Membership supports single agreement

Posted on October 16, 2007

Survey findings show backing for union approach

Equity Council at its meeting September 4, 2007 endorsed a limited, but significant, number of changes to the existing Equity/PACT Television Production Agreement.A survey of Equity members has found significant support for a single television agreement and backs the union’s approach to future payments for the use of television work.

The questionnaire was designed to get feedback from Equity members as part of the TV is Changing initiative and is available from www.tvischanging.com/questionnaire.

The key findings are:

* Two thirds (66 per cent) agree or strongly agree that Equity should have a single television agreement.

* On primary payments – a majority (56 per cent) think their initial fee should pay only for work done, or an initial TV broadcast.

* On secondary payments – there was support for a continued use of residual and royalty payments for repeats and sales.

* Over half (51 per cent) believe that the best way to pay for future uses will be a combination of residual, royalty and collective licensing.

* 40 per cent have experienced their TV work being used without appropriate payments being made.

* 1 in 10 are aware of their work being available on the internet illegally.

Equity General Secretary Christine Payne said:

“Members views are vital in informing the discussions that we are having with broadcasters and producers, so that we can be sure we represent their views.

“It is encouraging to see that the results so far tell us we’re on the right track.

“I would urge all Equity members working in television to get involved by filling in the survey.”

TV is Changing • Equity