INCREASE IN BBC AUDIO RATES

Posted on August 5, 2010

BBC Audio Rates increased by 1.26%

Equity has been in negotiations with the BBC updating the BBC / Equity Audio Agreements.  The rates have been increased by 1.26% and the new rates are effective from Wednesday the 4th of August.  For further information and for copies of the updated agreement please contact Cathy Sweet – csweet@equity.org.uk

EQUITY REACTION TO THE ABOLITION OF THE UK FILM COUNCIL

Posted on July 26, 2010

Equity is shocked to learn of the Government’s decision to abolish the UK Film Council.

Since 2000 UKFC has championed film production in the UK and has actively engaged with all stakeholders, including trade unions representing performers and other workers in the sector.

 In response to the announcement Equity General Secretary Christine Payne commented:

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HELP US TO HELP YOU!

Posted on July 22, 2010

Do you think you are due royalties?

Due to the increasing financial pressures members find themselves under we are receiving an unprecedented volume of calls enquiring if there are any royalties or residuals due from programmes etc. initially transmitted many years ago which are now being exploited via TV, DVD/video or new media. Read more

INDIE ARTICLE FOCUSES ON THE CREDITS CRUNCH

Posted on June 9, 2010

Equity knows that TV credits matter and Nick Hasted from The Independent newspaper agrees. In a recent article he rails against “The schedulers’ obsession with making us watch the next programme, with no thought for the content and effect of what we’re actually absorbed in.” For some time now, Equity and its members have been fighting for a return to credits that properly allow recognition of the work of all those who make a programme.

Click here to read The Independent article

Click here to join the credits crunch campaign

EQUITY HAS A NEW DEAL FOR FILMS

Posted on May 17, 2010

New Cinema Films deal secures improved payments

Equity has negotiated a new deal for members working in cinema films that delivers improved payments on key areas -

1. 5% Increase in fees and penalties and further increases every year for three years

2. Higher pension contributions

3. Higher profits’ provision on big budget films

4. 5% profit share on low budget films

5. Better payments on DVD and video on demand

For further information please contact Tim Gale on 020 7670 0245 or tgale@equity.org.uk

SHOW ME THE MONEY

Posted on May 13, 2010

The Contract Enforcement role brings in over a million pounds

The Contract Enforcement role continues to bring in both substantial TV royalties and back-end payments on Cinema Films.  In 2009 Equity collected £1,152,719.46 in Cinema Film royalties and £910,792.47 for royalties/residual payments on TV productions.  So far, 2010 has seen the role bring in over £250,000.00 for the TV production Band of Brothers and Equity continue to receive large payments for Cinema Films.  If you think you are owed money please contact Christine Blake, Equity Contract Enforcement Officer on cblake@equity.org.uk or telephone 020 7670 0249.  Please also refer to the Factsheet section for further information regarding the process of Contract Enforcement.

EQUITY IN ONGOING NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE BBC

Posted on May 13, 2010

Negotiations commenced in November 2009 regarding the revision of the Equity/BBC Television Agreement. 

A series of meetings have been held with some progress being made. The members of Equity’s Television Working Party which include agents and the Equity Council have been consulted with and updated on the regular basis.

In addition to the on-going negotiations additional meetings have been scheduled to enable representatives from Equity to discuss with the BBC diversity and the casting of actors, credits, walk-on and supporting artists.

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OLD MONIES FOR SOUND RECORDING ROYALTIES

Posted on May 12, 2010

PPL extends deadline for claims to 26 July

Have you contributed to a sound recording that received radio airplay between 1996 and 2003? 

If so, you need to submit a claim to PPL before 26th July for radio royalties collected for your sound recording during this period of time.  

PPL has informed us that the deadline for submitting claims for sound recordings used between 1996 and 2003 has been extended until 26th July.  After 26th July you will only be able to claim for the use of sound recordings in the previous six years.      Read more

THE GAMES INDUSTRY NOW WORTH MORE THAN THE FILM INDUSTRY

Posted on May 11, 2010

Equity needs your input – please complete Video Games Industry Questionnaire -http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/EquityVideoGames

The entertainment industry is experiencing huge change at unprecedented speed. The era of communication dominated by a handful of terrestrial channels and radio stations has already become a distant memory. We now have hundreds of channels increasingly accessible on an ever growing array of platforms. Audiences can now watch programmes anywhere, any time on satellite, cable, Freeview, mobile phones, Video on Demand (VoD), download to own or rent and on the internet – to name just a few of the available alternatives to traditional terrestrial broadcasting. And audiences are taking to these new platforms in ever increasing numbers.

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ITV AXES THE BILL

Posted on May 11, 2010

Equity has expressed its deep concern at the news that ITV is to axe long-running drama The Bill.

Christine Payne, Equity’s General Secretary, said:

“This is a disaster! Almost every television actor in the country has at some stage worked on The Bill over the last 26 years and it is an enormously important source of work for Equity members. It also has a one of the most loyal audiences of any ongoing drama currently on television. We call on ITV to reconsider their decision to cancel this important programme.

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TV is Changing • Equity