Sci-fi podcast breaks new ground
Posted on October 16, 2007
Blake’s 7 fly again
The return of Blake’s 7 is, no doubt, enough to set fans’ pulses racing across the internet. But the production of a series of podcast adventures based on the cult 70s sci-fi drama is as significant for Equity members as for the show’s fans.
The agreement reached between B7 Productions and Equity to provide contractual rights for performers in a podcast is certainly the first of its kind in this country and, the union believes, may be the first in the world. Podcasting is a rapidly growing and increasingly commercialised medium in digital broadcasting used to distribute audio programming across the internet.
The deal reached on behalf of the performers in the Blake’s 7 production provides for minimum session fees, rehearsals, overtime payments, holiday pay, assignment of rights and most importantly a royalty share on net revenues generated via podcast downloads, audio streaming via the internet and subsequent CD release. The deal also includes a provision for an audit of sales to ensure compliance.
“The Blake’s 7 podcast represents an important first step in establishing the rights of members in this developing market,” Andy Prodger, Equity’s Assistant General Secretary, said. “The deal reached by Equity on behalf of our members sets out a basic framework in relation to a performer’s rights to royalties and recognises the distinctive nature of this new way of delivering programming to a growing audience.”
The podcast agreement will be sent to the Personal Managers’ Association, the Association of Voice-over Agents and the Co-operative Personal Managers’ Association. The terms of the agreement can be used as a minimum template for future agreements on podcast productions.
“Equity is responding to the new media environment,” Andy Prodger said. “From digital television to mobile phones and iPods, technology may be changing but Equity’s commitment to protect our members’ interests remains as strong as ever.”
Recording of the Blake’s 7 podcasts was completed in December 2006 and it is expected to be available online from April with a release on CD to follow in June. More details can be found at www.blakes7.com.
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