of financial returns.
When I think back over the years, I marvel at the experiences I’ve had as a result of the work that I do, the places I’ve been and seen, the people I’ve met and worked with. I love the challenges that come with the job, the problem solving, the bouncing around of creative ideas, the art of storytelling in a visual medium.
Speaking of the art of storytelling in a visual medium, have you seen Ukrainian Sand Girl (a.k.a. Kseniya Simonova – Sand Animation) on YouTube? Well worth a look. I imagine the style of storytelling the young woman uses in that clip is an ancient art, which she uses with deft skill and storytelling power. Go for the version which starts with a candle being lit.
There is one serious issue which I’ll address here, if only superficially—the issue of a standard contract for actors, which SPADA and Actors Equity have been talking about talking about for some time. It seems the two parties are unable to find a suitable venue for their discussions, or is it that they are unable to agree on the agenda for such a meeting? I would have thought the agenda is bloody obvious: get together and discuss the idea of a standard contract for performers, what it should contain, and how it could be implemented. I guess SPADA are avoiding such a discussion because they are opposed to the very idea of a standard contract. I reckon they should get in the same room as the actors and their representatives and discuss the issue. Sure, the rules of engagement may change—this will happen over time—but it’s usually a good thing for all concerned if conditions are clearly defined and respected.
Ken Saville has resigned from the National Exec, but he stays on as a Wellington Branch Committee member. Ken has put a lot of time and effort into the Wellington branch over the years, as the Wellington chair up until Carey took over that role a couple of years back, and as a member of the National Exec; essentially as the mainstay of the Wellington branch for many years. I guess he deserves a rest and a huge thank you for his efforts to date on behalf of us all. I trust Ken remains in the loop so we can continue to draw on his knowledge and his clear take on matters concerning our Guild membership.
… Albol
