Producers to meet with actors union over ad strike threat
As they disagree over the way forward on overseas ads shot in Australia, at least our producers and performers are going to hold talks.
- Published by David Knox
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The Screen Producers Association (SPAA) has announced it will now hold discussions with the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) over off-shore commercials.
It follows a plans by MEAA for actors to vote on possible strike action over foreign ads filmed in Australia.
During a subsequent meeting between SPAA and MEAA, the actors union offered to consider amendments to the Offshore Commercials Agreement.
Geoff Brown, Executive Director of SPAA said, “There are aspects of the current Agreement that have the effect of making Australia non-competitive in the international market. We are seeking an outcome from these discussions that establishes base conditions for performers, but still gives producers the flexibility to put together competitive deals which can be offered to actors and their agents.”
The agreement sets the minimum terms and conditions, and broadcast and other rights for artists working on television and theatrical commercials in Australia. SPAA says there are currently no formal agreements in place for the employment of performers for domestic commercials.
“The decision by our members to sit down and talk to MEAA demonstrates the respect that SPAA has for Australian performers. We are under no obligation to make any offer to MEAA but we want performers to know we’re listening.”
The current Agreement ends on August 7. Should an Agreement not be settled by the close of business on 6 August the Offshore Agreement will cease to operate, regardless of any outstanding discussions between MEAA and SPAA.
“The decision to withdraw from the Offshore Commercials Agreement has never just been about price,” says Brown. “Australia is an attractive production destination for many reasons – including political stability, crew and cast talent, wonderful locations etc – but the inability of producers to be flexible and to negotiate as a result of the Offshore Commercials Agreement, has meant the loss of millions of dollars a year in commercials production. Australian production companies bid for, but did not win, some $60m of production over the past year.”
MEAA had criticised SPAA for its planned amendments without any consultation.
One Response
Unlike that writers strike in america last year, that sadly cut short many of our classic favourite shows. I have no problem at all with a strike in the advertising industry!