Alliance E-Mag 26 July 2006 - Secret Govt Business

Welcome to your weekly Equity e-bulletin from the Alliance. This week:

- Incentives To Invest - Bastard Boys Filming In Melbourne
- Asbestos Discovered At Belvoir St - Attention Stunties - Music To Our Ears
- Meetings In New Zealand - No Benefit In New Media Laws - Creating Content
- Secret Government Business - Ticket Giveaway - There's A Bear In There

Incentives To Invest - In response to pressure from the Alliance and other industry players, the Federal Government has honoured its budget promise and announced the terms of reference to its review into support mechanisms for the Australian audiovisual industry. The Alliance is working with the Australian Film Commission and other industry bodies on a response, focusing on enhanced taxation incentives for private investment; local content rules on TV multichannels when introduced; and enhanced funding for the ABC in the new media environment. Terms of reference at http://www.dcita.gov.au/arts/film_digital/film_industry_reviews.

Bastard Boys Filming In Melbourne - Bastard Boys is an ABC 4-part mini series based on the 1998 Waterfront Dispute. This mini series, shooting in Melbourne, retells the story that affected MUA union members and many of them want to be part of their story. The producers approached the Alliance for permission to use volunteer 'actuals' for three days of filming on the docks. This is permitted under the Actors Television Programs Agreement. The producers are paying Equity rates to more than 150 'wharfie' extras for the shoot. Equity extras will be 'up the front' for the protest scenes on the docks.

Asbestos Discovered At Belvoir St - Asbestos has been found in the roof of Belvoir Street Theatre. The much anticipated re-opening of the theatre on 9 September will now be pushed back three weeks while the asbestos is removed and the roof replaced. Before allowing anyone to return to work, Company B will conduct a report on the theatre's air quality and will provide the Alliance with a copy of its findings.

Attention Stunties - The National Stunt Committee has expressed a desire to develop a Stunt Performers' Code of Conduct. The Code would be intended to help guide stunt performers in relation to a number of issues including safety, wages and appropriate conduct on set. We are looking for feedback. If you have any comments or ideas please email dana.michels@alliance.org.au

Music To Our Ears - All Australian commercial radio stations, bar one, are playing the required amount of local music, according to the Australian Music Performance Committee. AMPCOM is a voluntary committee, established to monitor compliance with local content rules and maximise the exposure of Australian music on commercial radio. The Alliance welcomes this high level of compliance.

Meetings In New Zealand - The New Zealand office will be meeting with members shortly to discuss performers' priorities for the future of the union. Meetings will be held in Wellington on 14 August and in Auckland on 15 August. Times and venues to be announced soon.

No Benefit In New Media Laws - The Federal Government's proposal for new media laws only benefits existing media owners. Graeme Philipson outlines why the plans for new laws do nothing to drive the take-up of digital, make incumbent owners more powerful and restrict the entrance of newcomers into the industry. Full story at http://www.smh.com.au/news/perspectives/weak-signal/2006/07/24/1153593272178.html

Creating Content - The Film Finance Corporation has approved production for three feature films, five television dramas and nine documentaries. The projects will create more content for Australian audiences and $57.5 million of production for the new financial year. More at http://www.if.com.au/press/2006/07/21.html#item13464

Secret Government Business - Leaked documents from the Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI), indicate the government is discussing big business plans for a new round of radical IR changes. The changes canvassed by big business could have a severe impact on working conditions of Alliance members. They include limiting access to overtime and halving sick leave to five days a year. More at http://www.actu.asn.au/work_rights/news/1153358292_26767.html

Ticket Giveaway - The Alliance has eight double passes to new film 'Breakfast on Pluto' on Wed 2 August, 7pm at Kino Cinemas. The first eight financial Victorian members to email sarah.rogan@alliance.org.au with their name, membership number and postal address will receive a double pass.

There's A Bear In There - Equity is gearing up to celebrate the fantastic work of performers and crew on 40 years of Play School on Monday 16 October at the Museum of Sydney. If you have been involved in Play School over the years, we'd love to hear from you. Contact Suzanne Culph on 02 9333 0922 or suzanne.culph@alliance.org.au