THE HOBBIT – UK Equity backs actors in New Zealand

Posted on September 30, 2010

UK Equity has offered its backing to actors in New Zealand who are calling for fair contracts to be used on the shooting of The Hobbitt. The Actors, who are part of the Australian-based union the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, have complained that contracts currently on offer provide no minimum guarantees of wages or working conditions, no residual payments and no cancellation payments in the event the performer’s contract is cancelled. Read more

EQUITY @ SHEPPERTON IN OCTOBER

Posted on September 20, 2010

 

If you are going to be at Shepperton Studios on October 4th or 5th, so is Equity – in the canteen from 9.00am – 3.00pm on each day

Take this opportunity to drop in and meet Equity and 

• ask questions; 

• find out about current campaigns and how to join in; 

• raise an issue; 

• join the union if you are not already a member; 

• get an update on contracts and agreements; 

• talk to our pensions advisor; 

• get real information; 

• just have a sit down, a cup of tea and a chat 

The Equity team including John Barclay, Head of Recorded Media, will be delighted to meet you and we look forward to seeing you there: 

The canteen, Shepperton Studios, October 4th and 5th, from 9.00am – 3.00pm

http://www.equity.org.uk/Documents/Public/shepperton%20studio%20day%202010%20poster1.pdf

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:

Read more

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

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.

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.

  Read more

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.

Read more

Next Page »

TV is Changing • Equity